WAKITA, OK - 102 year old WWII Army Air Corps B-17 Ball Turret Gunner received the Oklahoma Cross of Valor from Governor Kevin Stitt.
The Oklahoma Cross of Valor is awarded to individuals who served in the U.S. Armed Forces during World War II, the Korean Conflict, the Vietnam Conflict, or other periods of war, campaign, or battle in which the United States participated. Eligible recipients must have been officially listed as a captive by the enemy and honorably discharged from military service.
Mr. Richard D. Lawrence, after returning from military service, RD immediately resumed work on the family farm in Wakita, Oklahoma, dedicating his life to wheat and cattle farming. A proud steward of the land, he continues to live and manage the farm, recently keeping busy clearing fields from the seat of his Polaris.
RD was 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.
A man of faith, he served over 60 years as an Elder at both Fairview Christian Church and Wakita Christian Church. In retirement, RD took up golfing and played daily into his early 90s—always with the same group of friends, and more often than not, he came home the winner.
Photo from Elaine Johns.
