Tales from Tennessee and Beyond: Alvin C. York

Alvin C. York was born in Pall Mall, Tennessee on December 13, 1887. His father died at a very young age. Alvin was forced to step up and be the man of the house. The York family did not have very much growing up. York worked various jobs in Harriman, Tennessee. He worked as a logger, and also in the railroad industry. York was an alcoholic, and he got into numerous fights and was also arrested on several occasions. Alvin was able to maintain his strong faith however. He and his family were very religious. Alvin served as the song leader at the church he and his family attended. York was able to "clean up his act," when World War I broke out. He was quickly drafted into military service. He was quickly sent to France, it was in France that he became famous. Alvin and his men were able to raid a German machine gun nest. They seized thirty-two machine guns, and killed twenty-eight German soldiers. The remaining one hundred and thirty-two were rounded up and taken back to the American line. York along with his men led all of these German soldiers back to the American line. What is so impressive about this feat is that there were only eight American soldiers, including York. This led to York being promoted to sergeant. York was also awarded the Medal of Honor. The actions of York and his men ended the German machine gun threat. When Alvin returned to the U.S. he was treated like a celebrity. He had many offers from people who wanted to use his life story for profit. Alvin, however, turned them all down. The state of Tennessee, however, named a highway after him, and the governor of Tennessee married him and his wife. York later established the York Institute and the Alvin C. York Foundation. Alvin defiantly gave back to his community. When World War II broke out York wanted to enlist in the army, but was denied due to his age and health. He later agreed to sell his story to Hollywood, who made a film about his life. York died on September 2, 1964. He is truly an American hero.

In 1941 the movie Sergeant York was released, starring Gary Cooper. The movie was based on the diary of Alvin C. York.

The Alvin C. York Institute was established in 1926. It was an agricultural school, that was designed to provide the citizens of Fentress County with good education.