In which offensive did Alvin York earn the Medal of Honor?

• A. Battle of Verdun
• B. Battle of the Somme
• C. Meuse-Argonne Offensive
• D. Battle of Jutland

Answer: (C)

During World War I, the Meuse-Argonne Offensive was the big Allied push in France in 1918. Alvin York earned the Medal of Honor for his actions in this offensive. As a corporal in the 328th Infantry, 82nd Division, York and a small group overran a German machine-gun nest and then captured a large number of prisoners, killing 28 enemy soldiers and taking 132 prisoners in the process. His bravery and leadership under heavy fire helped the American assault push through German defenses and contributed to the momentum that led to the end of the war. The other options refer to battles that happened earlier or in a different theater—Verdun and the Somme were major 1916 battles not tied to York’s Medal of Honor action, and Jutland was a naval battle—so the Meuse-Argonne Offensive is the correct context for this honor.