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Sgt. York: His Life, Legend & Legacy
In a world desperate for authentic heroes, the story of Alvin C. York reminds us of the true meaning of heroism. York's bravery on the battlefield made him famous, but it was his decision to turn down the easy riches of celebrity that secured his position as one of history's greatest Christian patriots. Based on new interviews with all of York's living children, and York's own diaries, this exhaustive biography follows the young soldier from the hills of Tennessee to the battlefields of France, down Broadway in a triumphant ticker-tape parade, and back home to his family farm where he spent the rest of his life in service to his community and his God.
396 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 15, 1997
32 people are currently reading
246 people want to read
About the author
John Perry
20 books21 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
John Perry has coauthored books with John MacArthur, Richard Land, Mike Huckabee, among others and written historical books about Charles Colson, the Scopes Monkey Trials, and more. He is a two-time Gold Medallion Award finalist and lives in Nashville, Tennessee.
John Perry has coauthored books with John MacArthur, Richard Land, Mike Huckabee, among others and written historical books about Charles Colson, the Scopes Monkey Trials, and more. He is a two-time Gold Medallion Award finalist and lives in Nashville, Tennessee.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
May 1, 2015
I grew up in the mountains of East Tennessee. From Danial Boone's Wilderness Road to David (Davy for my generation) Crockett the next hero to take up the mantle of sharp shooting (sharp shootin') mountain hero is Alvin York. He is a surprisingly little remembered figure when his stature at the time of his exploits is considered. Most who know of him probably do so because of the Gary Cooper movie. I've had one other book about York's life (from my local library) some years ago, but this one with its source material including many letters written in the hand of the participants (including York and Gracie)is far superior. I'd say 4 to 4.5 only backing away a little due to a few rough spots.
York was a typical man of his day, farming, blacksmithing, and doing whatever he could to make a living for his widowed mother, sister and younger brothers (9 not the one shown in the movie). He'd worked with his father doing these things and hunting the mountains from his very early youth. When his father died however Alvin, being the oldest boy still at home had to take on the task of caring for the family. Alvin did this...but he also developed a "great thirst", for whiskey. Whiskey had/has always been a big part of mountain culture. It wasn't drunk in the presence of "women or children" but when men sat together to talk or whatever a jug came out. Alvin had undoubtedly taken his first 'taste as a "very young man" (probably early teens). In Alvin's case his taste for drink became immense. He was known a local trouble maker and was in many fights only narrowly missing big legal trouble at times. He'd work all day and drink late into the night running with the rowdies at a "Blind Tiger" (illegal bar) north of his home. The movie portrays this and one incident in the movie happened as Alvin broke up Sunday worship services shooting up the area outside the church. His mother never despaired and continued to pray for her son.
In the movie there is a dramatic scene of York on his way to kill a man who'd cheated him spared from death when a lightening bolt strikes the rifle from his hand. he rises from the ground outside the same church he'd disrupted as a revival service is in progress, looks at the hand that held the gun, picks up a shoe that has apparently been blown from his mules foot...and burns himself on it because it's still hot..then goes into the church where he's sung to the front (as the congregation sings That Old Time Religion) and at Pastor Piles gesture kneels. From that moment on he was a dedicated Christian.
Alvin's actual conversion was a bit less violent but no less through. Coming home one night very, very late he found his mother sitting, sewing and waiting her bed empty. Alvin asked why she hadn't gone to bed and she replied that she couldn't not knowing what had become of him, if he were alive or dead, so she waited for him. Then she reportedly asked him when he was going to be a "good man like his father and grand father". Alvin says that he suddenly thought of his life up till then and the life of his father and grand father in comparison. He knelt with his head in his mother's lap, repented and promised he'd give up drink and serve God.
And he did.
The best known part of York's story is that he was a Conscious Objector who upon reflection went to fight. The story of that and his life after are laid out well here. The movie is a pretty good one and I have no gripe with it (York was able to be involved). There are places where it actually doesn't cover all that York went through. The movie moves from York's silencing of the machine guns and the capture of 132 Germans (including 4 officers) directly to his promotion and medals. There were actually months of fighting in between. The actions of York took a while to be noticed "up top" as it were.
One incident that was in the movie didn't cover all that actually happened. In the incident he was decorated for York at one point fired his rifle until he used all his available ammunition. A group of 6 German soldiers charged him with bayonets in a slightly ragged single file. He drew his Colt. (in the movie they presented a variation on this incident with York attacked and he used the captured German officer's Luger. This was because it was discovered during the making of the movie that the Colt 1911 wouldn't function with blank cartridges.) Starting from back to front York shot each one never missing a shot. It was only after this (in actuality) that York noticed the German officer among the prisoners still had his pistol (Luger). York took it from him...and it was hot. As York had been stopping the attack, the German officer had been shooting at him from behind, and missed.
The story of York's life, his marriage, his refusal to profit from his actions, his good works, his monetary troubles (including IRS problems) all make a good story of an American citizen, a common man who always looked at the deeds the rest of us call heroism as simply his duty.
York was a typical man of his day, farming, blacksmithing, and doing whatever he could to make a living for his widowed mother, sister and younger brothers (9 not the one shown in the movie). He'd worked with his father doing these things and hunting the mountains from his very early youth. When his father died however Alvin, being the oldest boy still at home had to take on the task of caring for the family. Alvin did this...but he also developed a "great thirst", for whiskey. Whiskey had/has always been a big part of mountain culture. It wasn't drunk in the presence of "women or children" but when men sat together to talk or whatever a jug came out. Alvin had undoubtedly taken his first 'taste as a "very young man" (probably early teens). In Alvin's case his taste for drink became immense. He was known a local trouble maker and was in many fights only narrowly missing big legal trouble at times. He'd work all day and drink late into the night running with the rowdies at a "Blind Tiger" (illegal bar) north of his home. The movie portrays this and one incident in the movie happened as Alvin broke up Sunday worship services shooting up the area outside the church. His mother never despaired and continued to pray for her son.
In the movie there is a dramatic scene of York on his way to kill a man who'd cheated him spared from death when a lightening bolt strikes the rifle from his hand. he rises from the ground outside the same church he'd disrupted as a revival service is in progress, looks at the hand that held the gun, picks up a shoe that has apparently been blown from his mules foot...and burns himself on it because it's still hot..then goes into the church where he's sung to the front (as the congregation sings That Old Time Religion) and at Pastor Piles gesture kneels. From that moment on he was a dedicated Christian.
Alvin's actual conversion was a bit less violent but no less through. Coming home one night very, very late he found his mother sitting, sewing and waiting her bed empty. Alvin asked why she hadn't gone to bed and she replied that she couldn't not knowing what had become of him, if he were alive or dead, so she waited for him. Then she reportedly asked him when he was going to be a "good man like his father and grand father". Alvin says that he suddenly thought of his life up till then and the life of his father and grand father in comparison. He knelt with his head in his mother's lap, repented and promised he'd give up drink and serve God.
And he did.
The best known part of York's story is that he was a Conscious Objector who upon reflection went to fight. The story of that and his life after are laid out well here. The movie is a pretty good one and I have no gripe with it (York was able to be involved). There are places where it actually doesn't cover all that York went through. The movie moves from York's silencing of the machine guns and the capture of 132 Germans (including 4 officers) directly to his promotion and medals. There were actually months of fighting in between. The actions of York took a while to be noticed "up top" as it were.
One incident that was in the movie didn't cover all that actually happened. In the incident he was decorated for York at one point fired his rifle until he used all his available ammunition. A group of 6 German soldiers charged him with bayonets in a slightly ragged single file. He drew his Colt. (in the movie they presented a variation on this incident with York attacked and he used the captured German officer's Luger. This was because it was discovered during the making of the movie that the Colt 1911 wouldn't function with blank cartridges.) Starting from back to front York shot each one never missing a shot. It was only after this (in actuality) that York noticed the German officer among the prisoners still had his pistol (Luger). York took it from him...and it was hot. As York had been stopping the attack, the German officer had been shooting at him from behind, and missed.
The story of York's life, his marriage, his refusal to profit from his actions, his good works, his monetary troubles (including IRS problems) all make a good story of an American citizen, a common man who always looked at the deeds the rest of us call heroism as simply his duty.
April 17, 2015
The first few chapters of "Sgt. York" told of the growing up and wild background of Alvin C. York, who finally gave his life to Christ as best as he understood, which meant NO KILLING. He became involved in his church and song director and a Second Elder, then WWI started, and he was drafted. He tried to be a conscientious objector, but the bureacracy wouldln't accept his reasons, until finally he was convinced that Peacemakers are approved by God ... in which case, he decided to fight in order to become a PEACEMAKER. In October of 1918, Sgt. York killed 24 German Soldiers, capturing 35 Machine Guns and 132 of the enemy, marched them back to the American lines in France, and a month later the war ended. Sgt. York became an instant War Hero and WWI Celebrity.
The rest of the book deals with the fact that Sgt. York would not capitalize on his celebrity status, except to make speaches in order to raise funds for a school he wished to have built in the hills of Tenneessee, his home. He only had a third grade education, but he spent the remainder of his life raising funds and supporting the two school he build, so other children wouldn't be hampered by a lack of knowledge. He also married and raised a family, worked the farm, owned a store, and some land, but did not have much financial success, and was in fact just barely getting by, until he finally sold his story to Hollywood, for the WWI Gary Cooper movie, "Sargeant York". It was a hit and made Alvin some money, which he spent directly on his schools. Then the U.S. Government hounded Sgt York for 20 years for back taxes he owed, and after he became bedridden from strokes the people of the U.S. raised the funds to get the collection agencies of the I.R.S. off his back. I rated this a "4" because it's not for everybody, but it is the whole story of the life of Sgt. York, one of America's heroes.
The rest of the book deals with the fact that Sgt. York would not capitalize on his celebrity status, except to make speaches in order to raise funds for a school he wished to have built in the hills of Tenneessee, his home. He only had a third grade education, but he spent the remainder of his life raising funds and supporting the two school he build, so other children wouldn't be hampered by a lack of knowledge. He also married and raised a family, worked the farm, owned a store, and some land, but did not have much financial success, and was in fact just barely getting by, until he finally sold his story to Hollywood, for the WWI Gary Cooper movie, "Sargeant York". It was a hit and made Alvin some money, which he spent directly on his schools. Then the U.S. Government hounded Sgt York for 20 years for back taxes he owed, and after he became bedridden from strokes the people of the U.S. raised the funds to get the collection agencies of the I.R.S. off his back. I rated this a "4" because it's not for everybody, but it is the whole story of the life of Sgt. York, one of America's heroes.
May 18, 2023
A Real Hero Who Still Rings True
This author points out that the word “hero” is devalued today by it’s overuse - athletes are heroes, musicians are heroes, anybody who chooses right over wrong is a hero. Alvin York really was one … despite being a flawed if well-meaning human.
His heroism sprung from - not his hour of fierce over the top combat in WW 1 - but from his raw, ethical upbringing. That foundation allowed him to do his duty under fire and then continue to do it wherever he found himself for the rest of his life.
In my book, a person who always puts others before themself, who always shares what they have even if it is meager, who does their duty as they see it at the risk of their own injury - physical, economic or emotional - personifies that very rare true heroism.
Sgt. Alvin York lived his life heroically and should not be forgotten. This author’s work reminds us of that and is a worthy read.
This author points out that the word “hero” is devalued today by it’s overuse - athletes are heroes, musicians are heroes, anybody who chooses right over wrong is a hero. Alvin York really was one … despite being a flawed if well-meaning human.
His heroism sprung from - not his hour of fierce over the top combat in WW 1 - but from his raw, ethical upbringing. That foundation allowed him to do his duty under fire and then continue to do it wherever he found himself for the rest of his life.
In my book, a person who always puts others before themself, who always shares what they have even if it is meager, who does their duty as they see it at the risk of their own injury - physical, economic or emotional - personifies that very rare true heroism.
Sgt. Alvin York lived his life heroically and should not be forgotten. This author’s work reminds us of that and is a worthy read.
March 24, 2015
I had heard of Sgt York before reading, but had no idea how impressive this guy was. This isn't a story just about his war heroism. In fact Sgt York downplays and doesn't like to talk about WW I much. However, he loves to talk and talk he does about his big project of bringing schools to the Tennessee Mountain children. It is a life-long pursuit and it is surprising to hear of the opposition he faces. A great read and a great man. Wish I had met him.
April 15, 2016
A large section of pictures at 50%. Too small to read captions on Kindle. Better on iPad. At end a section on what a hero is. Also a list of sources and a Biblio. A good book to read, although long and sometimes drug out. York faced legal and financial problems his entire life. He never gave up on his dream of a school for his people. The Bible Institute failed but the York Institute is still going strong according to note at end of book.
July 23, 2020
Back on February 28th, 2015 I bought this Kindle ebook via one of them "Free or discounted ebooks" emails I got, for joining a group on Facebook, for only 99¢.
For five years, I'd take a peek from time to time. But last Tuesday I decided to read it.
This book isn't a puff piece on how hunky-dory Alvin C. York's life was. The 1941 movie has that corner covered.
This book covers his highs & lows. A real easy read. Especially for someone who struggles to keep interest.
For five years, I'd take a peek from time to time. But last Tuesday I decided to read it.
This book isn't a puff piece on how hunky-dory Alvin C. York's life was. The 1941 movie has that corner covered.
This book covers his highs & lows. A real easy read. Especially for someone who struggles to keep interest.
June 22, 2021
An Excellent Treatise on the Life and Times of a True Hero.
This is the first Review I’ve been moved to make. The author’s attention to detail and legitimate affection for the subject Hero, Sgt. York shines through and renders this work both instructive and enjoyable. Highly recommended.
This is the first Review I’ve been moved to make. The author’s attention to detail and legitimate affection for the subject Hero, Sgt. York shines through and renders this work both instructive and enjoyable. Highly recommended.
February 23, 2010
It was funny reading about an American hero while living in Ireland. This book is well-written, at times it seems to pause and simply marvel at a man who deserves it. A good, easy, necessary read.
October 30, 2022
This was good history, I think, but it tended to go on and on and on.
The book was a whole lot longer than it needed to be.
The book was a whole lot longer than it needed to be.
February 13, 2024
John did a thorough and excellent job on this biography.
There were long periods I found the book boring, or repetitive, but that is only because Sgt. York's life became repetitive at times.
My favourite part was learning the beginning of Hollywood, and what went into making the Sgt. York picture.
His integrity all throughout his life also stunned me. When he had a wrong opinion, he was willing to change to a difference point of view. I didn’t like everything about him, and would have made a few different decisions... but he was a man who truly strived to serve his God, family, county, state, and country.
There were long periods I found the book boring, or repetitive, but that is only because Sgt. York's life became repetitive at times.
My favourite part was learning the beginning of Hollywood, and what went into making the Sgt. York picture.
His integrity all throughout his life also stunned me. When he had a wrong opinion, he was willing to change to a difference point of view. I didn’t like everything about him, and would have made a few different decisions... but he was a man who truly strived to serve his God, family, county, state, and country.
July 11, 2017
Great book
The book tells the story of a truly great man . Reminds me of my father also a truly great man . He was born and raised in East Tennessee, Washington county. He spent most of his adult life serving his Lord and saviour Jesus Christ. Also for. His family, both his and his Alabama wifes, last but not least his church. Reading the book brought back many wonderful memories of my family. The book all so have me insite into one of my early hero s again great book. God bless the author!!!!!! Keep up the good work!!!!!
The book tells the story of a truly great man . Reminds me of my father also a truly great man . He was born and raised in East Tennessee, Washington county. He spent most of his adult life serving his Lord and saviour Jesus Christ. Also for. His family, both his and his Alabama wifes, last but not least his church. Reading the book brought back many wonderful memories of my family. The book all so have me insite into one of my early hero s again great book. God bless the author!!!!!! Keep up the good work!!!!!
January 18, 2023
I was familiar with Alvin York, before reading this book. There was a remarkable film done about him years ago, and that was my first introduction to this hero.
In this book, we learn more about Alvin York, and the heroics that catapulted him into fame. While during the war, he didn't want to kill anyone, but he did what he had to, to keep his men alive.
From the backwoods to the battlefield, this book fleshes out the man, and his character. If you were not familiar with Alvin York before, this is definitely a book that you need to read.
In this book, we learn more about Alvin York, and the heroics that catapulted him into fame. While during the war, he didn't want to kill anyone, but he did what he had to, to keep his men alive.
From the backwoods to the battlefield, this book fleshes out the man, and his character. If you were not familiar with Alvin York before, this is definitely a book that you need to read.
August 27, 2025
I was hoping for so much more from this book. My grandmother and Gracie Williams, Alvin York's wife, were cousins, so I was interested in this as soon as I saw the title. Unfortunately, there was no new information imparted by the author and in fact, it was very surface and unexciting. I give 2 stars because at least the book is out there to remind people of this heroic soldier from World War I, a war that is quickly becoming forgotten. I wish I had found what I was looking for here, instead of platitudes and PR sermons.
May 4, 2023
A true reflection of the intent of our founders
History has never really been a subject I followed I did not realize that Sgt York played a significant roll in Well or that he was still alive when I was serving in Vietnam. It is too bad that America no longer produces true warriors for God and Country.
History has never really been a subject I followed I did not realize that Sgt York played a significant roll in Well or that he was still alive when I was serving in Vietnam. It is too bad that America no longer produces true warriors for God and Country.
January 29, 2025
Sgt York
Having seen the movie with Gary Cooper, I decided to read the book about the life of Sergeant York. I was not disappointed. It is a very detailed story of his life before and after WW1. I was familiar with some of the people in the story because I have watched the movie a few times. Great book.
Having seen the movie with Gary Cooper, I decided to read the book about the life of Sergeant York. I was not disappointed. It is a very detailed story of his life before and after WW1. I was familiar with some of the people in the story because I have watched the movie a few times. Great book.
October 4, 2022
I just finished this biography of Alvin York. It is one of the most comprehensive works I have read about him. It is well researched and well written. Thanks for the glimpse into the real life of this American hero.
February 4, 2023
A remarkable story of a man sincere in his faith in God. I loved the first half of the book.(his conversion, military service,love letters, humility, etc)
The second half tended to be repetitive about his travel, finances, work, travel, finances, work, travel, finances, work..you get the point.
The second half tended to be repetitive about his travel, finances, work, travel, finances, work, travel, finances, work..you get the point.
September 13, 2023
Excellent biography of an American Hero. Sgt York’s life was transformed in a few short hours and he did his best to honor his God and his country through his remaining years. This book is a great way to understand the hero.
August 1, 2024
An amazing story, but the book read like a newspaper article with all the interesting parts at the beginning and a lot of details about York's finances toward the end. I recommend the first half of the book :)
July 11, 2021
A bit on the boring side at times.
November 1, 2025
I watched the movie and I think the book is better
May 7, 2015
What a great hero this man was. Full stop.
But I struggled to get through the story of his life. The author did an amazing job of detailing his life and demonstrate great and authentic research. However, there just may have been too many details and too little story line.
I plan to use several Sgt. Alvin York quotes n some of my own writing. But I think this book took me the longest elapsed time to read than any of the other books in my memory.
Maybe I will find the movie with Gary Cooper portraying Sgt. York. That may help a little.
But I struggled to get through the story of his life. The author did an amazing job of detailing his life and demonstrate great and authentic research. However, there just may have been too many details and too little story line.
I plan to use several Sgt. Alvin York quotes n some of my own writing. But I think this book took me the longest elapsed time to read than any of the other books in my memory.
Maybe I will find the movie with Gary Cooper portraying Sgt. York. That may help a little.
September 3, 2016
A large section of pictures at 50%. Too small to read captions on Kindle. At end a section on what a hero is. Also a list of sources and a Biblio. A good book to read, although long and sometimes drug out. York faced legal and financial problems his entire life. He never gave up on his dream of a school for his people. The Bible Institute failed but the York Institute is still going strong according to note at end of book.
June 20, 2008
Outstanding biography of the WWI Medal of Honor recipient who went on to a life of service. He made a tremendous difference for the good in his Appalachian community. If you've seen the movie about Sgt. York (starring Gary Cooper), it is a reasonably good representation of Alvin York's life through his return from the war. The book was inspiring, and well worth the read.
December 19, 2014
Great man, terribly written book. The beginning chapters were disjointed and out of order. The event that defined York was mentioned almost in passing. Way too much detail on behind the scenes wranglings for the school. Surely there are better books than this on such a great man.
April 2, 2014
This extremely engaging biography transforms the legendary mountain-man warrior into a human being. It answers the question, "What happens when your personal code says one thing, but your heart says another?"
Above all it's a book about a man, not a war.
Above all it's a book about a man, not a war.
October 3, 2015
An American Hero
This is a great story. There are many places where the book bogs down with too many details and so becomes tedious. A little more editing and it could have been a great book. But still very informative.
This is a great story. There are many places where the book bogs down with too many details and so becomes tedious. A little more editing and it could have been a great book. But still very informative.
March 8, 2015
This is an admirable work by Mr. Perry to recount the story of WWI hero Sgt. York. unfortunately, the book gets bogged down in so much minutiae that it is laborious to finish. Glad for the education on this fine man's life.
April 9, 2015
One you should read
I read his story and saw the movie back 60 years ago and always considered him an American hero. What I did not know was his determined mind,and dedication to religion and education. The opportunists and schemes that took advantage of him are a disgrace.
I read his story and saw the movie back 60 years ago and always considered him an American hero. What I did not know was his determined mind,and dedication to religion and education. The opportunists and schemes that took advantage of him are a disgrace.
August 14, 2009
Wonderful story of a very unassuming person who never wanted any notoriety.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews