SGT. YORK VISITS LOUISIANA
BY RICKEY ROBERTSON
America is a land filled with heroes. They come from every walk of life in this nation. Some are rich some are poor but they all have served their nation and made a sacrifice in doing so. During World War I one of the greatest American heroes was Sgt. Alvin C. York. Alvin. Alvin York was a country boy born on December 13, 1887 in a 2 room double pen cabin in Pall Mall, Tennessee. Alvin was one of 11 children raised by a subsistence farming family in Fentress County, Tennessee. Here in the hill country of Tennessee education was not a high priority and Alvin only had about 9 months schooling in his life. But despite the lack of education, he was to become a hero due to his dedication to duty as an American soldier.
As a young adult Alvin was a hard drinking and gambling man but he was converted to Christianity in 1914 and he joined the Church of Christ in Christian Union. He became a devout church member and even led singing at his church. His conversion was complete and he quit all of his evil ways. But something would happen that would affect Alvin York's lifestyle. On April 6, 1917 the United States declared war on Germany. On June 5, 1917 Alvin C. York, age 30 was drafted into the United States Army.
Even though he entered the army as a conscientious objector, he was assigned to Company G 328th Infantry Regiment 82nd Infantry Division. He trained at camp Gordon, Georgia and was an odyssey by being an excellent marksman who wanted to not take part in the war. But his commanding officer debated with him and York saw that at times war is morally right and he agreed to fight. And fight he did! On October 8, 1918 Corporal Alvin Your and 16 soldiers of his unit were detailed to capture part of a railroad in the Meuse-Argonne sector. Misreading their map that was printed in French, they ended up behind German lines. After a brief firefight the large German contingent surrendered. When other German machine gunners saw just a small American force, they opened fire on the Americans and their own men. With 9 Americans dead and his platoon leader wounded, Alvin York advanced to silence the German machine gun emplacements. He was successful and wiped out all the German gun positions.
He and his surviving men captured 132 German prisoners. Due to his courageous exploits on the field of battle Alvin York was promoted to the rank of Sergeant and was awarded both the Distinguished Service Cross and the Medal of Honor. Alvin C. York, the country boy from Tennessee, was proclaimed as the greatest American soldier of World War I. Alvin returned home to Tennessee and was presented a farm and home by the Rotary Club of Nashville. The old soldier had come home.
During the 192o's and 1930's York went on speaking tours and was involved in some state and national politics. Never wanting publicity, he finally allowed Hollywood to make a movie of his life. And what a big hit "Sgt. York" was in July 1941. Little did Alvin York and Hollywood know but they were giving America a morale boost for the upcoming war on the horizon.
World War II began on December 7, 1941 for America. During World War II Alvin York tried to enlist several times into the infantry but was turned down due to his age and due to health problems. But he wanted to do something for the war effort. Getting with the US Army Signal Corps, York travelled all across the country on war bond tours, recruitment drives, and military camp inspections. But he also got to come to Louisiana. Yes he came to Camp Claiborne, Louisiana in 1942.
Alvin York's old World War I unit, the 82nd Infantry Division, was re-activated on March 25, 1942 at Camp Claiborne, Louisiana. Commander of this famous unit was Major General Omar N. Bradley who would become a hero and legend himself during World War II. On May 7, 1942 the complete division held its first retreat ceremony since activation. And at this ceremony came Alvin C. York. York gave a very rousing speech to the men of his old unit. He told them to leave alcohol alone and to read the Bible daily. He gave a very morale boosting speech that was enjoyed and appreciated by the whole 82nd Division. And on August 15, 1942 Sgt. York's old division became one of the first airborne divisions formed in the American Army. And it became a legend for its fighting capabilities just as one of its alumni, Alvin York had done in World War I. York was able to stay a few days and got to tour the camp and its activities. Everywhere he went he was a big hit both on the base and in the local towns.
On October 16, 2015 I was blessed to stand at the exact location where Alvin York made his speech to the men of the 82nd Division. As I stood there I could almost see the ranks and ranks of men standing and listening to their hero, Alvin York. So much history at this famous old World War II training base. But one day stands out….the day Alvin York addressed the troops ! Today we remember Alvin Callum York and his courageous deeds on the field of battle and for coming and visiting our great state. Thank you Sgt. York for your service to our great nation. Freedom still rings in America because of the men and women who uphold the standards and traditions of Sgt. York and all our military heroes.
Sign at the original Camp Claiborne Louisiana (Robertson Collection)
Present day site of the location where Sgt. Alvin York spoke to the 82nd Division in 1942. (Robertson Collection)
The U.S. Postal Service issued a postage stamp in honor of Sgt. Alvin York. (Robertson Collection)
The 82nd Infantry Division standing its first retreat formation at Camp Claiborne, La. Sgt. York spoke to this group. (Robertson Collection)
Historical marker honoring Sgt. Alvin York in his hometown of Pall Mall, Tennessee. (Robertson Collection)
Movie marquee poster announcing the hit movie "Sgt. York" starring Gary Cooper in 1941. (Robertson Collection)
Sgt. Alvin C. York wearing both the Distinguished Service Cross and the Medal of Honor he won due to his heroic exploits in World War I. (Robertson Collection)
Sgt. Alvin York addressing the troops of the 82nd Infantry Division at Camp Claiborne, La. Behind him on the stage is Major General Omar Bradley, division commander. (Robertson Collection)