After engaging in one of, if not the most daring aerial dogfights in naval aviation history during the Korean War, he was unable to tell a soul, not even his wife. Through love of country and a tremendous sense of patriotism, he kept his mouth shut.
It wasn’t until 2002 that his combat mission over the Sea of Japan was declassified. It took another quarter century for retried Navy Capt. Royce Williams to be awarded the Medal of Honor, the nation’s highest military decoration.
More than 400 people crowded the flight deck of the USS Midway Museum for a ceremony that celebrated Royce’s unparalleled courage that day more than five decades ago.
“We knew we had to do his ceremony on Midway,” said Terry Kraft, Midway’s president and CEO. “On Midway, we exist to honor the legacy of so many who have served and we’re inspired by their dedication every single day. There is no one more richly deserving of the honor than Capt. Royce Williams.”
On Nov. 18, 1952, Royce and three of his squadron mates from Fighter Squadron 781 (VF-781), flying F9F-5 Panthers, were launched from the USS Oriskany (CVA-34) to intercept seven Soviet MiG-15 fighter aircraft heading towards their task force from an airbase in Vladivostok. Over the course of 35 minutes, Royce, through one of the most skillful demonstrations of flying in military history, single-handedly shot down four of the MiGs and likely damaged two others.
“Capt. Williams, you are a legend among fighter pilots,” said Vice Adm. Douglas Verissimo, the commander of U.S. Naval Air Force, during the ceremony. “Naval aviation, and this profession of ours, can be incredibly dangerous. Thank you for being a role model, for doing your job and doing it superbly. Your story is an incredible one and I thank you for your bravery and patriotism.”
Over the past two decades, countless people, including active-duty officers, military veterans and elected officials have pushed for Royce to be recognized with the nation’s top military award. In 2023, Royce received the Navy Cross, but there were those who continued to lobby to upgrade the award to the Medal of Honor. One of the driving forces behind that effort was Rep. Darrell Issa, who represents California’s 48th district in the U.S. House of Representatives.
“Many who are not here today, recognized this when it became public, and they picked up the challenge,” said Rep. Issa in his remarks at the celebration. “Because of the classified nature, because of the years of secrecy, it was decided this could never be validated. But there were legions of people who wanted to make this happen.”
The decades-long effort culminated on Feb. 24, 2026 when 100-year-old Royce Williams was presented the Medal of Honor at the annual State of the Union Address in Washington, D.C.
“This recognition was long overdue,” said Gunner Guyer, a Navy veteran and Midway docent who attended the ceremony. “Royce is a gem. He deserves the Medal of Honor. When you look at the story of Royce Williams, you can’t help but feel patriotic.”
During the ceremony, Royce was not only re-presented the Medal of Honor by Rep. Issa, but received a tribute plaque from the Mt. Soledad National Veterans Memorial; a memorial brick from Midway that will be placed in Freedom Park at Burnham Navy Pier; and a proclamation from the city of San Diego.
“It took far too long for this moment to come, and I’m grateful we are here now to give Capt. Williams the public recognition he earned 74 years ago,” said San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria. “In San Diego, this story also hits close to home because the ties between our military and our community are constant. You continue to bring your strength and character into this community. I hereby proclaim Saturday, March 21st, as Capt. Royce Williams Day in the city of San Diego.”
“We will be proud to tell the Royce Williams story to the more than 350,000 people that visit the memorial every year,” said Neil O’Connell, the executive director of the Mt. Soledad Memorial Association. “Your legacy will stand not only as a testament to your own bravery, but as an inspiration. We are humbled by the opportunity to honor you.”
A man long known for his quiet humility, Royce accepted the accolades, but made sure that the credit was shared by others.
“All your kind words kind of got me puffed, but I’m here not because I did it by myself,” said Royce. “Just like all my days of flying, I didn’t do that alone. The Oriskany was a wonderful ship with wonderful people – dedicated, smart, qualified people. I never dreamed about the Medal of Honor, but I adore its meaning, so receiving it turns me inside out. Everyone needs some inspiration and if I’m able to provide some, I’d be very pleased. It’s a joy.”
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