Alvin York (Gary Cooper) is a poor young Tennessee hillbilly and exceptional marksman, but initially a ne'er-do-well prone to drinking and fighting. His patient mother (Margaret Wycherly) endures these hardships until he meets Gracie Williams (Joan Leslie), which inspires him to change and work hard to become a good provider. After being struck by lightning during a rainstorm, York undergoes a religious awakening and vows never to get angry at anyone again. With World War I underway, York attempts to avoid induction into the Army as a conscientious objector due to his religious beliefs. However, his request is denied since his church lacks official standing, and he is drafted. During basic training at Camp Gordon, his superiors recognize his exceptional marksmanship and promote him to corporal. Still conflicted about military service and killing, York receives support and guidance from Major Buxton (Stanley Ridges), who encourages him to reflect on his duty. After a period of introspection, York ultimately decides to serve his country, leaving his unresolved questions in God's hands. York's unit is sent to Europe, where they participate in the Meuse-Argonne Offensive on October 8, 1918. Caught under deadly machine gun fire, York finds himself the last uninjured non-commissioned officer and takes command. Using his marksmanship and strategic cunning, he flanks a German position, leading to the surrender of the enemy soldiers. York and his small group of survivors capture 132 prisoners, making him a national hero and earning the Medal of Honor. When asked why he acted so heroically, York explains that he was trying to save the lives of his men. After a celebratory return to Tennessee, his fellow citizens reward York with the bottomland farm he had always wanted and a new house. Cast: - Gary Cooper as Alvin York - Walter Brennan as Pastor Rosier Pile - Joan Leslie as Gracie Williams - George Tobias as "Pusher" Ross - Stanley Ridges as Major Buxton - Margaret Wycherly as Mother York - Ward Bond as Ike Botkin - Noah Beery Jr. as Buck Lipscomb - June Lockhart as Rosie York - Dickie Moore as George York - Clem Bevans as Zeke - Howard Da Silva as Lem - Charles Trowbridge as Cordell Hull - Harvey Stephens as Captain Danforth - David Bruce as Bert Thomas - Carl Esmond as German Major - Joe Sawyer as Sergeant Early - Pat Flaherty as Sergeant Harry Parsons - Robert Porterfield as Zeb Andrews - Erville Alderson as Nate Tomkins Runtime: 134 minutes.