Americana: Hot-Shot Prize

And now there is an award for maiming or killing your assailant: the Courageous Citizens Award offered by the Federation of Greater New York Rifle and Pistol Clubs. The first three intended recipients—New York merchants who had killed three bandits —declined their commemorative plaques and $200 prizes. The federation's president, Gerald Preiser, tried to donate the money to the city's Patrolmen's Benevolent Association, but it too refused. Last week a New York janitor who wounded his assailant became the award's first winner. "I protect my life," he said, as the flashbulbs popped and the TV cameras whirred.

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