Alvin C. York

Era | WWI |
---|---|
Branch | U.S. Army |
Rank | Sergeant |
Military Decorations | Medal of Honor |
Wall | I |
Wall Side | 3 |
Row | 1 |
Plaque Number | 3 |
Company G, 328th Infantry • 82nd Infantry Division
7th Regiment, Tennessee National Guard
MEDALS-RIBBONS: Medal of Honor, World War I Victory, American Campaign, World War II Victory, French Legion d'Honour, French Croix de Guerre with Palm, Italian Croce di Guerra, Montenegrin War Medal, Order of Prince Danilo I
Exemplary heroism during the Meuse Argonne offensive. Of his deeds, he related to his Brigade Commander: "A higher power than man guided and watched over me and told me what to do."
Then Corporal York serving with Company G, 328th Infantry, 82nd Infantry Division (the “All American Division”) was assigned to attack a heavily defended hill near Chatel-Chehery, France on Oct. 8th, 1918. Pinned down by heavy fire, York joined a squad of 17 men that attempted to outflank the German position. In the midst of an intense firefight York and his men captured 20 of the enemy, but lost 10 men in the battle, including the officers and remaining NCO’s. York took charge and killed 17 German soldiers with his rifle and shot eight more with his pistol, killing 3 and wounding 5. The surviving Germans gave up and surrendered en-masse to York. He then marched his 132 prisoners through bombed-out wasteland to the 328th Regimental Headquarters. He was promoted to Sergeant and awarded the MOH for his amazing feat. Movie star Gary Cooper won the Academy Award for playing York’s role in the movie “Sergeant York” in 1971. York died on September 2nd, 1964.
Plaque Wall Map
