Jens Asbjørn Bøgen
He also gathered 35 machine guns.
He also gathered 35 machine guns.
War comes and goes, but heroes are forever
There is no question that war is a horrible thing, but in the darkness, sometimes a sliver of light shine bright.
Sergeant York
The story WW1, also known as The Great War, is filled with suffering, pain, grief and misery.
But one story that stands out as a testiment of true honor and courage is the story of Sergeant York.
Humble Beginnings in Tennessee
Born on December 13, 1887, Alvin Cullum York was raised in Pall Mall, Tennessee, in a poor farming family.
As the third of eleven children, he left school after third grade to help support his family.
Skilled Marksman From a Young Age
Growing up in rural Tennessee, York became an exceptional hunter and sharpshooter, often providing food for his family by shooting game with uncanny precision.
A Wild Youth and Spiritual Awakening
In his early adulthood, York was known for drinking and brawling.
His life took a dramatic turn in 1915 after a religious conversion at a revival meeting, leading him to become a devout Christian and pacifist.
Drafted Despite Pacifist Beliefs
When the U.S. entered World War I in 1917, York was drafted into the Army.
He initially sought conscientious objector status due to his religious convictions but was denied.
Basic Training and a Moral Dilemma
During training at Camp Gordon, Georgia, York grappled with the morality of war.
After much prayer and reflection, he concluded that fighting could be justified to protect others.
Deployed to the Western Front
York was deployed to France with the 82nd Infantry Division.
He served in the Meuse-Argonne Offensive, one of the largest American campaigns of the war.
The Legendary Attack on Hill 223
On October 8, 1918, York’s unit was tasked with capturing a heavily defended German position.
During the battle, most of his comrades were killed or pinned down.
A One-Man Assault
York was part of an attack that saw him kill at least 25 German soldiers and capture 132 more.
His calm under fire and lethal accuracy became legendary, and after the battle, he was promptly promoted to Sergeant.
International Hero Overnight
His astonishing feat made headlines around the world. York was hailed as one of the greatest American heroes of WWI and received numerous accolades.
Decorated With High Honors
For his bravery, York received the Medal of Honor, the Distinguished Service Cross, the French Croix de Guerre, and accolades from several other allied nations.
A Reluctant Celebrity
After the war, York was thrust into the spotlight.
Though humble and soft-spoken, he used his fame to advocate for education and veterans’ welfare.
Hollywood Comes Calling
In 1941, his story was adapted into the Oscar-winning film Sergeant York, starring Gary Cooper.
York initially resisted but agreed in hopes of funding a school in his hometown.
Wartime Contributions in WWII
Though too old to serve in WWII, York helped with recruitment, gave morale-boosting speeches, and inspected training camps across the U.S.
Champion for Rural Education
York devoted much of his post-war life to improving education in rural Tennessee, founding the Alvin C. York Institute, a public high school still operating today.
A Voice for Veterans
He lobbied for veterans’ benefits and better medical care, becoming an outspoken advocate for those returning from war.
Recognition From Presidents
York was honored by multiple U.S. presidents, including Woodrow Wilson and Franklin D. Roosevelt, and remains a symbol of American valor and humility.
Health Struggles Later in Life
York suffered a stroke in 1948 and battled declining health for many years.
He spent his final years in partial paralysis and financial difficulty.
Death and Legacy
Sergeant York passed away on September 2, 1964.
He was buried with full military honors in Wolf River Cemetery near his Tennessee home.
Memorials and Honors
Numerous schools, roads, and parks are named in his honor.
His home and grist mill in Pall Mall are now a Tennessee state historic site.
