J. Lawrence Barnett, a retired attorney for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Mississippi Valley Division, has been awarded the Bronze Order of the de Fleury Medal — a top honor given by the U.S. Army Engineer Association.

“I’m humbled… I’m honored… I’m pleased,” said Barnett, 61, who retired in July as chief counsel of the MVD. “Having dedicated a career to public service is very rewarding.”

Barnett was presented the medal, named for Francois de Fleur, a French soldier who fought with Gen. George Washington during the Revolutionary War, during a special ceremony with Maj. Gen. Michael Walsh, commander of the MVD and president of the Mississippi River Commission.

The event took place last month, during the 386th session of the MRC’s low-water inspection trip.

The medals are awarded in four levels — gold, silver, bronze and steel — to individuals who have shown significant service and support.

The steel medal, a new category, is awarded to junior soldiers and civilians in the Engineer Regiment, said MRC spokesman Karen Buehler.

Barnett retired with 36 years of service as an attorney for the Engineer Regiment and the Corps.

A Memphis, Tenn., native, Barnett and his family moved to Vicksburg in 1982. During his career, he has lived and worked in four of the six Army engineer districts — Vicksburg, St. Louis, Memphis and Rock Island, Ill.

As chief counsel, he oversaw the provision of legal services for the Corps’ largest civil works program, including the New Orleans Hurricane and Storm Damage Risk Reduction System, as well as led in the response to the Great Flood of 2011, the largest flood in Mississippi River history.

Barnett is a deacon at Bowmar Baptist Church. He has bachelor’s and law school degrees from Memphis State University. He has a master’s degree in environmental law from George Washington University.

He and his wife, Kay, live in Vicksburg.