Sgt. ALVIN C. YORK

            
            
            
             Who is the greatest battle hero of all time? Is it General Douglas MacArthur, or General Patton? Volumes of compelling works have documented the noble acts of such battle-tested officers. However, there are few written accounts on the bravery of enlisted men and women. This information is immensely important because, it instills pride in our heritage. Not only that, but it helps to honor our predecessors who actually fought and died for the freedom of so many. The next few paragraphs will tell the story of a common man from the hills of Tennessee. This young man was drafted, and answered his country's call of duty. He consequently sealed his fate as an American hero by performing selfless acts of bravery and leadership. This man's name was Sgt. Alvin C. York.
             2. Alvin York lived the life of a simple man before being drafted in 1917. He was the third son born to Mary and William York on December 13, 1887 in Pall Mall Tennessee, a small township in the foothills of the Appellation Mountains. Alvin's father was an avid hunter, and sportsman. He therefore taught his sons to be expert riflemen. William York died in 1911 leaving Alvin obligated to support his mother and younger siblings. The young Alvin did this by taking odd jobs on local farms, and working in saw mills. In these youthful days Alvin was an untamed man. For instance, Alvin liked to go to the tavern in town where he would gamble, drink and fight. However, later Alvin met and became engaged to sixteen year old Gracie Williams. Gracie was a pretty young lady who belonged to the Church of Christ. She began encouraging Alvin to go to church and change his immoral ways. Consequently, he did just that. He stopped drinking and joined the Church. It finally seemed that Alvin had a grip on life. However, there had lately been some news of fighting in Europe. Thought the people of rural Tennessee were oblivious to the fact that it could effect them in their remote part of the world.