Legionnaire and World War II ‘Hero of Cologne’ awarded Bronze Star
Legionnaire and World War II ‘Hero of Cologne’ awarded Bronze Star
Nearly 75 years after his heroic actions destroyed a German Panther tank, World War II U.S. Army gunner Cpl. Clarence Smoyer was awarded the Bronze Star Medal with “V” device in a Sept. 18 ceremony commemorating his bravery during the Battle of Cologne.
The ceremony, held at the National World War II Memorial in Washington, D.C., was a surprise for Smoyer who is a 58-year member of The American Legion from Pennsylvania. The day was arranged by Sen. Pat Toomey, R-Penn., and author Adam Makos, whose book “Spearhead” details the actions of Smoyer and his tank – named “Eagle” – during the Battle of Cologne. Makos brought Smoyer to Washington under the pretense of a book signing at the Pentagon. #WWIIHero
#BronzeStarMedalVDevice