Korean War Veteran to Receive Medal of Honor

100-year-old Royce Williams to be honored for downing 4 Soviet MiGs in 1952 dogfight

Feb. 4, 2026 at 4:23pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

President Donald Trump has announced that he will award the Medal of Honor, the nation's highest military decoration, to 100-year-old Royce Williams of Escondido, California for his heroic actions during the Korean War. In 1952, Williams engaged in a 35-minute aerial dogfight with seven Soviet MiG fighter jets, shooting down four of them in what is considered one of the most skilled acts of aerial warfare by a U.S. Navy pilot.

Why it matters

Williams' actions during the Korean War were kept classified for decades, denying him the full recognition he deserved. This award not only honors his bravery and skill, but also sheds light on a little-known chapter of the Cold War between the U.S. and Soviet Union.

The details

In November 1952, Williams, then a 26-year-old Navy pilot, was part of a mission to provide air support for a U.S. Navy task force. When two of his fellow pilots retreated, Williams stayed behind and engaged in a 35-minute dogfight with seven Soviet MiG fighters, shooting down four of them. At the time, the incident was not publicized due to the sensitive nature of U.S.-Soviet relations during the Korean War. It wasn't until the early 2000s that the story was declassified and Williams' heroics became known.

  • In November 1952, Williams engaged in the aerial dogfight with Soviet MiGs.
  • In 2023, Williams was awarded the Navy Cross, the Navy's second-highest military honor.
  • In February 2026, President Trump announced Williams will receive the Medal of Honor.

The players

Royce Williams

A 100-year-old Korean War veteran from Escondido, California who will be awarded the Medal of Honor for his heroic actions in 1952 when he shot down four Soviet MiG fighters in a 35-minute aerial dogfight.

President Donald Trump

The U.S. President who announced he will award the Medal of Honor to Royce Williams.

Steve Lewandowski

A former San Diego resident who led the effort, through his organization Operation Just Reward, to get Williams the Medal of Honor recognition he deserved.

Darrell Issa

A Republican Congressman from the San Diego area who backed the effort to get Williams the Medal of Honor.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We're going to put that very beautiful medal over his very strong neck. It is the ultimate honor, so you've got to shake his hand for me.”

— Donald Trump, President

“This is the fulfillment of a lifetime. I am so pleased.”

— Royce Williams (San Diego Union-Tribune)

“After hundreds of hours of effort over the course of many years and the contribution of over a dozen individuals and so many barriers to overcome, we are so elated that this great American hero is finally going to get his just reward.”

— Steve Lewandowski, Founder, Operation Just Reward

“What Royce did is — still to this day — the most unique U.S.-Soviet aerial combat dogfight in the history of the Cold War, and one in which Royce Williams demonstrated indomitable courage of the highest skill under incalculable duress. It is my honor to have fought all these years for Royce to gain a recognition that he has not sought, but so richly deserves.”

— Darrell Issa, U.S. Congressman

What’s next

The date of the Medal of Honor ceremony at the White House has yet to be announced.

The takeaway

This long-overdue recognition of Royce Williams' heroism during the Korean War not only honors his bravery, but also sheds light on a little-known chapter of the Cold War between the U.S. and Soviet Union. His story serves as a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made by American service members, even in conflicts that may have been overshadowed by larger events.