MOH – Royce Williams Medal of Honor

Retired U.S. Navy Captain Royce Williams, a 100-year-old Escondido resident and Korean War veteran, is set to receive the Congressional Medal of Honor for extraordinary heroism during a combat mission that remained
classified for decades.

In November 1952, then–Lieutenant Williams flew an F9F-5 Panther from a U.S. aircraft carrier and
engaged in a prolonged dogfight against seven MiG-15 jets. According to the report, Williams shot down
four of the aircraft and made it back to the carrier despite heavy damage—his jet later showed
263 bullet holes.

The mission was kept secret because it risked exposing direct Soviet involvement in the conflict. Williams reportedly honored the request
for more than 50 years, sharing little to nothing publicly (and even privately) until records were later declassified and the story became
known more broadly.

Following renewed review and advocacy, Williams’ valor was re-examined and the Medal of Honor was approved—bringing national recognition to
a story that had been largely hidden for generations.

Read the full NBC San Diego story