Macias

Intro:	A U.S. soldier admits he nearly shot a future president during a world war. Now, he's getting a medal from France. Amanda Macias has more from Jefferson City.
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OutCue:	SOC

Wrap: 86 year old Gilbert Pritzel (PRITZ-UL) shared stories from his service in WW2 after recieving the French Legion of Honor, France's highest award.

Pritzel spoke of a time when he almost shot former President Dwight Eisenhower because he mistaked him for a German sneaking around camp.

Actuality:	AWARD5.WAV
Run Time:	00:11
Description: "When he came around the front of the truck I stuck that gun barrel in his belly and he gave me that password real quick. (laughs) "And it was Eisenhower."

Five bronze stars and sixty six years later Gilbert Pritzel received his award from Missouri Governor Jay Nixon.

Nixon arranged a ceremony to honor Pritzel after he was contacted by the French Consulate General in Chicago.

From Jefferson City, I'm Amanda Macias

Intro:	Sixty six years after his military service a Missouri resident is recognized with France's highest award for his service in WW2. Amanda Macias has more from Jefferson City.
RunTime:	0:45
OutCue:	SOC

Wrap: Before he could drink or vote Missouri native Gilbert Pritzel began his military career fighting in WW2.

Governor Nixon presented Pritzel with the Legion of Honor, France's highest award, sixty six years after his service.

Actuality:	AWARD7.WAV
Run Time:	00:14
Description: "Five bronze stars in combat in amerid countries at a very young age is astonding courage and leadership. And all of us in the Show Me state are very very proud to have you as a fellow Missourian."

Nixon was contacted by the French consulate in Chicago about Pritzel's award and thus made arrangements to honor him.

Happy to share stories from his service time. Pritzel explained how he once nearly shot a suspicious President Eisenhower who was sneaking around the camp.

From Jefferson City, I'm Amanda Macias

Intro:	France's highest honor is awarded to mid Missouri native for his service in WW2 sixty six years ago who admits nearly shot a man who would become president. Amanda Macias has more from Jefferson City.
RunTime:	0:43
OutCue:	SOC

Wrap: He arrived for combat at the age of 18 and now the recipient of the highest award from France at the age of 86, Gilbert Pritzel was not forgotten.

Governor Nixon presented Pritzel with the French Legion of Honor award after sharing of his heroric actions.

Actuality:	AWARD2.WAV
Run Time:	00:13
Description: "Five bronze stars in combat for that entire period. Leading, fighting and succeeding to keep us free. Mr. Pritzel as Governor I want you to know that all of Missouri shares your pride in this great honor."

Pritzel recieved the award in his native Missouri after Governor Nixon was contacted by the French consulate in Chicago.

After awarded, Pritzel shared of when he nearly shot a roaming President Eisenhower around camp.

From Jefferson City, I'm Amanda Macias.