During World War I, machine gunners played a crucial role in the trenches. Their weapons, capable of firing hundreds of rounds per minute, could lay down a field of fire that made it nearly impossible for enemy soldiers to advance.

One notable story is that of a machine gunner named Sgt. Alvin York, an American soldier. York became famous for his actions on October 7, 1918, during the Meuse-Argonne Offensive. Armed with a .30-caliber M1917 Browning machine gun, York and his unit were tasked with capturing a German machine gun nest.

When York's unit came under heavy fire, he single-handedly took out the German position, capturing 132 soldiers and killing 32. His actions were pivotal in helping the Allies win the war.