Posted on 06/05/2014 5:47:30 AM PDT by Cincinatus' Wife
They were both sergeants. Neither liked war, one being a pacifist. But both served, one in Afghanistan, the other in World War I.
Yet Bowe Bergdahl and Alvin York could not possibly be more different. And that difference speaks directly to a difference in character that wound up having a decided effect on each man’s comrades in arms. A difference in character that former Army Lt. Col. Ralph Peters nails exactly in a superb piece in National Review. But first — Sergeant York.
Not many people mention Sergeant Alvin York these days. But they should. In fact, as the tenth anniversary of the death of former President Reagan is remembered, it is notable that the riderless horse prancing behind Reagan’s flag-draped casket was named “Sergeant York.”
[SNIP]
.....Alvin York’s valorous efforts that day astonished everyone around him. When York and his six surviving comrades arrived back at their battalion, the commanding officer was incredulous, saying: “Well York, looks like you captured the whole damned German Army.” Asked how many prisoners he had, York replied: “I don’t rightly know.” A count was taken and the answer was 128 soldiers and 4 commissioned officers — 132 prisoners. Another quick count was taken. There were between 20-25 dead Germans taken out by York and his comrades, with his personal deadly aim credited for 9 of them.
Very shortly thereafter Corporal York was promoted to Sergeant York and awarded the Distinguished Service Cross. An investigation into his actions was conducted. On December 31, 1919, another award was issued. General of the Army John “Black Jack” Pershing personally awarded York the Medal of Honor. The citation reads:.......
(Excerpt) Read more at spectator.org ...
He’s no Audie Murphy either.
He is portrayed as sensitive and enlightened —sickened by war, and therefor more noble. Contrasted to York, another sensitive guy with little like for war, York does his duty and this slime ball deserts.
Even if he would have claimed new found contentious objector status, took the heat, went through that fought process, he would not be viewed as low as he became. Violated his oath, walked out, collaborated, and then promoted to hide his failed character. A true progressive youth.
“This is a fundamental culture clash. Team Obama and its base cannot comprehend the values still cherished by those young Americans “so dumb” they joined the Army instead of going to prep school and then to Harvard.”
Great post! Thank you.
JT
You do not have to imagine what Eisenhower would do. Eisenhower ordered the execution of Eddie Slovak for desertion in 1944.
That is probably what Eisenhower would do today.
The perfect comparason to Bergdahl IMO would be General Benedict Arnold.
Both betrayed their country and their fellow soldiers.
As a retired Navy sailor, he needs to take a long walk out on the deck to about frame 400, i.e. over the side.
That what I heard as well. The quickly promoted him to Spec. 4 and then to Sergeant, a staff as well.
Alvin York could have just deserted over to the enemy and help kill Americans and he would have been promoted to Sergeant just like the traitor Bowe Bergdahl did......
Promoted twice mind you while helping the enemy.
I think you captured the Liberal view of what the military should be.
bkmk
I watched the movie for the first time not long ago and loved it.
Bergdahl shouldn’t be in Leavenworth; Bergdahl should be dancing the Tyburn Jig.
I agree.
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