![]() ![]() Makos has spent the last six years getting to know Smoyer, describing the veteran as an “adopted grandfather.”ĭuring the years, Makos learned about the famous battle by studying the remarkably clear footage taken by war photographers. “The younger generations are not too aware of the sacrifices that went on in that war, and so, storytelling and telling the stories of these veterans, for me, it was about righting a wrong,” author Makos says. Now, thanks to Makos’ book, Smoyer’s story can be shared for generations to come. He never told his friends he was a celebrated tank gunner and never bragged to his neighbors that he was called "The Hero of Cologne." Smoyer, who is now 95, is proud, but modest. "Well, I dunno I’m proud of it, I guess,” says Smoyer. In one photograph, the then 21-year-old Smoyer is captured, shortly after pulling the trigger of his tank's gun, which led to the U.S.’ victory in the Battle of Cologne in 1945. ![]() The book highlights the story of Clarence Smoyer. Only 3 percent of the nation's World War II veterans are still alive, making this a critical time to document stories that deserve to be told.Īuthor Adam Makos saw the importance in telling the stories of war heroes, and now, his book “Spearhead” is a New York Time’s best seller.
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