San Dieguito American Legion Post 416 is honoring Captain E. Royce Williams USN, Retired, Navy Cross and American Legion Medal of Valor recipient.  Seventy years ago in the skies over North Korea, U.S. Navy fighter pilot Royce Williams bravely pulled off the greatest feats in aviation history. For 35 minutes, he engaged solo in an aerial dogfight with seven Soviet MiG-15 pilots, downing at least four jets before escaping to land his heavily damaged F9F-5 Panther jet on a U.S. aircraft carrier.

Join us to celebrate and honor Captain Williams. We expect this dinner to sell out fast so don’t delay!

Click Here to Purchase Tickets.

Date: February 26, 2023

Time: Cocktail Hour starts at 4 PM followed by 5 PM  Buffet Dinner

Location: Lomas Santa Fe Country Club

Attire: Formal encouraged, Business acceptable

Cost: $125 per person

Photo: Lt. Royce Williams observes some of the damage his F9F-5 Panther sustained in combat with 7 Soviet MiG-15s on November 18 1952. (Photo courtesy of U.S. Naval Institute)

Post 416 is proud of our Commander Peter-Rolf Ohnstad “Pops” efforts with American Legion baseball. Read the whole story here: https://enewspaper.sandiegouniontribune.com/infinity/article_share.aspx?guid=aa0b673f-f70c-4356-ac2c-822ca720889c

“For decades, American Legion baseball was the dominant summer program for high school age players.

San Diego teams produced Hall of Famers Ted Williams and Alan Trammell along with World Series hero Don Larson.

Tony Gwynn, Trevor Hoffman, Randy Jones, Dave Winfield, Kris Bryant, Wil Myers and Padres manager Bob Melvin all played American Legion baseball.

However, with the advent of travel ball, American Legion baseball nearly went extinct, until Peter-Rolf Ohnstad and a dedicated band of San Diegans revived the “No-pay-to-play” program in 2018.”

Encinitas American Legion Post 416 held its first Encinitas Mayoral Debate Thursday, June 23 from 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM between Jeff Morris, Tony Kranz and Michael Blove. American Legion Post 416 is committed to civil responsibility and has remained so since it’s founding in 1932. This live debate gave the candidates the personal opportunity, beyond social media, to explain their positions on the current challenges and opportunities facing Encinitas as well as answer audience questions in a civil venue. Post membership was not required to attend and we had a fabulous showing from our community. Please stay engaged with our Post for other community focused events!!!

Read coverage in the local news here:

https://thecoastnews.com/american-legion-hosts-first-encinitas-mayoral-candidate-debate/

https://www.encinitasadvocate.com/news/story/2022-06-28/three-encinitas-mayoral-candidates-participate-in-american-legion-debate

If you missed visiting us at the Post watch the debate here: