Tennesseans at war

The first European to travel through what would become Tennessee was Hernando de Soto in 1540. Tennessee played a key roll in the defeat of the British during the Revolutionary War when a thousand volunteers crossed the Smoky Mountains to fight at King's Mountain, South Carolina. Tennesseans volunteered again to marched to New Orleans to save it from the British in 1815. Later during the Texas Revolution in 1836, several noted Tennesseans, David Crockett and Sam Houston, stood with Texans at the Alamo. During the Civil War, Tennessee provided more troops that any state, both North and South. Some of the most costly battles in terms of the human toll were fought in Tennessee. Tennessee hosted the most military engagements during the Civil War than another state west of the Appalachian Mountains. The First Regiment of Tennessee was the most decorated state unit during the Spanish-American War.

During the 20th Century, a Tennessean became the most decorated soldier of World War I. Alvin York was awarded The Congressional Medal of Honor and the Distinguished Service Cross which require extreme circumstances of gallantry, courage and sacrifice. York was honored for gallantry by France, Italy and Montenegro. During World War II and beyond, Tennesseans served in distinction and with gallantry. In 1941 during the "Tennessee Maneuvers," George S Patton led troops in one of the largest training maneuvers held on U.S. soil in the 20th Century. Tennesseans are serving in Afghanistan, Kuwait and on the Great Horn of Africa.

All states are represented by their brave men and women who left their homes to fight in combat. All Americans owe a debt of gratitude to those who served. Tennessee is singular in that it is my home.