- When informed that Hollywood wanted to make a film about his exploits in World War I, York insisted that only Gary Cooper could play him. At almost 40 years of age Cooper was actually too old to play York--who was not quite 30 at the time of the battle--and York was informed of this, but he insisted that if Cooper couldn't play him, he would not allow the film to be made. The film was made with Cooper in the role of Alvin York.
- Highest decorated soldier of World War I.
- Single-handedly killed 20 German soldiers and captured 132 others during an infantry attack on a German position near the Argonne Forest, France in October 1918 during World War I.
- Medal of Honor Citation: After his platoon had suffered heavy casualties and 3 other noncommissioned officers had become casualties, Cpl. York assumed command. Fearlessly leading 7 men, he charged with great daring a machinegun nest which was pouring deadly and incessant fire upon his platoon. In this heroic feat the machinegun nest was taken, together with 4 officers and 128 men and several guns.
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