Fast Facts: American Heroes of World War I

Leaders and Legends

• Main Commander: General John J. Pershing led U.S. forces.
• Training Rule: Pershing insisted troops be fully trained.
• Brigade Leader: Lawrence Tyson commanded the 59th Brigade.
• Major Victory: The 59th Brigade broke the Hindenburg Line.
• Famous Soldier: Alvin C. York captured 132 German prisoners.

At a Glance

• Pershing kept American troops together under U.S. leadership.
• The 59th Brigade earned nine Medals of Honor.
• York overcame doubts about fighting due to his faith.
• York stopped machine guns and forced a German surrender.
• York received the Medal of Honor for his bravery.

General John J. Pershing

One of the most important American leaders during World War I was General John J. Pershing. He commanded nearly two million American soldiers in Europe. When other Allied leaders wanted to divide American troops among their own armies, Pershing refused. He believed American forces should fight together under American leadership. He also insisted that U.S. troops should not go into battle until they were fully trained, a decision that saved many lives.

Lawrence Tyson and the 59th Brigade

Another important figure was Lawrence Tyson, a brigadier general from Tennessee. He led the 59th Brigade, part of the 30th Infantry Division. His troops were among the first Americans to arrive in France and later among the first to enter Belgium. The 59th Brigade became famous for breaking through the Hindenburg Line, one of Germany’s strongest defenses. For their courage, the brigade earned nine Medals of Honor.

Alvin C. York’s Heroic Actions

One of the most famous American heroes was Alvin C. York, also from Tennessee. York was drafted into the army, but at first he struggled with the idea of fighting because of his religious beliefs. After taking time to think, he decided he would serve and do his duty. During a mission behind German lines, York and his group came under heavy machine-gun fire. When several Americans were killed or wounded, York found himself in charge of the remaining soldiers.

York Captures 132 Prisoners

York ordered his men to guard the prisoners they had captured while he moved forward alone to stop the machine guns. Six German soldiers charged at him, but York fought them off and continued up the ridge. His bravery caused a German officer to surrender, and York ended up capturing 132 German prisoners. His actions helped the Americans take control of an important railroad and weakened the German position.

Honors and Recognition

For his heroism, York was promoted and awarded the Medal of Honor, the highest award a soldier can receive. He later earned many other decorations and often said that a higher power had guided and protected him during the battle.