98-Year-Old Georgia Veteran Airman Receives Prisoner of War Medal

Senator Perdue’s Office Helps Veteran Get Long-Overdue Award

Lieutenant Colonel Crawford Hicks, a B-17 pilot and surviving prisoner of war (POW), on Saturday was presented with the Department of Defense’s POW medal for his service during World War II. Former Air Force Chief of Staff General Norton Schwartz presented the medal during an Air Force birthday celebration at the Museum of Aviation in Warner Robins, Georgia. Hicks received the medal as a result of ongoing efforts by the Office of U.S. Senator David Perdue (R-GA).

Hicks was born on February 21, 1921, and enlisted in the Army Air Corps in 1942. He served in WWII and his B-17 was shot down over Germany in 1944. He was held as a prisoner of war for almost a year until the camp where he was being held was liberated in April 1945. He retired in 1966 after serving for more than two decades.

“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 county. Our servicemembers 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.”

“I was thrilled to receive this medal,” said Lt. Col. Crawford Hicks. “This was the first medal that was ever presented to me; I’ve never had one pinned on before. I am very appreciative.”