FLAMES FEATURE
COMMUNITY SERVICE KRANTZ TO RECEIVE GEORGE ROGERS CHAMPION OF FREEDOM AWARD As a part of the Military Appreciation celebration during this Saturday’s football game against Western Carolina, Liberty University will present the George Rogers Champion of Freedom Award to recipient Clifton Ray “Buck” Krantz. Beginning in 2010, the George Rogers Champion of Freedom Award is given annually to a man or woman who served in the United States Armed Forces and went above the call of duty, displaying extraordinary heroism while in the service and continuing to serve as an outstanding ambassador in their community. Nominations are collected from the Liberty community, and the selection is made for the most worthy veteran to receive this prestigious award. George Rogers was the recipient of the inaugural award in 2010. Rogers was taken prisoner by the Japanese along with thousands of American and Philippine troops. They were forced to march about 75 miles in five days, known as the Bataan Death March, and were sent to POW camps where many died of starvation and abuse. Mr. Rogers withered away to a mere 85 pounds while being held as a POW. He was one of very few survivors.
GEORGE ROGERS
In 2012, Rogers finally received recognition for his service by being awarded the Purple Heart and Prisoner of War medal. Rogers, who first started as a CEO for the “Old Gospel Time Hour” in April 1974, eventually retired in 1999 from Liberty where he last served as vice president of finance and administration. To honor this man and his tremendous sacrifices for our nation, Liberty University named the George Rogers Champion of Freedom award in Rogers’ honor. On March 8, 1969, while this year’s recipient, “Buck” Krantz, was serving on Fire Base LZ Grant in Tay Ninth Province, Vietnam, the base came under heavy enemy attack. Sergeant Krantz’s Tactical Operations Center took a direct hit from an enemy 122 MM rocket. Even though injured in the attack, Krantz continued his duties of handling all of the communication for the battalion while under direct enemy fire. He was awarded a Bronze Star with “V” Device for Valor as well as a Purple Heart for his actions that day. Today, Mr. Krantz serves as a board member for The Bedford Boys Tribute Center in Bedford, Virginia. The center is a memorial and recognition center for The Bedford Boys killed on Omaha Beach on D-Day (June 6, 1944). He also serves as Senior Vice Commander for the Military Order of the Purple Heart, Chapter 1607. Thank you to all veterans and current servicemen and women for the continued service to this country. The sacrifices made to provide our freedoms as Americans are greatly appreciated.
by Bill Smith Liberty Athletics Communications
CHAMPION OF FREEDOM AWARD RECIPIENTS
2020 – Clifton Ray “Buck” Krantz 2019 – Jesse Macdonald 2018 – Otto Davis 2017 – Gary Witt 2016 – Charlie Davidson 2015 – Michael Donahue 2014 – Oliver North 2013 – Clebe McClary 2012 – Tim Lee 2011 – Steve Bozeman 2010 – George Rogers
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