Alvin York

Led Seven Men to Capture a German Machine-Gun Nest

Alvin Cullum York, remembered as Sergeant York, received the Medal of Honor for leading a small group of American soldiers against German machine guns in France during World War I. Born on 13 December 1887 in Fentress County, Tennessee, he grew up near Pall Mall. Drafted in 1917, he sought exemption because of his religious opposition to killing. After his request was denied, he served with Company G, 328th Infantry Regiment, 82nd Division.

On 8 October 1918, near Chatel-Chehery, his platoon suffered heavy casualties. York, then a corporal, took command after three other noncommissioned officers became casualties. He led seven men against a machine-gun nest. The action resulted in the capture of four German officers, 128 men and several guns.

Full Medal of Honor citation:

“After his platoon had suffered heavy casualties and three other noncommissioned officers had become casualties, Cpl. York assumed command. Fearlessly leading seven men, he charged with great daring a machine-gun nest which was pouring deadly and incessant fire upon his platoon. In his heroic feat the machine-gun nest was taken, together with four officers and 128 men and several guns.”

Major General George B. Duncan, his division commander, presented the Medal of Honor in France in April 1919. After returning to Tennessee, York devoted himself to education. The York Institute opened in 1929 and passed to state control in 1937. His life also inspired the 1941 film Sergeant York. He died in Nashville on 2 September 1964 and is buried in Wolf River Cemetery at Pall Mall.