Robert Kosinsky

Robert Kosinsky was one of the soldiers who befriended Alvin York after they entered training with the 82nd Division. He respected Alvin's open faith and became part of a close group of men from very different backgrounds. In France, Robert endured sniper fire, artillery, and the mounting fear of combat beside his friends. As the unit entered the Argonne Forest, he admitted that he was afraid. Alvin prayed with him that God's will, rather than their own, would be done. Moments later, an explosion killed Robert. His death devastated Alvin and strengthened his determination to help end the war's needless dying. Robert's honest fear and companionship represent the ordinary soldiers whose loss shaped Alvin's courage far more deeply than medals or public praise ever could.