While researching his book on the Model 1917 rifle, C.S. Ferris contacted the York museum in Pall Mall, TN, to learn what he could about the rifle that York carried. To his surprise, museum personnel referred Ferris to York's son, Andrew, who was still alive and lived nearby. They gave Andrew's telephone number to Ferris. So Ferris called Andrew.

In the conversation that ensued, Ferris was shocked to learn from Andrew that York carried a Model 1903 Springfield rifle. Startled by this information, Ferris asked Andrew point blank, "Did you and your father specifically discuss the rifle he carried in Franceicon?" Andrew replied, "Yes, we certainly did. And he carried a Model 1903 Springfield rifle."

Andrew then went on to describe how his father played a role in directing production of the movie, "Sergeant York". And he pointed out that the rifle correctly used in the movie was a Model 1903 Springfield rifle (although I understand that it may be a Bannerman version).

Andrew then went on to describe how the statue of his father resting on the grounds of the Tennessee State Capital in Nashville correctly depicts him using a Model 1903 Springfield rifle.

Ferris called me immediately after he got off the phone with Andrew, told me what he had learned, and related parts of the conversation. Ferris was obviously startled by what he had learned. Ferris asked if I could check out the York statue in Nashville. And I did. And, make no mistake, the statue clearly depicts York aiming and firing a Model 1903 Springfield rifle.

A year or so later, an article on this same subject appeared in the American Rifleman magazine.

I am aware that York's unit in France had been issued Model 1917 rifles. I do not question that. But could York have acquired a Model 1903 rifle if he had wanted one? I have no doubt that he could. Model 1903 rifles were certainly present all over France. Hundreds of thousands of them!

One must ask why York's family member would seek to overturn the generally-held belief that York carried a Model 1917 rifle. Do they not understand the difference between a Model 1903 rifle and a Model 1917 rifle? I do not accept that proposition. Do they have a vested interest, financial or otherwise, for promoting the Model 1903 rifle over the Model 1917 rifle? Hardly! So, on what basis do we challenge their position? Simply that his fellow soldiers were carrying Model 1917 rifles? That's not much of a basis in light of family statements and artifacts to the contrary.

This discourse will not likely change anyone's mind. Pre-conceived notions do not die easily. But, they do reflect on those who cling to them without further consideration or study.

J.B.
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