- Tried to enlist in the army the day after the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor. But was rejected because he was considered an enemy alien.
- In December of 1942 he was able to join the 81st Infantry Division.
- Was captured and tortured by the Gestapo. While posing as French technician.
- As of 2012 he is living in West Virginia.
- Was nominated for Congressional Medal of Honor on September 17, 1945. His nomination was because of the damage he did to the German war effort. And for knowingly and willingly risking his life almost daily for months. To gather intelligence of great value to the United States. He wore disguises so he could mix in with German soldiers. And even draw pay and rations.
- While in German hands. Mayer actually convinced a top Nazi to surrender Innsbruck, Austria. And all the German forces in the area.
- His left Germany in 1938. Just before Germany invaded Austria.
- The War Department rejected his nomination for the Medal of Honor. He was recommended for the Legion of Merit instead. This was wrong. The Legion of Merit can be won by civilians. Not for the kind of valor shown by Mayer.
- He became an Airborne Ranger. But even that wasn't what he was looking for. Because he spoke German and French, he was recruited into the OSS.
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