During the beginning days of his service, York had a crisis of conscience between being a pacifist and a soldier in the 82nd Infantry Regiment. To alleviate York's concerns, his commanding officer cited various Biblical passages that seemed to justify violence under certain circumstances.
Of all the days of his service, October 8, 1918 proved the most famous as it was on that day, his actions earned him the Medal of Honor. York showed almost unparalleled bravery during the war.
