Alvin Cullum York
- Born:
- December 13, 1887, Pall Mall, Tennessee, USA
- Died:
- September 2, 1964, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
- Nationality:
- American
- Profession(s):
- Soldier, Farmer
Early Life and Education
- Born in a log cabin in rural Tennessee.
- Limited formal education; primarily self-taught.
- Worked as a farmer and a logger before military service.
Career and Major Achievements
- Drafted into the U.S. Army during World War I.
- Served with the 82nd Infantry Division.
- Achieved fame for his actions on October 8, 1918, during the Meuse-Argonne Offensive.
- Single-handedly captured 132 German soldiers, killed at least 20, and silenced 35 machine guns.
- Awarded the Medal of Honor for his bravery.
- Resisted offers to capitalize on his fame, initially returning to farming.
- Later used his fame to promote education in his home state, including founding the Alvin C. York Agricultural Institute.
Notable Works
- Sergeant York (1941): A biographical film starring Gary Cooper, depicting York's life and war experiences.
Sergeant York (1941) Film Details
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Director | Howard Hawks |
| Starring | Gary Cooper |
| Genre | Biographical War Film |
| Academy Awards | Won two, including Best Actor for Gary Cooper. |
Legacy and Impact
Alvin C. York is remembered as one of the most decorated American soldiers of World War I. His humility and dedication to education after the war made him a symbol of American courage and values. The continued interest in his life, as evidenced by books and the film, confirms the lasting impact of what some may consider a 'new alvin york biography'.