100-Year-Old South Dakota Native Awarded Medal of Honor

Navy Captain Royce Williams recognized for legendary Korean War dogfight

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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During the State of the Union address, 100-year-old Navy Captain Royce Williams of South Dakota was presented the Medal of Honor by President Donald Trump for his heroic actions in a 35-minute aerial dogfight over Korea in 1952, where he shot down four Soviet MiGs - a feat never achieved before or since.

Why it matters

The Medal of Honor is the highest military decoration presented by the United States government, and Williams' recognition brings immense pride to the state of South Dakota, which has the highest veteran population per capita in the nation. His story highlights the selfless dedication and bravery of South Dakotans who have served their country.

The details

In the skies over Korea in 1952, Williams engaged in a legendary 35-minute dogfight where he shot down four Soviet MiGs, an aerial feat never achieved previously or since. However, the mission was classified for 10 years, delaying Williams' Medal of Honor recognition until now at the age of 100, making him the oldest recipient to ever wear the medal.

  • During the 2026 State of the Union address, President Donald Trump presented the Medal of Honor to Royce Williams.
  • Williams' heroic aerial feat took place in 1952 during the Korean War.

The players

Royce Williams

A 100-year-old Navy Captain from South Dakota who was awarded the Medal of Honor for his heroic actions in a 35-minute aerial dogfight over Korea in 1952, where he shot down four Soviet MiGs - a feat never achieved before or since.

Donald Trump

The President of the United States who presented the Medal of Honor to Royce Williams during the 2026 State of the Union address.

Butch Haugen

The Adjutant of VFW Post 628 who expressed pride in Williams' accomplishments and the representation he brings to South Dakota veterans.

Jeremiah Schneider

The Secretary of Veteran Affairs who noted that South Dakota has the highest veteran population per capita in the nation, reflecting the selfless dedication and bravery of its residents who have served their country.

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What they’re saying

“To see a fellow veteran that has gone above and beyond the call of duty and put their life on the line and achieve what they have and and live through it, that has a lot to say about their their integrity and their intestinal fortitude.”

— Butch Haugen, VFW Post 628 Adjutant

“The whole state is a great place to grow up, but when you come up with these men and women that are recipients of the Congressional Medal of Honor, that is rare.”

— Butch Haugen, VFW Post 628 Adjutant

“He was there to protect the people and that's a representation of us as well. We are very selfless. We're very dedicated. And I believe that is the reason why South Dakota has the highest, veterans population per capita in the nation. It is a true representation of who we are.”

— Jeremiah Schneider, Secretary of Veteran Affairs

What’s next

The Congressional Medal of Honor Society will host a special ceremony to formally induct Royce Williams into their ranks as the oldest living recipient of the prestigious award.

The takeaway

Royce Williams' heroic actions and belated Medal of Honor recognition at age 100 serve as a powerful testament to the selfless dedication and bravery of South Dakota's veterans, who have the highest per capita representation in the nation. His story inspires immense pride in the state and highlights the timeless valor of those who have answered the call to serve and protect their country.