On October 8, 1918, Alvin York and sixteen other American soldiers, comprising the York Patrol of this book’s title, ventured behind German lines in France’s Argonne Forest. Eleven survived. Sergeant Alvin York, of Pall Mall in Tennessee’s Appalachian Mountains, killed two dozen German soldiers and captured 132 along with 35 machine gun nests. This book, unlike the many others dealing with Sergeant York, emphasizes York as a member of this patrol and the larger expeditionary force, thirteen of whom received Medals of Honor. This book provides fascinating details about both his comrades and about York himself. It gives the most attention to Alvin York, providing a balanced view that considers the claims of his critics, unlike many previous treatments. "Alvin York's story has never been told better. With riveting detail and fast-paced drama, The York Patrol is a must read." -- Mitchell Yockelson. “James Carl Nelson offers a well-crafted account of the exploit that earned York the Medal of Honor, while also crediting the other men—unjustly forgotten—who also performed deeds of valor alongside him that day. An important and exciting book." -- Edward G. Lengel. This is the fourth book on World War I by James Carl Nelson. Formerly a staff writer for the Miami Herald, he now lives in Minneapolis.
New York: William Morrow/HarperCollins, 2021. 269 pages with an Index, Maps, Bibliography, Sources, and photos. Hardback in dust jacket.