A Soldier's Story: Sergeant Alvin Cullum York

Sergeant Alvin Cullum York was born December 13, 1887, one of eleven children. He was raised in a log cabin located in Pall Mall, Tennessee, a small town in Wolf River county, tucked into the Cumberland mountains.

A big man at 6'2" with red hair, Sergeant Alvin York was a pacifist at heart. Nevertheless, he was drafted in WWI, despite being a conscientious objector. After some soul-searching during basic training, Sergeant Alvin York agreed to fight in the war. 

Despite his hatred of his job as a marksman, Sergeant Alvin York performed admirably. He earned the Congressional Medal of Honor as a Corporal of G Company, 328th Infantry, 82nd Division A.E.F. During the Battle of Argonne Forest, Sergeant York, with only a few men, captured 132 enemy soldiers, killing 25.

Upon Sergeant Alvin Cullum York's return from the war, he married his childhood sweetheart, Gracie Williams, with Governor A.H. Roberts presiding.

Ultimately, he dreamed of opening a school and funding his school, the Alvin C. York Agricultural Institute. He sold the rights to his story for a book and a movie. The movie was called "Sergeant York" and starred Gary Cooper.

 The York Institute still exists today. 

He remained active in world events and dedicated himself to educational improvements throughout his life. 

Sergeant Alvin Cullum. York died on September 2, 1964, and he rests in the Wolf River Cemetery in Pall Mall, Tennessee.

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a.d. elliott is a wanderer, writer, and photographer currently living in Salem, Virginia. 

In addition to the travel writings at www.takethebackroads.com, you can also read her book reviews at www.riteoffancy.com and US military biographies at www.everydaypatriot.com

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