OKLAHOMA CITY – Richard D. Lawrence, of Wakita, was awarded the Oklahoma Cross of Valor on Monday in a ceremony at the Oklahoma State Capitol.

Issuing a citation in his honor were Reps. Ty Burns, R-Pawnee, and Collin Duel, R-Guthrie, chair and vice chair of the Legislative Veterans Caucus, and David Smith, R-Arpelar, a member of the caucus and chair of the House Veteran and Military Affairs Committee.

"Mr. Lawrence is an American hero and just the best kind of person," the three lawmakers said in a joint statement. "Not only did he serve his country honorably, but he displayed the utmost courage and resilience as a prisoner of war. Then he came home and served his community and his family. We are ever grateful for his sacrifice on behalf of keeping our nation free and our citizens safe. He's deserving of this distinction and our gratitude."

Lawrence was a prisoner of war from June 27, 1944, through May 2, 1945, while serving with the 2518th Army Air Force Base Unit in the European Theater, Hungary.

As a flight maintenance gunner and B-17 bomber ball turret gunner, Lawrence was a vital member of the crew aboard a B-17 Flying Fortress. During a mission over Hungary, the aircraft was struck by a direct hit, forcing all crew members to bail out. While Lawrence and his fellow airmen parachuted to safety, after landing, he unfortunately was captured by enemy forces.

Throughout his captivity, Lawrence endured harsh and inhumane conditions, including a grueling march of more than 500 miles without provisions. Even in the face of such extreme adversity, Lawrence was noted for consistently providing leadership and support to his fellow POWs, never losing hope for their eventual liberation.

The citation notes his strength, resilience and refusal to surrender to the enemy as exemplifying the highest ideals of duty and patriotism.

"Through his unwavering determination and exemplary conduct as a prisoner of war, Richard D. Lawrence has earned the deepest respect and admiration, embodying the finest traditions of the United States Armed Forces and the state of Oklahoma," the citation reads.

After returning from military service, Lawrence resumed work on his family farm in Wakita, dedicating his life to wheat and cattle farming. he continues to manage the farm, clearing fields from the seat of his Polaris.

He's been deeply involved in his community, serving on the boards of the Farmers' Cooperative of Wakita, the Wakita School Board and as a longtime director of Citizens Bank of Wakita. His dedication to agriculture was honored with the title of Oklahoma Farmer of the Year at the Oklahoma State Fair. He also served over 60 years as an elder at both Fairview Christian Church and Wakita Christian Church. He played golf into his early 90s with the same group of friends.

Also present at the ceremony was Gov. Kevin Stitt, Oklahoma Secretary of Military and Veterans Affairs John Nash, and Sens. Roland Pederson, R-Burlington, and Brenda Stanley, R-Midwest City.