Major-General Robert Lee Bullard saw far more actual fighting than many
of his colleagues in the old regular Army establishment. He led the
First Division in France and later received the honor of being put in
command of the Second Army Corps, many of his troops distinguishing
themselves at Château-Thierry.]
Then the French, to whom valor is a thing of divine sanctity, awarded
him that enviable soldier’s treasure, the Croix de Guerre, and in
presenting it to him Marshal Foch, who knows right well what brave
deeds are, told him that his was the greatest act of bravery and
presence of mind under great stress performed by any soldier of the
Allied Armies. Add to this that badge of nobility, the Congressional
Medal of Honor.
But with the two crosses on his breast and the medal in prospect,
Sergeant York had a light in his eyes and a hesitant smile on his lips
when he spoke of a Tennessee girl, “the prettiest in the state,” that
rather suggested the idea that in his opinion his proudest distinction
would be when Miss Grace Williams became Mrs. Alvin York.
“I FEEL A HEAP STRONGER SPIRITUALLY”
And what could he say to the Church of Christ and Christian Union
Pastor and members waiting to welcome him home to Pall Mall and into
renewed fellowship? Probably what he said to the reporter who asked
him a leading question. When he was drafted he had no real idea what
the fighting was about. “But when I got to camp,” he said, “and my
officers told me we were fighting for democracy and peace on earth and
for the protection of the small nations, then I knew it was no sin to
kill. In fact, I feel a heap stronger spiritually than before I went
over to fight. No man could go through what I did without the help of
God. I feel He gave us our great victory because we were in the right.
At a reception given York by the Tennessee Society of New York, Major
General Duncan, who commanded the 82d Division, said this:
“It is a unique distinction for me to have on one side of me the
Admiral who safely conducted all of our troops overseas and on the
other side one of the most distinguished soldiers the world has ever
produced. His deeds are of the character that will go down in history
for our boys and girls to read of and admire.
“York was awarded his medals for having been the leader of a small
party which brought in a large number of prisoners after he had killed
twenty-five. When I heard of his feat I ordered a full investigation,
which resulted in the award of the Congressional Medal. I am happy to
see your society doing honor to a man who so thoroughly deserves it.
“I hope your unprecedented policy of banqueting a non-commissioned
officer will be forever followed and honor done to the man who carries
the gun—the man who goes over the top.”