A celebration for an American hero, Sergeant Alvin C. York

Celebrating a World War I hero
This year marked the third year that the facility hosted its birthday celebration for Alvin C. York. The celebration featured remarks from the York family and TVHS Chief of Staff Dr. John Nadeau, VA resource tables, and numerous artifacts used by Sgt. York during WWI such as his military medals, written speeches and a Bible that he always carried with him.

“This [New Testament] is probably the most cherished artifact that we have,” said Gerald York, grandson of Sgt. York and retired Army Colonel.

The event concluded with eventgoers singing Happy Birthday to Sgt. York and enjoying refreshments and appetizers from the Veterans Canteen Service. 

Legacy of an American Hero
Born in the rural, poverty-struck community of Pall Mall, Tennessee on Dec. 13, 1887,  Alvin C. York was the third of eleven children born to William and Mary Elizabeth York. His parents were farmers, and his father was also a blacksmith. York only attended school for a few months and then dropped out after third grade to help his family on the farm.

After his father passed away in 1911, York helped raise his siblings and worked for a railroad construction company. He became a heavy drinker despite attending church regularly.

At the age of 29, York was selected for the draft. He tried to claim conscientious objector but was denied.  

York was later drafted during World War I to Company G, 328 Infantry, 82nd All American Division. In October 1918, York led an attack on a German machine gun nest, where he helped gather 35 machine guns, killing at least 25 enemy soldiers and capturing 132 prisoners.

Because of his valiant actions, York was promoted to Sergeant and received numerous military awards including the Distinguished Service Cross and the Medal of Honor, the highest U.S. military decoration. York was also recognized by France with the Croix de guerre and the Legion of Honour, France’s highest and most prestigious award established by Napoleon Bonaparte in 1802.

“Tennessee’s most highly decorated military hero, recipient of the Medal of Honor and legendary modern day Cincinnatus,” said Linda Moss-Mines, VA historian.

After his time in the service, York felt compelled to provide education to his hometown, so he founded the York Institute.

“My grandfather’s main goal from when he returned from war was education. He felt like he had what is equivalent to a third-grade education,” said Gerald York.

Alvin C. York was not only an American war hero, but he was also what some would say a hero for Fentress County. He traveled across the country, raising money for education services for Fentress County. He wanted all children to have educational opportunities that he did not have.

Alvin C. York ran the school for 10 years before giving it over to the state of Tennessee. The institute is still open and operated by the state and currently has 700 students enrolled.

“During his last days he [Sgt. York] was asked, ‘what do you want to be remembered for? Do you want to be remembered for meeting the president, receiving the Medal of Honor, or all your accomplishments?’ He said, ‘I want to be remembered for my contribution to education,’” said Gerald York.

Renaming of a VA Medical Center
Alvin C. York has many monuments and memorials named after him, but there is only one that serves the Veteran population.

The Murfreesboro Veterans’ Administration Hospital was renamed to the Alvin C. York Veterans’ Administration Medical Center in 1985. The hospital was first activated Jan. 1, 1940, with a bed capacity of 600 Veterans and 351 employees. It is now a part of VA Tennessee Valley Healthcare System, which serves more than 146,000 Veterans in middle Tennessee, southern Kentucky, and northern Georgia.

“I feel certain to know that he would be highly honored to know that his name is on this hospital,” said Moss-Mines, VA Historian.

The Alvin C. York VA Medical Center is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

“This is fantastic, and thank you all for remembering him. He would be so honored that his memory is still present. The facility is named after him, but you did not just name the facility after him, you have honored him. That would mean the world to him,” said Gerald York.