West Des Moines man, 90, receives Congressional Gold Medal

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) - A 90-year-old West Des Moines man has traveled to the U.S. Capitol to receive the Congressional Gold Medal for his service in World War II.

John Tedore says he's pleased to be awarded the medal and that he had tears a couple of times thinking about it.

He was recognized this month alongside others from his unit known as the First Special Services Force, or the "Devil's Brigade."

The Des Moines Register (http://dmreg.co/1uWOCSN ) reports the unit has about 70 members still living from the original 1,800 soldiers. Around 40 traveled to Washington, D.C., with Tedore the only Iowa resident in attendance.

The award is the highest honor given by Congress to a civilian for their efforts in helping liberate Europe and end the war.

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Information from: The Des Moines Register, http://www.desmoinesregister.com