100-Year-Old MOAA Life Member Awarded Medal of Honor at State of the Union

Capt. Royce Williams, USN (Ret), was recognized for a heroic Korean War dogfight kept secret for decades.

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Capt. Royce Williams, a 100-year-old MOAA Life member, was awarded the Medal of Honor during the 2026 State of the Union address. Williams was recognized for his heroic actions in a secret Korean War dogfight in 1952, where he shot down four Soviet MiG-15 aircraft. The award was kept secret for over 50 years before being upgraded from a Silver Star and Navy Cross.

Why it matters

The dual Medal of Honor presentations during the State of the Union marked the first time the prestigious award has been given during the annual address. Williams' story highlights the long-delayed recognition of heroic military actions, as well as the enduring legacy of MOAA members who have served with distinction.

The details

In 1952, Williams engaged in a dogfight with seven Soviet MiG-15 aircraft in near-blizzard conditions over Korea, shooting down four of the planes. He initially received a Silver Star for his actions, which was later upgraded to a Navy Cross in 2023 as efforts continued to secure him the Medal of Honor. The full details of the encounter were kept secret for over 50 years.

  • In 1952, Williams engaged in the Korean War dogfight.
  • In 2023, Williams' award was upgraded from a Silver Star to a Navy Cross.
  • On February 24, 2026, Williams received the Medal of Honor during the State of the Union address.
  • On February 25, 2026, Williams is scheduled to be formally inducted into the Hall of Heroes at the Pentagon.

The players

Capt. Royce Williams, USN (Ret)

A 100-year-old MOAA Life member who was awarded the Medal of Honor for his heroic actions in a secret Korean War dogfight in 1952.

President Donald Trump

The president who presented the Medal of Honor to Williams during the 2026 State of the Union address.

Melania Trump

The first lady who presented the Medal of Honor to Williams during the 2026 State of the Union address.

Lt. Gen. Jonathan Braga

The former head of Army Special Operations Command and nominee to serve as the next leader of U.S. Special Operations Command, who presented the Medal of Honor to Chief Warrant Officer 5 Eric Slover during the 2026 State of the Union address.

Chief Warrant Officer 5 Eric Slover, USA

The second Medal of Honor recipient honored during the 2026 State of the Union address for his role in the January capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“His story was secret for over 50 years. He didn't even want to tell his wife. But the legend grew and grew. But tonight, at 100 years old, this brave Navy captain is finally getting the recognition he deserves.”

— President Donald Trump (State of the Union address)

What’s next

Follow-up ceremonies honoring Williams are planned in San Diego in the near future, and he is scheduled to be formally inducted into the Hall of Heroes at the Pentagon on February 25, 2026.

The takeaway

The recognition of Capt. Royce Williams' heroic actions during the Korean War, which were kept secret for over 50 years, highlights the enduring legacy of MOAA members who have served with distinction. The dual Medal of Honor presentations during the State of the Union address mark a historic moment in the award's history.