Sergeant York

Sergeant York (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alvin_C._York )

What is a hero? A knight in shining armor? A doctor who saves a life? A fireman who pulls a baby from a burning building? All of these are certainly examples of heroes. But what exactly is it about them that make them a hero? To me a hero is a complex character whose traits, choices and motives propel him to do good acts. Humility, humbleness, bravery, purity, strength of will, honesty, and selflessness are all very powerful qualities which I believe make a hero.

Alvin C. York was born December 13, 1887 in a two-room log cabin in Pall Mall, Tennessee. The third oldest of eleven children, his poor family lived off subsistence farming and by hunting. This life led York to become a competent marksman at an early age, for much of the family’s food came from his hunting. His drinking and gambling however earned him a reputation as a hell of a shot and a hell raiser. He was considered a nuisance who “would never amount to anything.” However, in 1914, Alvin went through a life changing experience. The death of his best friend Everett Delk, who was killed in a bar fight, prompted York to change his ways. He soon joined the Church of Christ, and became a devout Christian. This denomination forbade drinking, dancing, movies, swimming, swearing, popular literature, violence, and war. However, when America joined World War I, York was drafted and, when his plea of “conscientious objector” was turned down, York was forced to join the army.

York Stamp (www.worldwar1.com/ heritage/sgtayork.htm)

Despite York’s wish not to fight, he soon found himself on the battlefield in the Argonne Forest. In the fierce fighting that occurred, York assumed command of his detachment after several other non-commissioned officers fell to gunfire. Placed in the circumstance, with the lives of his fellow soldiers in his hands and German bullets raining down from a machine-gun nest, York finally decided to fight. Although in his own citation of the fight he led seven others, York supposedly single-handedly charged the nest. In a daring and courageous assault, he silenced the gun emplacement and captured 132 Germans, four of which were officers.

Although he claimed he did not act alone, York was given a promotion to Sergeant, and was awarded several medals. From the French he received the Legion of Honor and the Croix de Guerre. From Italy he was awarded their War Medal and Croce de Guerre. And from the United States the Medal of Honor. Despite these honors, York did not feel proud of his actions and he soon returned to his home where he married.

Sergeant York (http://www.alvincyork.org/Index.html)

York's war exploits symbolized the nineteenth century American’s idea of a hero. He appeared larger than life and was often compared to Daniel Boone, Davy Crockett, and Abraham Lincoln. His deeds stand out to me especially, not only for what he did but also for the virtues he embodied. He was self-reliant, deeply religious, and a brave soldier. He put aside his wish not to fight and his own safety to save the lives of his soldier’s. And what I respect most of all was his humility to not claim glory for himself despite his amazing deeds.