Heroic Facts About Alvin York, America’s WWI Hero

The Man Who Fought For Freedom

Most accounts of Alvin York present a man who embodies his humble beginnings. The stories show him to be a simple mountain man who believed in faith, justice, and his country. As is often the case, the truth about the man is somewhere in the middle; he did believe in faith, justice, and his country, though that does not mean he didn’t have his flaws.

1. He Lived A Simple Life

Alvin York lived a life that few people in America can relate to today. Born at the end of 1887, he was the third child of William and Mary York. The Yorks would go on to have 11 children, all of which they raised in their two-room log cabin, in a part of rural Tennessee that is now known as the Pall Mall area. Sadly, York’s childhood bore little resemblance to a “childhood” at all.

2. He Had No Money

Alvin York was raised in extreme poverty. Although he did attend school, it was only for a handful of months. His parents needed him and his brothers at home. York grew up farming, fishing, and hunting to support his family. To York, these things were simply part of everyday life; he had no idea that they would be the very skills to save his life and the lives of others.

3. He Was The Head Of The Family

In November 1911, York’s father passed. His two elder brothers had married, leaving to start families of their own. So, at the age of 25, York became the main provider for his mother and remaining siblings. York doubled down on the work that he did for his family; reports state that he worked as a blacksmith, a logger, and in railroad construction to provide for his family. His sense of loyalty ran deep—and so did his vices.

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