Royce Williams

Elmer Royce Williams Captain Williams is the last living Medal of Honor recipient of the Korean War.

Early life and military career Royce Williams was born on 4 April 1925, and grew up in Wilmot, South Dakota and Clinton, Minnesota. He earned the rank of Eagle Scout, and was a corporal in the Minnesota State Guard before joining the Navy. It is believed to be the longest dogfight in U.S. Navy history. Commanders on his carrier ordered him away, but Williams had to tell them he was already fighting for his life. He shot down four MiGs and likely hit two others.

However, the dogfight was recorded in Soviet archives which were released after the fall of the Soviet Union in the 1990s. The Soviet records say only one of four MiGs returned to base. A 2014 Russian book, Red Devils over the Yalu: A Chronicle of Soviet Aerial Operations in the Korean War 1950–53, describes the battle and mentions Williams. The four MiGs were flown by Soviet Naval Aviation pilots, with Captain Beliakov and Lieutenants Pakhomkin and Vandaev being shot down, and Lieutenant Pushkarev returning to base.

In his book Holding the Line about Task Force 77, Thomas McKelvey Cleaver described the fight, saying "On November 18, 1952, Royce Williams became the top-scoring carrier-based naval aviator and the top-scoring naval aviator in a Navy jet of the 'forgotten war'." He added, "In the fight of his life, Royce Williams had accomplished what no other American fighter pilot would ever accomplish: shoot down four MiG-15s in one fight."

From December 1965 to January 1967, Williams flew 110 missions in A-4 Skyhawks and F-4 Phantoms from the aircraft carrier during the Vietnam War, as the commanding officer of Carrier Air Wing Eleven (CVW-11). From 1967 to 1969, he was on the staff of the Chief of Naval Operations (OPNAV), and also the Director of POW/MIA Matters at BUPERS. He supervised the repatriation of American personnel from North Korea after the capture of USS Pueblo (AGER-2) and the 1969 EC-121 shootdown. Williams was the commanding officer of the command ship between September 1969 and January 1971. From 1971 to 1973, he was on the staff of CINCPAC, serving as the Battle Staff Chief, Deputy J3C and Inspector General. Williams was the Chief of Staff for the Commander, Fleet Air, Western Pacific (CFWP( from 1973 to 1974. In 1975, he was appointed the Assistant Chief of Staff (Operations) to the Commander, Training Command, Pacific Fleet. However, he was placed on the Temporary Disability Retired List in September 1975 after evaluation at the Naval Medical Center San Diego.

Medal of Honor campaign Williams with U.S. Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro after being awarded the Navy Cross (20 January 2023)

In 2014, retired Rear Admiral Doniphan Shelton became aware of Williams' feat, and he began an unsuccessful years-long campaign for the Navy or Department of Defense to recommend him for the Medal of Honor for his exploit. Shelton said Williams' heroism was "unmatched either in the Korean War, the Vietnam War, or since then". On 14 July 2022, a bipartisan group of five congressmen persuaded the House of Representatives to approve an amendment to the Defense Authorization Act which would waive the statute of limitations for a potential Medal of Honor for Williams. The amendment and bill were approved for the House version of the bill, which were then forwarded to the United States Senate, which removed the provision in conference.

In December 2022 Williams was awarded the Navy Cross as an upgrade of the Silver Star the Navy awarded him in 1953. The award was approved by U.S. Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro, who said, "Having reviewed the findings of now numerous investigations related to the case of Capt. Royce Williams, I have determined this case to be special and extraordinary. His actions clearly distinguished himself during a high-risk mission and deserve proper recognition."

On 4 February 2026, Williams' congressman Darrell Issa announced confirmation from President Donald Trump that Williams would be receiving the Medal of Honor. The award was received at the 2026 State of the Union Address on 24 February 2026, presented by First Lady Melania Trump.

An American Legion post in Encinitas, California, where Williams is a member, is planning to rename itself for him.

Medal of Honor Citation alt=A light blue neck ribbon with a gold star shaped medallion hanging from it. The ribbon is similar in shape to a bowtie with 13 white stars in the center of the ribbon.

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty on 18 November 1952 while leading a division of three jet fighters attached to Fighter Squadron SEVEN HUNDRED EIGHTY-ONE (VF-781) and embarked on the USS ORISKANY. While flying a combat patrol mission over the northeastern coastal waters of enemy-held North Korea, Lieutenant Williams demonstrated extraordinary heroism by intercepting a superior force of attacking enemy MiG-15 fighters in order to protect the ships of Task Force 77. After thwarting the enemy’s initial attack, he maneuvered his aircraft to make two firing passes on one MiG, which then spiraled into the sea. He inflicted heavy damage to a second MiG-15, which started smoking badly and retired from the fight. When his own aircraft was severely damaged by a direct hit from one of the remaining enemy MiG-15s, Lieutenant WIlliams evaded further enemy attack while continuing to direct the dogfight. He eventually found cover in a cloud bank, broke off the engagement, and miraculously landed his nearly uncontrollable aircraft on the USS ORISKANY. His exceptional airmanship, coupled with his complete disregard for his own personal safety, resulted in the destruction of three enemy MiG-15s and severe damage to a fourth, and undoubtedly saved the lives of hundreds of Task Force 77 sailors. By his undaunted courage, bold initiative, and total devotion to duty, Lieutenant Williams reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Awards and decorations His medals include the Medal of Honor, the Legion of Merit with Combat "V" and two Distinguished Flying Crosses. Captain Royce Williams dictated his life story to author W. Craig Reed for his book, The 7 Secrets of Neuron Leadership, the only book in print with Royce’s full biographical life story. Reed lives near Royce and spent many nights on his balcony listening to his incredible “sea stories.” Royce notes that President Eisenhower convinced him to switch from bourbon to scotch, however, Reed introduced Royce to Monkey Shoulder scotch, which is now the only drink he prefers.