A Brief History
On October 8, 1918, United States Corporal Alvin C. York killed 28 German soldiers and captured 132 in France’s Argonne Forest during World War I making York one of America’s most decorated soldiers of the war.
Digging Deeper
Alvin York was born in a log cabin in December 1887. As a young Christian man, he hoped to avoid serving in World War I as a conscientious objector. Nevertheless, the U.S. draft did not allow such exemptions at that time. Early on in his service, York had a crisis of conscience between being a pacifist and a soldier in the 82nd Infantry Regiment. To alleviate York’s concerns, his commanding officer cited various Biblical passages that seemed to justify violence under certain circumstances. With that, York subsequently fought with greater enthusiasm.
Of all the days of his service, October 8, 1918 would prove the most famous as it was on that day that his actions earned him the Medal of Honor. York kept a diary of his combat career and so we shall let him tell us in his words what happened on that fateful day: “The Germans got us, and they got us right smart. They just stopped us dead in our tracks. Their machine guns were up there on the heights overlooking us and well hidden, and we couldn’t tell for certain where the terrible heavy fire was coming from… And I’m telling you they were shooting straight. Our boys just went down like the long grass before the mowing machine at home. Our attack just faded out… And there we were, lying down, about halfway across [the valley]and those German machine guns and big shells getting us hard.” Despite the desperate situation, York showed almost unparalleled bravery for an American during the war. As he explains, “And those machine guns were spitting fire and cutting down the undergrowth all around me something awful. And the Germans were yelling orders. You never heard such a racket in all of your life. I didn’t have time to dodge behind a tree or dive into the brush… As soon as the machine guns opened fire on me, I began to exchange shots with them. There were over thirty of them in continuous action, and all I could do was touch the Germans off just as fast as I could. I was sharp shooting… All the time I kept yelling at them to come down. I didn’t want to kill any more than I had to. But it was they or I. And I was giving them the best I had.”
In the shootout, York faced overwhelming odds. York was part of a force of only 18 U.S. soldiers sent to infiltrate behind German lines in the hopes of neutralizing German machine guns. Early on in the mission, the group of Americans lost six killed and three wounded resulting in York taking over command of the remaining seven in ferocious fighting. When six German soldiers with bayonets charged him, he fired all the bullets left in his rifle before turning to his pistol to defend himself. He managed to shoot all six of the Germans. In the end of the fierce firefight, 28 Germans had been killed by York, while York and his surviving men captured another 132 German prisoners of war.
York went on to establish the Alvin C. York Foundation to increase educational opportunities in his homeland of Tennessee. While in his 50s, he also served in the Army Signal Corps during World War II and raised money for the Red Cross. He ultimately attained the rank of Colonel in the Tennessee State Guard, although most know him as Sergeant York for his highest rank at the end of World War I. In addition to the Medal of Honor, York’s other military decorations include the Distinguished Service Cross, the World War I Victory Medal, the American Campaign Medal, and the World War II Victory Medal all from the U.S.A. He also received the Legion of Honor and Croix de Guerre from France and even medals from Italy and Montenegro.
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Historical Evidence
A major film about his World War I heroism debuted in 1941 called Sergeant York (Two-Disc Special Edition)
<span class="dsq-postid" data-dsqidentifier="253 http://www.crackedhistory.com/?p=253">151 Comments
Well, OK, that’s pretty cool. I won’t tell you about my Finnish sniper Grandfather, then, who killed more Soviets in one day than that American dude in his life… 😀
Yeah, but how many did he capture? 😉
I like your new avatar! 😀 And I don’t know if he captured any, maybe he just shot them. Not that I accept killing people, but hey, it was wartime.
I was joking, I wouldn’t think that a sniper would be in a position to capture anyone. And thanks. I love The Simpsons.
Finland had a few excellent snipers, which was your Grandfather?
You seem to be saying that Americans weren’t brave in WWI.
Wow! This man understood how to be a great corporal during combat. It must have been terrible to just think about how many people he killed and how many families lost a loved one because he had to do his duty. Honestly, I don’t think I would be able to live with myself after an experience like that.
I’ll look into checking out the movie that you mentioned. Sounds interesting.
This is pretty incredible. I learn a lot of cool obscure things on this website that you wouldn’t normally hear in any history class!
The Germans were great soldiers and this is a good example why. Some people were just gifted to this. Look at American Sniper as an another example.
Wow, York was an extremely brave individual
incredible story of bravery
There is most often blood shed for freedom.
I’m not sure that I could have been that brave. What skill to have killed so many soldiers in such a tense atmosphere!
Very brave , great story !
Nice shootin’! Even against all odds he was able to save his men and himself. I shall coin a new term: Brave-ass.
What a brave soldier… I thank him for his service! — DAVID WARDLE
Wow that is a seriously impressive story! I think it is so honorable that he came back and was involved in helping people at home. He obviously had all of the qualities of a genuinely good person and those don’t come around as often as they should.
I cannot escape this York guy. Had to know his life for promotion board, and I can’t get away!
For real though, this guy was a beast.
Amazing story. He was very brave.
Crazy story really awesome
Awesome story, almost unbelievable.
It’s amazing what humans can do when faced with impossible odds.
Sgt. York i salute you, Sir.
The movie sounds interesting but I wonder if they would ever make a blockbuster film about him
Wow the odds he overcame are ridiculous! what a great soldier.
Great story of courage and strength. I agree with Matt that this could be made into a movie
I find that amazing that he was able to fend off that many german soldiers and get most of them to surrender. He truly was an american hero. It goes without saying that the most unlikely people become the most influential.
I also find it amazing that Sergeant York was able to fend off so many Germans and then capture 132 of them with only 18 men of his own. This is truly an act of courage and heroism that seems inconceivable to many. I am glad that he was recognized for his accomplishments by receiving the Medal of Honor.
What a guy! I cannot imagine the bravery this guy mustered up. I agree with Kevin, a guy who was not interested in going to the war at all came out of it the biggest hero. The odds against him were astronomical and somehow he overcame them.
that is amazing that one man can capture so many men! i am curious to know what negotiation, or war tactics that he used to kill and capture all of these men, with such little back up, and lesser weapons.
Takes a great deal of bravery, it just goes to show its not always about strength in numbers. It’s the courage, strength and teamwork of those beside you fighting.
Not only were his military accomplishments impressive, but his actions to increase education in his home state were admirable.
York has made his life definite worth living. He has accomplished so much and I think it’s so cool that he was awarded the Medal of Honor and that he kept a journal of his days in WWI.
As an education major I admire his efforts to improve education and respect his bravery on the battlefield.
This was a man separated from boys. A straight born killer.
I’m honestly interested in what Biblical passages his commanding officer read him to help him become a solider. Yes, there were many bloody battles fought by Israel, God’s chosen people, so I could see the analogy there.
I would really like to read his journals and get his perspective, very interesting.
It’s crazy to think they sent only 18 soldiers in to take out all those machine guns, since only a few lived I guess it’s a good thing the rest of the Germans did end up surrendering.
It is very difficult for me to commend a man on his achievement in killing, but it comforts me that York is quoted as saying, “I didn’t want to kill any more than I had to.”
This was a very interesting article, and I can’t believe this man was able to do this on the battlefield and truly has a lot of courage and bravery.
This is interesting. I did not know about him and what he accomplished. He was brave and courageous. The amount of work they did is astounding.
There should be annual occasion or holiday under his name because of the brave he had showed. These types of people should be strongly respected and honored.
It’s amazing that he didn’t want to join but still managed to be one of the greatest men to fight in the war. I would imagine a lot of objectors wouldn’t go above and beyond like he did.
I could not believe that York killed 28 German soldiers and captured 132 in France’s Argonne Forest
I have never heard about York. Its crazy how in the beginning he didn’t want to join the war and in the end he is one of the most decorated soldiers.
That is quite a accomplishment. That has to take some bravery to capture that many Germans. I bet the Germans knew him by name.
I have never heard of York before reading this article. Despite not wanting to be a part of the war, he did very well with the situation he was placed in.
I don’t like violence but congrats to hiim for accomplishing this.
This was a major accomplishment. I never have heard about him before reading this. He must have felt great being one of the best soldiers in our country’s history.
Alvin C. York Aka Chuck Norris. Let us be honest you were thinking it. He might of not wanted to be there he still served his country above and beyond expectations.
I have never heard of York before. He was very brave and deserves to be a decorated officer for leading his troops as he did. It’s crazy he killed 18 men by himself and capture 132 prisoners.
With all the stuff he did I can’t believe that I had never heard of him
I never heard of York before. He ended up accomplishing a lot.
wow what a brave event by York. I couldn’t imagine being outnumbered and pinned down like he was
Never heard of York, but what he did was almost Hollywood like.
I have never heard of York, what he did is something you would see in video games
Interesting how he initially wanted nothing to do with the war and went on to become a highly decorated soldier.
York is one of the most decorated soldiers of WW I, including recognition from France and Italy. His accomplishments are humbling.
I’ve watched the movie several times and if its at least somewhat true then York was quite a soldier.
He was a savage of a solider
That man is a borderline superhero.
This is my first time hearing of York. I’m glad I read this article. He’s a legend
killing 28 germans, capturing 132 in france. interesting read for a hero.
He really is a badass soldier.
Guy was a badass
Killing that many Germans and capturing all those soldiers is crazy. He definitely deserves to be a decorated soldier.
This man was a badass and he deserves every medal or honor he received.
Crazy to think the dude was a pacifist at first but he was a true war hero
I had never heard of Alvin York until this article. It’s even more crazy to think that he was at odds before battling and ended up overcoming that!
I have heard of Alvin York. but it was cool to learn more about him.
It just so happened that the man who did the most honorable work for our country was very hesitant at first. Being a Christian man, his morals were against killing. I would have been nervous too if I was him but York ended up being a true hero. That’s what happens when we as a country decide to be brave! -ACL
It is crazy to think that even with his religious morals he killed so many.
This man is a true American soldier.
What bravery, this is just the type of actions that set American soldiers above all others.
Is it just me or do a lot of historical events evolving war happen in the month of October?
He definatley deserves recognition and honor!
True bad ass and hero definitely someone who deserved the honor of a medal of honor.
He fought his own personal battle before going to battle for his country. I am curious to know if he continued to struggle between his actions and beliefs.
What an incredible story! I am going to have to watch the movie now.
Sergeant York was a brave soldier who took charge when needed. Never underestimate the courage of an American soldier. Like he said in his diary, “But it was they or I.”
He fought even though he was outnumbered! He still did not want to kill more than he had to; this is admirable.
What a freaking Boss! I’m definitely going to have to see the movie!
It is amazing the strength people do not even know they possess!! What an amazing story of a hero!
What an admirable and honorable person!
It is hard to believe that someone who did not want to get drafted because he was a Christian objecting the war ended up killing 28 men. I think it is also odd that he used bible passages that seemed to justify violence to encourage fighting, because he could have been taking those passages out of context.
This is a very honorable man. This is a true hero of America.
This guy was amazing! It’s hard to believe one person was able to accomplish all that, talk about courage!! I bet that would be a good movie to see.
This guy was pretty amazing. It is interesting to see that he was a christian man who did not want to hurt anyone, put when put on the line of duty, he was able to serve his country and protect many people in the process.
I liked reading about how York was convinced to fight after he was read Bible verses. I would like to know more about this story, and I wonder if this motivation influenced the way her fought.
York seems like a very inspirational, motivated person. I love that he read Bible verses which helped motivate him to fight. Such an inspiration to accomplish all that he did!
One thing that really struck out at me is York’s reading of the Bible before going to war. I am a Christian but feel as though he used his religion to at first deny wanting to go to war but then motivate his drive and passion. This is very relevant because it shows how different interpretations of the bible can provoke different things in a person.
I have heard of York before but never really knew much about him. That is touching that he read Bible verses that were his motivation. This man is truly an inspiration and one to look up to.
Many people paid too much attention on the part of Bible. From the article, the more thing I can see is the human nature. York said he did not want to kill any more than he had to. I think, for every normal person, no one want to harm others. The essence of war is violence. So, the history told us that we should always to be against war.
Alvin C. York seems like an all-around good guy. Not only did he receive the Medal of Honor in WWI, but he also raised money for the Red Cross and established a foundation to increase education opportunity in his home state.
Alvin definitely deserved to be as decorated as he was. Even though he did not want to kill, at the time he didn’t have a choice. Even though he believed a certain way, he still did what he had to for his country. Great article.
His story reminded me of Chris Kyle. This is another movie to add to my list to see now.
It seems like Alvin is another man to add to the list of honorable men.
I have never heard of York but it was great to read about him.
I never learned about York but it’s interesting how he went from a pacifist to a skilled fighter.
Never heard of York either but thank god we are now, thank you and he had no choices but wish he let his legacy live by all means.
I would like to take a deeper look into his diary! I always find those interesting to me. Especially about a guy like this who won a medal of honor
What a man to look up to! He’s incredible
It’s nice learning about the good people who have done great things rather than death and destruction constantly.
Reading this makes me think about the American Sniper, these amazing men sacrifice their lives for the whole country. This is what I call a hero.
I could not even imagine having 6 men trying to kill you with bayonets and then killing all of them. Then living to lead the rest of the men in the fire fight and win against the overwhelming odds.
This story is a story against the odds. York and his men deserved the metal of honor.
The sacrifices and feats that these men accomplish for our freedom are never fully appreciated!
These men deserve endless praise and recognition for all that they sacrifice.
I know it had to take a lot of guts for those men to do what they did, kudos to them for their bravery .
Crazy to think what those men went through
In war you have to either act like a savage and fight, or give up and die. I never wish that decision on anyone.
I knew this story from the Gary Cooper movie, Sergeant York. It was skill, luck, and some divine intervention that he was able to survive that battle. For someone against war, it must have taken a lot to reconcile what he was doing.
Its astounding to hear that choices of what to do with someones life was decided for them. I couldn’t imagine having to deal with this.
What an amazing individual and circumstance. Men like this are few and far between, a man of God who was forced to join the service and fight. He did not waiver, he did his duty even though it must have been terribly difficult for him to live with afterward.
28 soldiers from one man is a truly amazing feat. A great man and soldier.
York was really an amazing man. Even though he originally did not want to join the military or fight in WWI he found strength in God and became one of Americas greatest heroes.
A special breed for sure. Being a soldier/warrior was his specialty.
It is interesting that he did not want to do the things that he had to do, but when called the serve he did it to the best of his ability.
It sounds like Alvin York was a true badass and an American hero at that. I am going to watch the movie that they made based on his experience in the war. The details that he wrote in his diary are truly disturbing and gave me chills.
This story reminds me of the True story told in the movie ‘Hacksaw Ridge’. It tells the story of Desmond who was also a conscientious objector. These men are both truly heroes.
It is ironic that York was against the war, yet he became one of the most decorated war vets of all time!
I could not imagine having do something that was against my beliefs. With that being said, York turned out to be an exceptional soldier who went above and beyond the call of duty to do what he needed to to protect our country.
Great history of a great soldier with great courage. It was men like York that allowed us to achieve so many victories of the US’s history of battles.
It is awesome that someone like that showed such bravery during the war. A lot of people lost their lives for this country and there area also a lot of people who did a lot of brave things as this young soldier did.
This was a great soldier that did what he had to do to survive or he would of died over sea. He did not want to kill people, but he knew that if he didn’t kill them, they would kill him. I have read about him before and he is a true hero.
The day October 8 would prove the most famous day as it was on that day that his actions earned him the Medal of Honor.
What an amazing soldier. If we had more soldiers like him during the World Wars, I feel like they would’ve ended much sooner.
The fact is that after all York experienced and went through at the end of it all he established an Foundation to increase educational opportunities. Just impressive to pull a positive outcome of all his bad experiences and not just give up.
It is amazing that he fought back and they were able to capture so many Germans. He saved the day.
It is fascinating that York tried to avoid serving in the war stating that it was a conscientious objector then ended up with so many military decorations.
He was truly a great soldier and stood fought for what he believed in, definitely a hero.
the “it’s going to be me or you” mentality is a great way to sum up most feelings I have about war and/or home defense… I’m probably not as good of a shot as York though….. thankfully he was part of that mission, what an amazing guy!
I am so thankful for all of the men and women who have sacrificed for me and my family. I find it admirable that he initially did not want to go into the military and tried to avoid going… just to turn around and go in so successfully.
An interesting man, indeed. After all he saw during WWI, he could have easily returned and given up.Instead, he came back home and got to work to improve the conditions of his home state. Quite admirable!
This man is truly an extraordinary hero, no wonder he was awarded the Medal of Honor. He did what he had to do to survive.
York’s story is interesting. As a pacifist he did not believe in taking life and then he became a war hero for doing just that. He justified it by claiming that he had no other option, and he probably saved many more lives than he took by acting the way he did. I would say that is an accurate justification. They made a movie about him after the war that did very well in the box office. I wonder how he felt about his killing being exploited in Hollywood?
York sounds like an amazing person and to kill that many Germans during World War I is great.
What an honor this man was to our military! Seems pretty kind hearted but one has to wonder how he felt for a long time after killing someone. Did it change him?
Wow what an amazing man York was to our military! Definitely someone who would be worth interviewing, of course if he was still alive.
I love reading first hand what someone has written. It makes the story more believable, more personable.
Very interesting. I bet the movie is very good as well.
Another one to beat the odds and conquer. I would like to read more of his passages while serving in both wars. Also, I think it is very interesting he was very religious and until certain bible passages were stated he was anti-war. Interesting in how our faith and scripture can change an opinion.
This was a really interesting article. I had never heard of Alvin York but I would be interested in seeing the movie.
I have never heard about Alvin York and I would love to learn more about him. He was definitely deserving of his honors.
I love history movies, I would definitely watch this! I would love to learn more about him.
I would love to learn more about Alvin York, he was becoming one of the famous person in his combat career. His behavior was proving he deserving by earning his medal of honor.
I never hear about Alvin York before, but his story was interesting by showing his life experiment at military.
I have never heard of Alvin York, but this guy is awesome!
I have never heard this before. This takes place on October 8th, and that date is coming up.
York’s struggle with war reminded me of the movie “Hacksaw Ridge.” Like the real-life character in the film, York made a positive difference for the U.S.