Legionnaire and World War II ‘Hero of Cologne’ awarded Bronze Star

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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.
 
 
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The LEGION Act (Let Everyone Get Involved In Opportunities for National Service Act) also opens the door for approximately 6 million veterans

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In a significant legislative victory for The American Legion, President Trump signed a bill July 30 that declares the United States has been in a state of war since Dec. 7, 1941.

The American Legion sought the declaration as a way to honor approximately 1,600 U.S. service LegionActmembers who were killed or wounded during previously undeclared periods of war.

The LEGION Act (Let Everyone Get Involved In Opportunities for National Service Act) also opens the door for approximately 6 million veterans to access American Legion programs and benefits for which they previously had not been eligible.

“Recognizing the service of these wartime veterans is the right thing do and it is long overdue,” National Commander Brett Reistad said. “The families of those who were killed or wounded during these wartime acts should take pride in knowing that we recognize their sacrifice and service. Moreover, we are proud to welcome any of the six million living veterans from the previously unrecognized periods into our organization and call them ‘Legionnaires.’”

Now that the legislation has been signed, The American Legion’s eligibility criteria immediately changes from seven war eras to two: April 6, 1917, to Nov. 11, 1918, and Dec. 7, 1941 to a time later determined by the federal government. No other restrictions to American Legion membership are changed.

https://www.legion.org/membership/246557/legion-act-signed-law