Thu Feb 26 17:00:00 UTC 2026: ### Retired Navy Captain Royce Williams, 100, Awarded Medal of Honor for 1952 Korean War Dogfight

The Story:
Retired Navy Capt. Royce Williams, 100, was finally awarded the Medal of Honor on February 24, 2026, for his extraordinary heroism during a 1952 dogfight over Korea. While flying an F9F-5 Panther, Williams single-handedly shot down four Soviet MiG-15s in a 35-minute aerial battle where he was outnumbered and outgunned. The details of Williams’ bravery were kept secret for over half a century, only recently revealed after Russia declassified information about the incident. President Trump presented the medal to Williams, who received a bipartisan standing ovation.

The award was made possible through the efforts of The American Legion and the FY 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which removed time limits that had previously prevented Williams from receiving the honor. The plane Williams landed was so damaged from bullets that it was pushed overboard.

Key Points

  • Retired Navy Capt. Royce Williams received the Medal of Honor on February 24, 2026.
  • Williams was honored for shooting down four Soviet MiGs during a 1952 dogfight in Korea.
  • The event was kept secret for over 50 years.
  • The American Legion and the FY 2026 NDAA played key roles in making the award possible.
  • Williams is the oldest recipient of the Medal of Honor.

Key Takeaways

  • The award highlights the importance of recognizing acts of valor, even decades after they occur.
  • The declassification of information by Russia was crucial in enabling Williams’ story to be told.
  • The American Legion’s advocacy demonstrates the organization’s commitment to supporting veterans.
  • The removal of time limits for Medal of Honor consideration sets a precedent for recognizing other deserving individuals.
  • The event is a reminder of the intense aerial combat that took place during the Korean War and the Cold War tensions.

Impact Analysis

The awarding of the Medal of Honor to Royce Williams, 74 years after the heroic event, establishes a significant precedent for belatedly recognizing acts of valor. The removal of time restrictions on such awards, facilitated by the 2026 NDAA, could lead to a re-evaluation of other historical cases where deserving individuals were overlooked due to bureaucratic constraints or secrecy. This could encourage the review and potential recognition of other unsung heroes from past conflicts, ensuring that their bravery is not forgotten and that the historical record is more complete. It also reinforces the importance of advocacy groups like the American Legion in championing the cause of veterans and seeking justice for their service.

Read More