York was drafted for World War I and was shipped off to France after completing training in Georgia. He enlisted into the 82nd division as an infantry private and was sent to France in 1918. In October of 1918, York and his soldiers captured over 130 prisoners after firing through small arms fire and encouraging opposing German forces to surrender. He had engaged with over 10 combatants at his machine gun position not
including the fatal blows to six German soldiers with small arms during this event. These actions by Alvin C. York were praised by several foreign countries and he was awarded the Medal of Honor.