Alvin C. York (1887--1964) -- devout Christian, conscientious objector, and reluctant hero of World War I -- is one of America's most famous and celebrated soldiers. Known to generations through Gary Cooper's Academy Award-winning portrayal in the 1941 film Sergeant York, York is credited with the capture of 132 German soldiers on October 8, 1918, in the Meuse-Argonne region of France -- a deed for which he was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor. At war's end, the media glorified York's bravery but some members of the German military and a soldier from his own unit cast aspersions on his wartime record. Recently, a new generation of historians has also argued that York received more recognition than he deserved. -- Provided by publisher.

Army reading list. Includes maps of: Pall Mall, Tennessee; Western Front and Meuse-Argonne Offensive, 26 September 1918; Movement of York's unit from St. Mihiel to the Argonne Forest; American Plan of Action to Move into the East Flank of the Argonne Forest; Planned U.S. 82nd Division Attack into the Argonne, 7-8 October 1918; York's Unit Attacks into the Argonne Forest, 8 October 1918; York's Unit is Stopped, and York and Sixteen other Soldiers Maneuver into the German Flank; York's 8 October 1918 Battle; York's Unit Advance from the Argonne to the Meuse Valley, 7 October-1 November 1918; York Battle Location 0.9 Miles Northwest of Châtel Chéhéry.

A life well lived -- Without prospect -- At war with the army -- Marching as to war -- Into the trenches! -- Prelude to battle -- One day in October -- The war without end -- Emergence of a national hero -- Back on the farm in Pall Mall -- Another war with Germany -- Honoring a hero.