Sgt York. A Retraction From Bosda

[Bosda_Di_Chi_of_Tricor]

Some time ago, I expressed doubts that SGT ALVIN YORK, the famous WW1 rifleman & war hero, actually did the deeds attributed to him. I suspected war propaganda, common in WW1.

I was wrong.

The proof has been found.
http://www.dnj.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060319/LIFESTYLE/603190314/1024

The locale discovered by Nolan and his team — complete with unearthed cartridge casings — is believed to be the site where the late World War I hero carried out what has been called “an astonishing feat of marksmanship” some 87 years ago that culminated in the death of 25 enemy troops and the surrender of another 132.

“We have used geographic information systems (GIS), GPS (global positioning systems), and historic maps and primary documents to uncover the actual location of York’s engagement,” said Nolan, a native of Louisville, Ky., who has long held an interest in both history and geography.

There is a difference between skepticism, & cynicism. I erred.

As a corporal in the 328th Infantry, in the Battle of Meuse River-Argonne Forest on 1918 October 8, he assumed command of his detachment after three other NCOs fell. While he is sometimes described as acting single-handedly, his official citation says he led seven others in a charge on an active machine-gun nest. They killed 32 German soldiers and captured 132, including four officers. (He is said to have explained this feat by saying they had surrounded the enemy.)

He did it. My blunder. :o

[ArrMatey]

:eek:

Good gravy, man, where did the army find pants to fit cajones that size?

[BarnOwl]

So you were wrong. At least you admit it.
If only Donald Rumplestiltskin were as forthright.

[trupa]

Tip o’the hat to you Bosda, that was classy.

[Loach]

If it will make you feel better the SGT York was a crappy weapons system.

[Zoe]

Bosda, you are so cool.

Alvin York was too quirky and complex not to be real, I think. He was an excellent marksman who sought conscientious objector status, but it was denied to him. (Yeah, I know you know. :))

Interesting that this particular famous Tennessee war hero wasn’t a “volunteer.”

[Mk_VII]

it helped that the German Army was near the end of its rope, otherwise he would have been just another statistic in the KIAs

[CynicalGabe]

@Mk VII

it helped that the German Army was near the end of its rope, otherwise he would have been just another statistic in the KIAs

Why do you hate our troops?

[Mk_VII]

He was undoubtedly a brave man who kept his head in a perious situation and used his training and his natural abilities to prevail. But 132 men don’t fail to prevail over nine enemies without serious motivation problems. With just over four weeks of the war left to go the German Army’s morale was disintegrating and Germany was already searching for a way to end the war.
Many equally brave men have given their best and had no one left alive to carry the tale home of how they died.

[Happy_Scrappy_Hero_Pup]

Many equally brave men have given their best and had no one left alive to carry the tale home of how they died.

All the more reason why we should celebrate the ones that did.

[Spacekat]

@Mk VII

He was undoubtedly a brave man who kept his head in a perious situation and used his training and his natural abilities to prevail. But 132 men don’t fail to prevail over nine enemies without serious motivation problems. With just over four weeks of the war left to go the German Army’s morale was disintegrating and Germany was already searching for a way to end the war.
Many equally brave men have given their best and had no one left alive to carry the tale home of how they died.

I used to teach military strategy and tactics at one of our nation’s service academies, and the big brains of the War College variety agreed with you, Mk VII. Nothing detracted from Sgt. York - what he did took tremendous courage, especially with his inner conflict going on.

Much respect to you, Bosda, for posting this.