1srelluc
Diamond Member
The guy went 1 vs 7 in an F9 Panther against Soviet flown MIG-15s and kicked their asses. Originally awarded a silver star, upgraded to Navy Cross in 2023.
I just hope he's well enough to make the trip and receive the honor.
www.nbcsandiego.com
Korean War fighter pilot and Escondido resident Royce Williams will be awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor, it was announced Wednesday.
Williams, now 100 years old and a retired Navy captain, will be recognized for facing off against seven Soviet MiG fighter jets in 1952, shooting four of them down in the process and narrowly surviving amid extensive enemy gunfire to his jet. When the mission was over, they counted 263 bullet holes in his plane.
Williams agreed to keep his heroics a secret because the Soviet Union was unofficially involved in the war at the time. He did so for over 50 years, until the story was revealed 2016. Until then, he had never revealed his role or the existence of the dogfight even to his wife or brother.
But after Soviet records of the war were released and declassified decades later, which revealed Williams' efforts, military veterans and elected officials led a campaign to ensure he was recognized.
Williams was awarded the Navy Cross in 2023 and now will receive the United States' highest military decoration. Williams was informed of the decision in a phone call from President Donald Trump earlier this week.
I just hope he's well enough to make the trip and receive the honor.
Escondido man, 100, to receive Medal of Honor for heroics kept secret for 50 years
Korean War fighter pilot Royce Williams faced off against seven Soviet MiG fighter jets in 1952, shooting down four of them despite his aircraft being hit with extensive enemy gunfire.
www.nbcsandiego.com
Korean War fighter pilot and Escondido resident Royce Williams will be awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor, it was announced Wednesday.
Williams, now 100 years old and a retired Navy captain, will be recognized for facing off against seven Soviet MiG fighter jets in 1952, shooting four of them down in the process and narrowly surviving amid extensive enemy gunfire to his jet. When the mission was over, they counted 263 bullet holes in his plane.
Williams agreed to keep his heroics a secret because the Soviet Union was unofficially involved in the war at the time. He did so for over 50 years, until the story was revealed 2016. Until then, he had never revealed his role or the existence of the dogfight even to his wife or brother.
But after Soviet records of the war were released and declassified decades later, which revealed Williams' efforts, military veterans and elected officials led a campaign to ensure he was recognized.
Williams was awarded the Navy Cross in 2023 and now will receive the United States' highest military decoration. Williams was informed of the decision in a phone call from President Donald Trump earlier this week.
