Sgt. York is on TCM now

[Loy Hamilton]

That must be one the the silver wrist tags made for him after the war.
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Comments on York:
There were 1.2MM AEF troops in the battle for the Argonne Forest. The site that York's (and the other 5 or so men we seem to forget) exploits took place was an area where fighting continued after York was long gone. To find the exact site from shell casings on the ground and a few old pictures is a bit far fetched, if not ludicrous.

As for his shooting, he fired close to 100 30-06 rounds and 7 clips of 45 to kill 23 men (someone correct me if I have the number of kills incorrect). Not exactly the way it was portrayed in the movie, nor by his sons, who said he picked them off (bayonet charge) one by one from rear to front. Heck, the man fired 7 magazines at them!

York was in combat for what? One whole day? I admire the man for his deeds, but his deeds pale in comparison to those of many others. He does not hold the record for most captures, which I think is held by a Private from the 169th (259 men I think). He didn't even capture them single-handedly. He didn't kill the most Germans in one day, and I have no idea who holds that record. He did not suffer prolonged weeks of fierce hand to hand combat as did many other units. I think the 308th needed a hero, and York got the nod.

As for the rifle he used, I suspect he used the rifle he was issued - a M1917. I have heard no credible story that convinces me otherwise, and his sons weren't present. There is no reason to believe otherwise.

York was certainly a hero, and a likable cuss.

Just my humble opinion.

Jim

I think the movie did an excellent job of upholding the ole John Ford/Hollywood tradition, and subscribes to the old western addage, "When the Legend becomes Fact, print the Legend".

A fellow that even beats ole Alvin is Desmond T. Doss. Desmond T. Doss, Medal of Honor Hero

I am kinda partial to Marines myself though. My daughter when she was in USMCROTC. Had my hands on that rifle for about 10 seconds and had to give it back..

[Jim Tarleton]

First of all, you have a very beautiful daughter. Second, she is a Marine. Third, she is carrying one of the finest combat rifles of all time in my opinion.

How did an old dog like you have such a pretty child, and just when did Marines start getting that good looking? She looks like she could drive nails with that look. UuhRaa!

Semper Fi to you both,

Jim

[limazulu]

There's a lot of disagreement about what rifle York used. I just sort of bristled when I heard "Lee Enfield". I believe everybody is in agreement he didn't use one of those! (Except possibly in training by the British).

Here's the link to the National World War 1 Museum:

http://www.theworldwar.org/s/110/index.aspx

scroll down a bit for the info on their VP being on TCM. They even give a clickable link so you can contact him.

E-mail him and ask him yourself. You might end up with an interesting discourse or high blood pressure.