State Funeral Planned for Last Korean War Medal of Honor Recipient, Capt. Royce Williams

High school student Rabel McNutt leads effort to honor Korean War veterans with national funeral

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

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The State Funeral for War Veterans organization is working to convince Congress to honor the last Medal of Honor recipient from the Korean War, retired Navy Capt. Royce Williams, with a state funeral in Washington, D.C. The idea originated from Dallas high school student Rabel McNutt, who was inspired by the 2022 state funeral for the last World War II Medal of Honor recipient, Hershel "Woody" Williams.

Why it matters

The Korean War is often referred to as the "Forgotten War," and the State Funeral for War Veterans organization aims to ensure the sacrifices of Korean War veterans are properly recognized and honored on a national stage. Holding a state funeral for Capt. Williams would be a significant step in commemorating the service of the 1.9 million men and women who fought in the Korean conflict.

The details

On November 18, 1952, Fighter Pilot Williams engaged seven Soviet MiG-15s alone in his F9F-5 Panther, downing four during a 35-minute dogfight. Details of the engagement were long classified to avoid escalating Cold War tensions. Williams was awarded the Medal of Honor on February 24, 2026 by the President during the State of the Union Address.

  • On November 18, 1952, Williams engaged in the dogfight with Soviet MiG-15s.
  • On February 24, 2026, Williams was awarded the Medal of Honor by the President.
  • In July 2022, the last World War II Medal of Honor recipient, Hershel "Woody" Williams, was the first enlisted man to lie in honor in the U.S. Capitol Rotunda.

The players

Capt. Royce Williams

The last Medal of Honor recipient from the Korean War, who was awarded the honor in 2026 for his actions in a 1952 dogfight with Soviet MiG-15s.

Rabel McNutt

A high school student from Dallas who originated the idea for a state funeral to honor the last Korean War Medal of Honor recipient, inspired by the 2022 funeral for the last World War II recipient.

State Funeral for War Veterans

An organization established in all 50 states to convince Congress to honor the last Medal of Honor recipients from the Korean and Vietnam Wars with a national funeral.

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What they’re saying

“The last Medal of Honor recipient from the Korean War, Capt. Williams deserves the same honors as the last Medal of Honor Recipient from World War II, U.S. Marine Corp Col. Hershel "Woody" Williams.”

— Rabel McNutt, Co-Founder, State Funeral for War Veterans (EINPresswire.com)

“When the last MOH man from World War II, Hershel Woody Williams, was allowed to lie in honor in the Capitol in 2022, it set the precedent for other Medal of Honor recipient from other conflicts, to be allowed the same honor.”

— James 'Doc' McCloughan, Medal of Honor Recipient (EINPresswire.com)

What’s next

The State Funeral for War Veterans organization will continue to work with Congress to pass legislation designating a national funeral for Capt. Royce Williams, the last Medal of Honor recipient from the Korean War, as a final salute to the millions who served in that conflict.

The takeaway

This effort to honor the last Korean War Medal of Honor recipient with a state funeral highlights the importance of recognizing the sacrifices of all veterans, even those from conflicts that may have been overshadowed or forgotten by history. It sets a precedent for properly commemorating the service of those who have earned the nation's highest military honor.