Biography
Alvin Cullum York (1887–1964) was an American soldier and the subject of the 1941 biographical film Sergeant York. Born in Fentress County, Tennessee, he served in the US Army during the First World War and received the Medal of Honour for his actions in the Meuse-Argonne Offensive.
York's wartime diary formed the basis of the film, for which he received a writing credit. Directed by Howard Hawks and starring Gary Cooper, Sergeant York was one of the highest-grossing films of its year. York later used proceeds from the book and film to support educational initiatives in his home state.
