WWI MOH Sgt York & Forensics

[MrBern]

http://www.nytimes.com/2006/06/18/world/europe/18hero.html

"Now another battle is unfolding as rival researchers use global positioning systems and computer programs, old maps and military reports to try to establish the exact site of the fighting on that day 88 years ago. Their heated examinations do not challenge the essential heroism of Sergeant York, yet such scrutiny helps explain why it is hard to be a hero these days."

 

[Mojave Jack]

The stuff of myth, it may be true, but don't we need our heroes, too?

 

[MrBern]

The stuff of myth, it may be true, but don't we need our heroes, too?

We certainly do. But I suppose theyre trying to weed out the embellishments & the pretenders.

Actually, it reminds me of the forensic investigations of LittleBighorn. Interesting how Custer was once seen as a fallen hero, but now no longer holds the status of martyr.
Hmmm....funny this came to mind, I believe we are upon the anniversary.

 

[Feraud]

Thanks for posting the article MrBern. I read something similar and wanted to post it.
I am sure Alvin York did his duty with heroics and humanity.
What amazes me is the laziness of reporters from every era. Everyone wants their heroes and that is acceptable. The truth is always more exciting and stranger than fiction but the way in which our heroes are presented to us is very lacking. Why not do the legwork and write about real heroic stories? The stories are out there. Instead we get the embellished likes of Jessica Lynch or G.A. Custer, "Indian Fighter". Btw, Custer had a more interesting Civil War career than Frontier one. Our heroes appear to be the result of facts culled by ghost writers, editors, and creative consultants that give the public what they supposedly crave.
I think the public of any era appreciate average people in above average situations rather than a story intended to sell newspapers or a war.