What branch was Garand Thumb in?
The question “What branch was Garand Thumb in?” refers to the military service of a man named Garand Thumb, whose name has become synonymous with a legendary story of bravery and sacrifice. This article delves into the details of his service, highlighting the branch he belonged to and the remarkable events that unfolded during his time in the military.
Garand Thumb, whose real name was Alvin York, was an American soldier who served in the United States Army during World War I. Born on September 13, 1887, in Pall Mall, Tennessee, York was a farmer and a member of the Church of Christ before enlisting in the military. He was assigned to the 82nd Division, which was part of the 328th Infantry Regiment.
In the early hours of October 8, 1918, during the Meuse-Argonne Offensive, York and his fellow soldiers were faced with a formidable German machine gun nest. The intense fire from the enemy’s position threatened to halt the American advance. It was in this critical moment that York took action, which would later earn him the Congressional Medal of Honor.
What made York’s bravery even more remarkable was that he was not a trained sharpshooter or a soldier with specialized combat skills. He was a private first class, and his actions during the battle were nothing short of extraordinary. York managed to single-handedly take out the German machine gun nest, capturing 132 German soldiers and saving countless American lives in the process.
The question of what branch Garand Thumb was in becomes a significant part of his legacy. His service in the United States Army not only showcased his personal courage but also highlighted the importance of ordinary soldiers in the face of extraordinary circumstances. York’s story has been immortalized in literature, film, and popular culture, making him an enduring symbol of American heroism.
In conclusion, the answer to the question “What branch was Garand Thumb in?” is the United States Army. His actions during World War I have left an indelible mark on the annals of military history, and his bravery continues to inspire generations of Americans.
