NCO History Briefing Outline Sergeant Alvin C. York Medal of Honor Recipient, WWI
Abstract
Known as the greatest hero in World War I, Alvin C. York avoided profiting from his war record before 1939. (Birdwell) SGT York was born on December 13,1887 in a two-room log cabin in Pall Mall, Tennessee, and raised in a rural backwater in the northern section of Fentress County. He was a semi-skilled laborer when drafted to serve in the Army in 1917. Prior to being drafted, he has never traveled more than fifty miles from his home. His parents were William and Mary Brooks York, and he was the third of 11 children. Alvin was raised on a small farm, the son of a poor blacksmith; he left school after third grade. Prior to the advent of the World War, York was employed as a day laborer on the railroad near Harriman. As a result, York had little experience with managing money and later suffered from chronic fiscal problems. (York spent money when he had it, gave it away to other people who he believed needed it, and invested poorly). He recalled: "I used to drink a lot of moonshine and 1 gambled all my wages away week after week." 1 used to stay out late at night and pick fights to see who would win. (Perry) Even with all the commotion going on around him, he knew, deep down in his heart, what he was doing was wrong.The York family made a living by farming, supplemented by hunting. Alvin's father became an expert with his rifle and used it very effectively each Saturday afternoon to supply meat for the family and to put food on the table.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 03, 2006
- Accession Number
- AD1117114
Entities
People
- Singn C. Horn
Organizations
- United States Army Sergeants Major Academy