In a humble recognition of valorous service, Oklahoma has bestowed the Oklahoma Cross of Valor to native son Richard D. Lawrence. The ceremony, held at the state Capitol on Monday, was a tipping of the hat to a man whose wartime bravery has long echoed through the halls of his community. Lawrence, a former prisoner of war and decorated serviceman, was honored for his enduring spirit and contributions both in uniform and on his home soil of Wakita, as reported by the Oklahoma House of Representatives.
Lawmakers, including Reps. Ty Burns, R-Pawnee, and Collin Duel, R-Guthrie, didn't hesitate to loudly sing the praises of Lawrence. "Mr. Lawrence is an American hero and just the best kind of person," they said in a joint statement released by the Oklahoma House. Their words reflect a legacy not merely to be archived in the annals of history, but truly lived by a man who continues to influence his surroundings. This acknowledgement aligns firmly with a life dedicated to service – both on a battlefield abroad and a farm field at home.
Lawrence's wartime experiences are nothing short of harrowing. As a flight maintenance gunner and B-17 bomber ball turret gunner, he played a crucial role in the harrowing skies over Hungary during World War II. Captured after his aircraft was downed in 1944, he faced imprisonment and inhumane conditions that would break many. Yet, his storied 500-mile march as a POW, bereft of provisions, is where his resilience truly shone. In this time of suffering, Lawrence emerged as a steadfast leader and support to his fellow captives, according to the citation highlighted during the ceremony.
The Cross of Valor is more than a medal—it’s a testament to a spirit that refused to be extinguished. Lawrence’s strength, resilience, and refusal to surrender to the enemy were cited as attributes that not only exemplify the finest qualities of duty and patriotism but also ones that he carried into a peacetime life of service in his local community. After the war, he seamlessly transitioned to working the land, producing wheat and raising cattle, and never stopped actively participating in the fabric of Wakita’s society, even serving as an elder at local churches for over six decades.
Among the dignitaries present to honor Lawrence were Governor Kevin Stitt, Oklahoma Secretary of Military and Veterans Affairs John Nash, and Senators Roland Pederson, R-Burlington, and Brenda Stanley, R-Midwest City.
