Being called an “American hero,” a 98-year-old Georgia veteran Airman received a long-overdue Prisoner of War Medal this past weekend.
During an Air Force birthday celebration at the Museum of Aviation in Warner Robins Saturday, former Air Force Chief of Staff General Norton Schwartz presented Lieutenant Colonel Crawford Hicks with the Department of Defense’s POW medal for his service during World War II. Hicks, a B-17 pilot and surviving prisoner of war (POW), received the medal as a result of continued efforts by the Office of U.S. Senator David Perdue (R-GA) to honor the middle Georgia veteran.
“Lt. Col. Crawford Hicks is the definition of an American hero,” said Senator Perdue, a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee. “Like so many others in the Greatest Generation, Mr. Hicks answered the call of duty and fought valiantly to protect his country. Our service members have dedicated their time and abilities to uphold our way of life in America, and it is our duty to always honor their sacrifices. I am delighted that Lt. Col. Hicks has finally received this long-overdue recognition, and I thank Gen. Schwartz and the men and women of Robins Air Force Base for helping honor him.”
Hicks said he was “thrilled to receive the medal. “This was the first medal that was ever presented to me; I’ve never had one pinned on before. I am very appreciative,” said Lt. Col. Crawford Hicks. “
Hicks was born on February 21, 1921 and enlisted in the Army Air Corps in 1942. He served as an aircraft commander and squadron flight leader during WWII. In May 1944, Hicks’ B-17 was shot down over Germany. Hicks was then held as a prisoner of war at Stalag Luft III until his camp was liberated by General Patton in April 1945. Hicks retired from the military in 1966 after more than two decades of service.
“The Middle Georgia Chapter of the Military Officers Association of America is truly proud of Lt. Col. Hicks and very pleased that he was honored as a true American hero for service during WWII,” said Maj. (retired) Al Glover, President of the Middle Georgia Chapter of the Military Officers’ Association of America. “We are extremely grateful for the support and assistance of Senator Perdue and his team in making this presentation possible, especially at the 72nd anniversary of the United States Air Force at the Museum of Aviation.”
“Seeing Lt. Col. Hicks receive the POW medal at the Air Force’s 72nd birthday celebration is one of the highlights of my life,” said Col. (retired) Les Arent, the Middle Georgia Chapter of the Military Officers’ Association of America’s designated representative at the event.
