Medal of Honor Awarded to Retired Navy Captain Royce Williams
During the recent State of the Union address, President Donald Trump honored 100-year-old retired Navy Captain Royce Williams with the Medal of Honor for his remarkable service during the Korean War.
“Tonight, at 100 years old, this brave Navy captain is finally getting the recognition he deserves. He was a legend long before this evening,” Trump remarked, which led to a standing ovation from congressional members.
First Lady Melania Trump draped the medal around Williams’ neck while he was surrounded by family members, including their son, Barron Trump, and Ivanka Trump.
Visibly moved, Williams thanked the audience as they applauded enthusiastically after he received the star-shaped medal.
Trump also highlighted Williams’ extensive military contributions, mentioning his participation in over 220 missions during conflicts including World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War.
“In the skies over Korea in 1952, Royce was engaged in an unforgettable dogfight, flying through blizzard conditions as his squadron faced seven Soviet fighter planes,” he stated, calling it Williams’ “first aerial combat of the war.”
Despite overwhelming odds, Williams, who was severely injured and sustained 263 bullet holes in his aircraft, managed to lead the destruction of four enemy jets in a fierce 35-minute battle.
Remarkably, he kept his achievement hidden for over 50 years, not revealing the details even to his wife. However, in 1992, newly available records unveiled his story, and he was awarded the Silver Star for his gallantry. This honor was later upgraded to a Navy Cross in 2023, recognizing his extraordinary bravery.
Trump, with a light-hearted tone, mentioned, “I always wanted the Congressional Medal of Honor, but I was informed I’m not allowed to give it to myself, and I don’t know why.”
Representative Darrell Issa, who represents Williams’ district in California, praised the veteran, commemorating the award in an earlier announcement.
“My friend, constituent, and hero Royce Williams is 100 years young. His story, one of valor and courage in a unique U.S.-Soviet aerial dogfight, now has the recognition it truly deserves,” Issa expressed.
After the ceremony, he took to social media to thank the president, noting that “a President who recognizes heroes inspires heroes.”
In addition, Trump awarded Army Chief Warrant Officer 5 Eric Slover the Medal of Honor for his bravery while capturing former Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, managing to pilot a Chinook helicopter despite sustaining multiple gunshot wounds to his leg.
