US tank crew receives medals for valor 74 years after gripping duel
WASHINGTON — The German Panther tank lay in ambush in the debris-filled streets of Cologne in the waning days of World War II, an American tank in its sights just 70 yards away.As the Americans rolled forward in challenge, Cpl. Clarence Smoyer, the tank’s gunner, spotted the enemy’s gun barrel pointed his way the instant before he pulled the trigger.The shell slammed into the German tank, followed by two more quick rounds in a remarkable one-on-one battle that was […]
