Alvin York received the Congressional Medal of Honor for his actions during World War I.
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Alvin York, a Tennessee farmer and woodsman, singlehandedly killed 25 German soldiers and captured 132 others during the Battle of Argonne in 1918. For his actions, he was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor. York’s story is one of the most remarkable tales of heroism in American history.
York was born in 1887 to a poor family in Pall Mall, Tennessee. He worked on his family’s farm and also hunted and fished to supplement their income. In 1914, York enlisted in the Army to fight in World War I. He was initially assigned to a unit that did not see combat; however, after several months he was transferred to the 82nd Infantry Division, which was then fighting in France.
On October 8, 1918, near the town of Chatel-Chehery, France, York’s unit came under heavy fire from a group of Germans hidden in a wooded area. York left his position and charged towards the Germans with his rifle blazing. He killed or wounded at least 12 enemy soldiers before they fled in terror. York then continued on towards Chatel-Chehery, capturing an additional 120 German soldiers who had been taken by surprise by his assault. For this action, York was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor – America’s highest military decoration.