William P. Lawrence facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
William P. Lawrence
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Lawrence in September 1983
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| Nickname(s) | "Bill" |
| Born | January 13, 1930 Nashville, Tennessee, U.S. |
| Died | December 2, 2005 (aged 75) Crownsville, Maryland, U.S. |
| Buried |
United States Naval Academy Cemetery
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| Allegiance | United States |
| Service/ |
United States Navy |
| Years of service | 1951–1986 |
| Rank | Vice Admiral |
| Commands held | United States Pacific Fleet United States Naval Academy United States Third Fleet Chief of Naval Personnel Fighter Squadron 143 |
| Battles/wars | Korean War Vietnam War |
| Awards | Navy Distinguished Service Medal (4) Silver Star (3) Legion of Merit Distinguished Flying Cross Bronze Star Medal Purple Heart (2) Air Medal (3) |
| Relations | Captain Wendy B. Lawrence (daughter) |
| Other work | President of the Association of Naval Aviation |
William Porter "Bill" Lawrence (January 13, 1930 – December 2, 2005) was a brave and highly respected United States Navy officer. He became a Vice Admiral and a skilled Naval Aviator. From 1978 to 1981, he led the United States Naval Academy as its Superintendent.
Bill Lawrence was an amazing pilot. He was the first Naval Aviator to fly twice the speed of sound in a Navy plane. He was even considered for the Mercury space program, which was America's first human spaceflight program. During the Vietnam War, Lawrence's plane was shot down. He was held as a prisoner of war for six years, from 1967 to 1973. While captured, he became known for his strong spirit and resistance.
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Early Life and School Days
William Lawrence was born in Nashville, Tennessee, on January 13, 1930. His family had lived in Tennessee for generations. His father, Robert Landy "Fatty" Lawrence, was a well-known athlete at Vanderbilt University.
Bill went to West End High School in Nashville. He was an excellent student and a top athlete. He was even the student body president. In 1947, he chose to attend the United States Naval Academy instead of accepting a scholarship to Yale University.
At the Naval Academy, Lawrence was a star athlete in three sports: football, basketball, and baseball. He also held important leadership roles among the students. He was the commander of the entire group of midshipmen. He also led his class as president.
Bill Lawrence graduated in 1951, ranking 8th out of 725 students. He helped create the honor code that guides how midshipmen act. After graduating, he continued at the Naval Academy for a short time. Then, in September 1951, he began his flight training.
Lawrence became a Naval Aviator in 1952. He flew F2H Banshee jets. He even deployed to Korea on the aircraft carrier USS Oriskany. Later, he attended the U.S. Naval Test Pilot School. There, he became a test pilot, learning to fly and evaluate new aircraft.
When NASA started its program to send people into space, Lawrence was considered. He was one of the final candidates for the Mercury space program. However, a heart condition found during testing meant he couldn't become an astronaut.
Vietnam War Experience
In 1967, Lawrence was the leader of Fighter Squadron 143. His squadron was based on the aircraft carrier USS Constellation. On June 28, 1967, Lawrence and his co-pilot, James W. Bailey, were flying an F-4B Phantom II jet. They were on a mission over North Vietnam.
Their plane was hit by enemy fire. Even though the plane was damaged, Lawrence and Bailey dropped their bombs. But then, part of their plane's tail broke off. They had to eject from the aircraft. Both men were captured and became prisoners of war. They were held at the Hỏa Lò Prison, also known as the Hanoi Hilton. They were prisoners until 1973.
While in prison, Lawrence showed incredible strength. He resisted his captors and helped other prisoners. He even memorized the names and ranks of every prisoner. He used a secret tapping code to communicate with them through the prison walls. Another prisoner with him was John McCain, who later became a U.S. Senator and presidential candidate. McCain called Lawrence "probably the greatest man I've ever known."
Lawrence was one of 591 Americans released as part of Operation Homecoming in 1973. He wrote about his time as a POW in a book called Everything We Had.
Tennessee's State Poem
While he was a prisoner of war, Bill Lawrence wrote poetry in his mind. This helped him stay strong. During 60 days of being held alone, he wrote a poem called "Oh Tennessee, My Tennessee." He wrote it to honor his home state.
In 1973, after his release, the Tennessee State Legislature officially made his poem the state's poem.
- Oh Tennessee, My Tennessee
What Love and Pride I Feel for Thee.
You Proud Ole State, the Volunteer,
Your Proud Traditions I Hold Dear.
- I Revere Your Heroes
Who Bravely Fought our Country's Foes.
Renowned Statesmen, so Wise and Strong,
Who Served our Country Well and Long.
- I Thrill at Thought of Mountains Grand;
Rolling Green Hills and Fertile Farm Land;
Earth Rich with Stone, Mineral and Ore;
Forests Dense and Wild Flowers Galore;
- Powerful Rivers that Bring us Light;
Deep Lakes with Fish and Fowl in Flight;
Thriving Cities and Industries;
Fine Schools and Universities;
Strong Folks of Pioneer Descent,
Simple, Honest, and Reverent.
- Beauty and Hospitality
Are the Hallmarks of Tennessee.
- And O'er the World as I May Roam,
No Place Exceeds my Boyhood Home.
And Oh How Much I Long to See
My Native Land, My Tennessee.
After the Vietnam War
After returning home, Lawrence recovered and then continued his education. He attended the National War College and George Washington University. He earned a master's degree in international affairs in 1974.
In July 1974, he was promoted to Rear Admiral. He led a light attack wing for the U.S. Pacific Fleet. Later, he worked at The Pentagon, helping to manage Navy aviation programs. He became a Vice Admiral on August 1, 1980.
In 1981, he took command of the U.S. Third Fleet in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. He was known as the "Sailor's Admiral" because he cared deeply about the Navy's men and women.
Lawrence served as Superintendent of the U.S. Naval Academy from 1978 to 1981. During his time, the Naval Academy began accepting women. His daughter, Wendy Lawrence, was part of the second class to include female graduates. Wendy followed her father's path, becoming a Naval Aviator and later a NASA astronaut.
Bill Lawrence retired from the Navy on February 1, 1986. He continued to teach leadership at the Naval Academy until 1994. He also served as the President of the Association of Naval Aviation.
Awards and Honors
William P. Lawrence received many awards for his bravery and service. These include:
- Navy Distinguished Service Medal (four times)
- Silver Star (three times)
- Legion of Merit
- Distinguished Flying Cross
- Bronze Star Medal
- Purple Heart (twice)
- Air Medal (three times)
He also received many honors outside of his military service:
- In 1984, the NCAA gave him their highest honor, the Theodore Roosevelt Award. This award recognizes athletes who have achieved great things in their careers.
- In 2000, the Naval Academy honored him with a Distinguished Graduate Award.
- In 2004, he was inducted into the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame for his athletic achievements.
- In 2009, the U.S. Navy named an Arleigh Burke-class destroyer USS William P. Lawrence (DDG-110) in his honor.
- In 2008, a bronze statue of Vice Admiral William P. Lawrence was placed at the Naval Academy.
Family Life
After returning from being a prisoner of war, William Lawrence remarried Diane Wilcox Raugh.
He passed away on December 2, 2005, at his home in Crownsville, at age 75. He was buried at the United States Naval Academy Cemetery in Annapolis, Maryland.
His daughter, Wendy Lawrence, became a Captain in the Navy, just like her father. She also became a Naval Aviator and flew four Space Shuttle missions as a NASA astronaut. His other daughter, Dr. Laurie Lawrence, became a physician.
See also
- List of prisoners of war
- U.S. prisoners of war during the Vietnam War
- List of superintendents of the United States Naval Academy
