Hall of Honor Citations 2023

All citations begin with "(Full name) has been selected by the Board of Directors of the Oklahoma Military Heritage Foundation for membership in the Oklahoma Military Hall of Honor". 

MAY 2023

William Norman Parker 

Mr. Parker trained at Fort Sill, Oklahoma and was deployed to Europe to participate in the D-Day invasion. He is believed to be one of the first troops to land at Omaha Beach on June 6, 1944. His unit fought for 43 days before their first change of clothing and a shave. Upon returning from the war, Parker married Colleen, his wife of 73 years and pursued a life as a cowboy, carpenter and good citizen near Owasso. Mr. Parker is an Oklahoma Choctaw who demonstrated the Hall of Honor ethos of Spirit of a Warrior, Heart of a Patriot. Inducted May 25, 2023.

Robert C. Lovell
Upon turning 18, Judge Lovell enlisted in the Unites States Army immediately following the WWII Normandy Invasion. He trained as a communication specialist and machine gunner and was assigned to the 9th Armored Division. His Ninth Division stormed over the bridge at Remagen, fought the retreating Germans, liberated Allied prisoners, encircled Leipzig, and were in southern Czechoslovakia at the conclusion of the war in Europe. Using the GI Bill, Lovell graduated from the University of Tulsa in 1951 and the TU Law school in 1953. He then embarked on a legal career and community service in his hometown of Hennessey. Inducted May 29 (Memorial Day) 2023.

Harl B. Evans
Mr. Evans voluntarily enlisted in the Army Air Corps after graduating high school in 1942. He trained to be Flight Engineer-Gunner and was assigned to B-24 flight crews of the 93rd Bomber Group of the 8th Air Force. These crews were active from D-Day through the destruction of the Ploesti Oil Fields, to the end of the War. In late 1944, he parachuted from a damaged plane and was rescued by the French Underground. He was discharged in October 1945. Upon returning home, he became a veterinarian, ag teacher, bank lending officer and retired as a bank owner in Billings. Inducted May 29 (Memorial Day)

Charles E. Bray
Mr. Bray joined the Army in January 1943. His infantry unit entered Europe on D-Day 1944 and he fought through the Battle of the Bulge into Germany. In March 1945 he suffered five gunshot wounds, was awarded the Purple Heart, and was evacuated to hospitals in England and the United States. His unit never lost any ground and accomplished every mission given to them. Upon return to Oklahoma, he worked hard to raise a successful family of seven children. He believes his greatest accomplishment was learning to read at age 89 and being nationally celebrated for his determination. Inducted May 29 (Memorial Day) 2023.

Richard D. Lawrence
Mr. Lawrence is a lifelong resident of Wakita, OK and proud WWII veteran of the Army Air Corps. He served as a ball turret gunner on B-17 bomber aircraft. His crew bombed key bridges, the Ploesti oil fields, Hungarian railyards and German submarine pens. On his last mission he was forced to parachute from his damaged plane. He was captured by the Germans and imprisoned in Stalag Luft IV until liberation on May 2, 1945. He returned home to marry Joanne, his wife of over 70 years. He has been honored as an Oklahoma Farmer of the Year. Inducted May 29 (Memorial Day) 2023.

JUNE 2023

Malcolm “Mac” Crank
Mr. Malcolm Crank was a key founder of the Oklahoma Military Heritage Foundation. As a member of the Oklahoma Cherokee Tribe, he was inspired to create the unique Soldier/Indian medallion design and motto “Spirit of a Warrior, Heart of a Patriot” which has been an inspiration and guiding focus for the organization. Through the years, he produced the art for inductee profiles, as well as the honoree and ambassador certificates, guided by his talent and creative nature. Mac’s unique patriotism was obvious when he enlisted at age 20 in the U.S. Army receiving basic and advanced infantry training at Fort Polk, LA. When ranked at the top of his class and scheduled for enrollment in Officer Candidate School, Mac experienced health issues and eventually was honorably discharged from the military. Inducted June 13, 2023.

Dan Jones
He joined the United States Army in 1966 and was assigned to the Military Assistance Command, Vietnam (MACV) in 1968. Lt. Jones served as the Senior Advisor to the Intelligence and Reconnaissance Company, 52nd Regiment of the 18th ARVN Division. During that service he was awarded the Silver Star, Bronze Star (v), Air Medal (v), Purple Heart, and Combat Infantryman Badge. Upon discharge, he earned a doctorate in Psychology in 1989 and established a private practice in Oklahoma City. He then served his fellow veterans by establishing a Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder clinic at the Oklahoma City VA Medical Center. He served as the director for 25 years. Inducted June 13, 2023

OCTOBER 2023

Lanny Asepermy 

SGM Asepermy, a Comanche Nation Veteran and Oklahoma Military Hall of Fame Ambassador, has dedicated his life to the military, veterans, the Native American heritage, and his family. His accomplishments include the Code Talker Recognition Act for the Comanche, Kiowa, and Choctaw Nations, various Veterans monuments, historical documentation of Comanche Veterans WWII to present, and many others. SGM Asepermy, a true leader, coordinated a one-of-a-kind Color Guard with two tribal Color Guard groups complemented with drummers, singers, and tribal princesses signing and singing the National Anthem for the Oklahoma Military Hall of Fame Banquet & Induction Ceremony. SGM Asepermy truly exhibits the Hall of Honor ethos of Spirit of a Warrior, Heart of a Patriot. Inducted October 1, 2023.

Raymond Owen Kinzie
During WWII, Seaman First Class Raymond Owen Kinzie was assigned to the 35th United States Naval Construction Battalion (Seabees), as a heavy equipment operator. His work included extending existing runways to be used by B-29 long-range bombers for the highly anticipated Japanese invasion. His decorations include the Philippine Liberation Ribbon, the Asiatic Pacific Medal, and the World War II Victory Medal. Upon discharge he became a prominent farmer in Payne County from 1948-2005. He was a member of the Perkins School Board for nine years, a Founding Member of the Perkins Agricultural Cooperative, and a Payne County Cattleman’s Association Hall of Fame Honoree. The Oklahoma Military Hall of Honor is pleased to present this honor to former Seaman Kinzie during the celebration his 100th birthday!  Inducted October 21, 2023.

NOVEMBER 2023

Raymond Knapp
Colonel Knapp completed his distinguished 34-year career in the United States Air Force in 2010. He excelled in the management of complex systems that were mission critical and held special duty assignments for the Secretary of Defense, European Headquarters Command, and Czech Ministry of Defense. Colonel Knapp’s many decorations include the Legion of Merit, Defense Meritorious Medal and the Meritorious Service Medal with three Oak Leaf clusters. He followed his military service with distinguished volunteer service on behalf of fellow veterans by providing significant leadership at the Coffee Bunker in Tulsa, OK, and through Employer Support of the Guard and Reserves (ESGR) in Oklahoma. Inducted November 9, 2023.

Clifford Richard
Captain Richard served in the United States Army from 1964-1968. The bulk of his service was in Vietnam as a helicopter pilot flying multiple assault missions for the 3rd Brigade, First Air Cavalry Division (Airmobile). He survived three crashes, two as a result of being shot down. He was awarded the Bronze Star and the Air Medal with 19 oak leaf clusters. Captain Richard has further distinguished himself as a man of service for his volunteer work as a Chaplain in disaster relief efforts, his Chaplain work with veterans at the Coffee Bunker, Tulsa, OK, and his work as the founding member of the Oklahoma Helicopter Pilots’ Association. Inducted November 9, 2023.

James Lyall
Mr. Lyall served in the United States Army from 1967-1969. The bulk of his service was in Vietnam with the 199th Light Infantry Brigade where his unit gave protection support to area commands around Saigon. He was decorated with the Army Commendation Medal with “V” device for valor in combat. His service was recognized by the Secretary of the Army as exceptionally meritorious. Sgt. Lyall’s sense of service followed him into civilian life where he has delivered exceptional leadership to the Community Service Council and the Food Bank of Eastern Oklahoma. Mr. Lyall joined Mary Ligon and others to establish of Tulsa’s Coffee Bunker. Inducted November 9, 2023.

Faye Hammons-Morrison

Ms. Hammons-Morrison is honored for her exceptional volunteer service, dedication and compassion in support of military veterans in Oklahoma. Her interest in serving veterans began when her father returned home from the WWII Pacific Theater. Her 57 years of VFW service began began at age 14 as charter member of the Tahlequah VFW Post 3707 Junior Girls Unit. At age 16 she was a full fledged VFW advocate. Her career includes President, VFW Post 3707, President of the Oklahoma Department of VFW Auxiliary Association, and National VFW Auxiliary Director of Americanism. Faye continues to volunteer at Post 3707 and the Muskogee Veterans Hospital, where she is the Veterans Volunteer Services representative.  Inducted November 16, 2023.

DECEMBER 2023

J. David Nunneley

Mr. Nunneley is perhaps Oklahoma’s most accomplished and prolific military sculptor. His many military related works are present across the nation in Oklahoma, Texas, Arkansas and West Point, NY, as well as in Canada and Mexico. He is the only sculptor to have three works placed at West Point. They are “Hannibal”, “The Heisman Winners’, and the (Coach Earl) “Blaik Bust”. His many works in the Tulsa and Broken Arrow include Medal of Honor recipient PFC Albert Schwab at the Tulsa Airport, The Rotary Centennial Plaza in downtown Tulsa, and “Sequoyah” at the Gilcrease Museum. His Broken Arrow works include the “Rooster with an Attitude”, and a Korean War Memorial in the city’s Veterans Park. Inducted December 7, 2023.

Jack Sanders

1LT Jack Sanders enlisted in the Army Air Corps in 1943 at the age of 22. One year later he was assigned to the 453 Bombardment Group of the 8th Air Force based in England, and leading an air crew of ten men on B-24 bombing runs supporting the Normandy Invasion. Jack was one of the very few pilots experienced in flying the B-17, B-24, B-25, and B-29 bomber aircraft. He was awarded two Distinguished Flying Crosses and four Air Medals Following the war, he continued his service as a combat ready pilot with the Oklahoma Air National Guard. Jack served as a member of the Tulsa Fire Department from 1946 until 1966. He retired from the TFD to become the Oklahoma Fire Marshal in 1966 and served in that position until 1984. He was the first Fire Marshal of the modern era. Prior to full retirement, Jack served as Chairman of the Board of the prestigious National Fire Protection Association.  Inducted December 7, 2023.

Tom Thomas

COL Thomas served as a P-40 fighter pilot in WWII. After shooting down his fifth German fighter, he was captured in Sicily and recuperated in a Sicilian hospital from burns and two broken legs. After escaping the enemy, Thomas went on to complete his tour of 78 combat missions. Colonel Thomas earned the first French Croix de Guerre awarded to an American in WWII. He also received a Silver Star, Distinguished Flying Cross with 2 Oak Clusters, 11 air medals, a POW medal, and a Purple Heart. Over a period of years, Colonel Thomas built a remarkable collection of 72 WWII antique and vintage aircraft. In 1997, he donated the entire $3.1 million dollar collection to the Mid-America Air Museum in Liberal, KS, making it the fourth largest general aviation museum in the world.  Inducted December 7, 2023.

Samuel Hendricks

Corporal Hendricks of Hominy, OK is being honored for his courage and patriotism in the defense and liberation of the Philippine Islands during the World War II period of 1941-45; for enduring 1,100 days as a Prisoner of War in the Philippine Islands; and for his contribution to the national defense and military heritage of the State of Oklahoma. He has been awarded the Combat Infantryman Badge, the Prisoner of War Medal, and six other WWII decorations.  Inducted December 7, 2023.

John O'Connor

Major O’Connor enlisted in the United States Air Force on 6 September 1954 and was commissioned on 16 September 1960 as a navigator. On 6 March 1974 he was the lead navigator on a two-ship flight of C-130E aircraft into Hanoi, Vietnam to retrieve the first released remains of American POWs. Major O’Connor served 24 years on active. He was awarded a Bronze Star Medal for valor, and the Air Force Commendation Medal. Upon moving to Broken Arrow, OK, Jack became a docent and valuable member of the Oklahoma Military History Center.  He is also the author of the book titled “They Touched Our Heroes For the Last Time.” Inducted December 14, 2023.

Kenneth Collins

Mr. Collins was born April 9, 1949 in Broken Arrow, OK and is a 1967 graduate of Broken Arrow High School. He played trumpet and was the Drum Major of the Pride of Broken Arrow Marching Band. He served in the United States Navy from 1969 to 1975 achieving the rank of Petty Officer 2nd Class. During his service he was selected as an honor guard for President Reagan at the dedication of the Coronado Bay Bridge in San Diego. Kenny provided the leadership to relocate the local Vietnam Memorial to the Oklahoma Military History Center where he was a docent and a member of the Board of Directors. He established the Kenny Collins Scholarship awarded to local JROTC students, and in 2019 was selected as a Great Graduate by the Broken Arrow High School Alumni Association. Inducted December 14, 2023.

Gary Johnson

After entering the Army in June 1963, Mr. Johnson was deployed to the Republic of Viet Nam as a member of A Company, 2/28th Infantry (Black Lions) of the First Infantry Division, where he served as an infantryman. After his return from active duty, he joined the Tulsa Police Department. He then joined the Oklahoma Army National Guard in 1974 and retired after 23 years of service achieving the rank of First Sergeant. During his career in law enforcement, he also served as the head of security for the Tulsa Teachers Credit Union. Gary served is a docent for the Oklahoma Military History Center and became a valued member of the Broken Arrow veterans community by sharing his knowledge and experience with all visitors. Inducted December 14, 2023.

George Hedrick

Mr. Hedrick joined the 45th Division of the Oklahoma Army National Guard, in October 1953. In 1955 he joined the 3rd Armored Division and rejoined the OKANG in 1958. In 1967 he voluntarily deployed to Vietnam for two years. While in Vietnam he was awarded a Bronze Star and Purple Heart. George reenlisted in the Oklahoma Army National Guard achieving the rank of Command Sergeant Major. He transferred to the United States Army Reserve and was commissioned as a Warrant Officer. He retired as a CW3 after forty two years of service. George is an accredited Veterans Administration Service Officer and has processed thousands of veterans claims. during his tenure at the Oklahoma Military History Center. Inducted December 21, 2023.

Henry Primeaux

Mr. Primeaux joined the Naval Reserve in 1959 and transferred to active duty in 1960 to attend the Enlisted Basic Submarine School. He separated from the Navy in 1963 with the rank of Petty Officer Third Class. Henry was instrumental in the relocation of the USS Batfish, a submarine on which he trained, to its present location in Muskogee, OK. He was a prominent businessman in the Tulsa area and an important supporter of the University of Tulsa athletic programs. Henry was one of the primary contributors to the Oklahoma Military History Center and current member of the Board of Directors. and valued member of the Broken Arrow veterans community. Inducted December 21, 2023.

Clarence Oliver

Dr. Oliver joined the Oklahoma Army National Guard as a high school senior and was eventually promoted to Master Sergeant when the 45th Infantry Division deployed to Korea in 1951. After returning from Korea, he was commissioned an Infantry Second Lieutenant and eventually medically retired from the military as a Major.  Dr. Oliver began his education career as an English teacher in Broken Arrow and retired as the Broken Arrow Superintendent of Schools. He then assisted in the development of the Oral Roberts University College of Education and served as its Dean. Dr. Oliver was instrumental in relocating the Oklahoma Military History Center from Tulsa to Broken Arrow in 2013. Inducted December 21, 2023.