By Thomas Brading, Army News Service
WASHINGTON -- One of the most celebrated World War II tank gunners received the bronze star Wednesday, during a surprise award ceremony 74-years in the making. Clarence Smoyer, 96-year-old former 3rd Armored Division tank gunner, never bragged about the five tanks he destroyed in the war, including an infamous Nazi tank he leveled during a dramatic duel in war-torn Cologne, Germany. He didn't ask for anything, either. To Smoyer, he was just doing his job to protect the men he considers family. DUEL AT THE CATHEDRAL
Want to get more connected to the great stories and resources Connecting Vets has to offer? Click here to sign up for our weekly newsletter.
