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).
 
“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.”
 
“On behalf of the Georgia Council of Chapters of the Military Officers Association of America, I am proud to salute Lt. Col. Hicks as a true American Patriot,” said 1LT Don Nau, President of the Georgia Council of Chapters of the Military Officers Association of America. “In making the ceremony possible, a special acknowledgement goes out to U.S. Senator David Perdue and his entire team for making the presentation of this well-deserved award a reality.”
 
“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. “I appreciate the extra effort Senator Perdue and his staff put forth to honor one of America’s heroes, 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.
 
Upon learning that Hicks had not received his POW medal, Senator Perdue’s office contacted the Air Force on Hicks’ behalf and provided documentation to justify his eligibility.