Sgt York; All American

In WWI, the American 82nd Division was actively engaged in sustained combat against the Germans. This same division would ultimately be organized into the famous ‘All Americans,’ the 82nd Airborne Division.

On the morning of 8 October, 1918, elements of the 328th Infantry, 82nd Division, United States Army, were pinned down by German machinegun fire. Seventeen men, under the command of Sergeant Bernard Early, were ordered to out-flank the machine guns. Shortly after they left their own lines, they came across a German Officer and several Soldiers having breakfast. Believing that they were surrounded, the Germans surrendered. Before Early could detach a man to take the prisoners back through the lines, intensive machinegun fire swept the patrol. Only eight American Soldiers survived. Sgt. Early was seriously wounded and had to relinquish command. As the ranking Non-Commissioned Officer, Corporal Alvin York took command of the patrol. While the remaining Americans guarded their prisoners and at the same time tried to avoid enemy fire, York spotted the location of the German guns about 30 yards away.

The German gunners peeked over the tops of their Maxim machineguns to avoid hitting their own men. With the appearance of each face, framed in its "coal-scuttle" helmet, York's Enfield rifle spoke. One shot equaled one dead gunner. York was from the Tennessee mountains where firearms were used to put food on the table. Mountain folk were frugal, making each shot count. However, unnoticed by York, several Germans moved forward, locating York's position. Out of sight, they counted the shots from York's rifle, establishing the pattern of his shooting. They counted a series of five shots from his Enfield and rushed York to gain the advantage of the few extra seconds it took to reload the rifle.

Fortunately, as a good NCO, York came prepared. In addition to his Model 1917 Enfield rifle, he also carried a Model 1911, Colt .45 pistol. As the Germans charged, they came within easy pistol range. York brought the .45 automatic into action, stopping the patrol in its tracks. He then took advantage of this change in momentum and he advanced. He continued shooting and moving, killing a total of 25 German Soldiers and capturing an additional 132 by himself.

York was promoted to Sergeant and awarded the Medal of Honor.

Sometimes greatness is thrust upon you. This was one such time.