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