Sergeant York

Sergeant York (1941)

Sergeant York is a 1941 biographical war movie directed by Howard Hawks that chronicles the life of Sergeant Alvin York from 1915 to 1919. In the film, York (portrayed by Gary Cooper) struggles between his religious convictions and fighting for his country. York is a simple backwoods farm boy from Pall Mall, Tennessee, when he is thrown into the First World War. Taking the bull by the horns, he leads his men during a battle in which he captures 132 German soldiers during the Battle of Argonne and his actions would lead him to become a recipient of the Medal of Honor.

Actors: Gary Cooper, Walter Brennan, Joan Leslie, George Tobias, Stanley Ridges, Dickie Moore, Noah Beery Jr., Ward Bond, Joe Sawyer, Pat Flaherty

Directors: Howard Hawks

The following weapons were used in the film Sergeant York:

Colt Single Action Army 7 1/2" Barrel Revolver

During his early years, York is seen firing a Colt Single Action Army.

Colt Single Action Army 7 1/2" Barrel - .45 LC

Alvin York (Gary Cooper) firing a Colt Single Action Army.

Kentucky Rifle

George York (Dickie Moore) carrying a Kentucky Percussion Rifle during Alvin's early years.

Kentucky Rifle

George York (Dickie Moore) carrying a Kentucky Rifle.

The rifle is revealed to be a percussion version.

York during the competition.

Second view of the rifle during the competition.

1873 Trapdoor Springfield

1873 Springfield Trapdoor Rifle mocked up to resemble a Kentucky Rifle is also seen.

1873 Springfield Trapdoor Rifle - .45-70

1873 Springfield Trapdoor Rifle mocked up to look like a Kentucky Rifle

1903 Springfield Rifle

Throughout the film, York is seen using the M1903 Springfield, which was the standard issue rifle of US forces during WWI. However, in reality, York was issued an 1917 Enfield rifle.

1903 Springfield Rifle - .30-06

New 1903 Springfield Rifle covered in Cosmoline being issued.

York reloading his rifle during the climactic battle.

Sgt. Alvin York (Gary Cooper) receiving a new 1903 Springfield Rifle covered in Cosmoline

Sgt. York cleaning his 1903 Springfield Rifle

York qualifying with a 1903 Springfield Rifle

US soldiers charging from the trenches with 1903 Springfield Rifle.

Sgt. York firing a 1903 Springfield Rifle.

Maxim MG08 Machine Gun

German forces are armed with the Maxim MG08 machine gun.

Maxim MG08 Machine Gun - 7.92 x 57mm

German soldier behind a pair of Maxim MG08 Machine Guns.

German soldiers firing a pair of Maxim MG08 Machine Guns from bunker.

German soldiers firing Maxim MG08 Machine Gun from trench.

Rear view of the Maxim and it's 'sledge' mount. Note that eventhough York (on the left) has clear access to the fully loaded MG he still uses his rifle to attack the Germans.

Mauser Gewehr 1898 Rifle

German soldiers also carry Mauser Gew 98 Rifles.

Mauser Gewhr 1898 Rifle - 7.92 x 57mm

German soldiers carrying Mauser Gew 98 Rifles

German soldiers firing Mauser Gew 98 Rifles from trench

Colt 1911 Pistol

The Colt M1911 is carried by by Sergeant Early (Joe Sawyer) and Sgt Harry Parsons (Pat Flaherty)

Colt 1911 Pistol - .45 ACP

Sergeant Early (Joe Sawyer) and Sgt Harry Parsons (Pat Flaherty) both holding Colt 1911 Pistols.

Luger P08 Pistol

Originally, Sgt. Alvin York used his M1911 sidearm while taking cover in a crater, gunned down six Germans with his M1911 pistol, firing back to front like he hunted turkeys but M1911 Pistols were difficult to covert to blanks at the time of filming so they simply had Cooper liberate Luger P08 off of a dead German soldier. Cooper having met York initially refused to shoot the scene with the Luger, but was told because of timing they needed to shoot the scene with the weapon, and was promised they'd re-shoot the scene with the M1911, but this never happened.