![]() ![]() troops who distinguish themselves by heroic or meritorious achievement or service.Īccording to military records at Fort Knox, nearly 400,000 Bronze Stars were awarded during World War II and more than 700,000 for the Vietnam War. Smoyer wore the medal proudly Wednesday, pinned to his jacket. a famed tanker who once directed and took part in an intense 23 minute tank battle against Iraqs Revolutionary Guard. Nearly 75 years later, the Army decided to excuse his violation of the non-fraternization policy and awarded him the Bronze Star. Yet he came away from the conflict with a Bronze Star for Combat Valor. Smoyer forfeited his eligibility for a medal of valor after being seen speaking with German children who asked for bubblegum. Though known as “the hero of Cologne,” Mr. “Gentlemen,” he said his commanding officer told the troops, “let’s knock the hell out of them.” On Wednesday, he spoke about his general’s orders upon arriving into Cologne in 1945. ![]() Smoyer is credited with destroying five German tanks during his service. The opening allowed American troops to overtake a key bridge over the Rhine River during the Allies’ push toward Berlin. Smoyer - as the gunner - knocked out a Nazi super-tank beneath the Cologne Cathedral. In urban combat on March 6, 1945, in Cologne, Germany, Mr. ![]()
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