From the New York Post: President Trump awarded a Medal of Honor during Tuesday night’s State of the Union address to a 100-year-old Korean War veteran — who received a standing ovation that lasted for several minutes.
Trump bestowed veteran fighter pilot E. Royce Williams, a retired Navy captain who shot down four Soviet MiG-15 jets in a classified 1952 operation that remained hidden from the American public for decades, with the nation’s highest military decoration near the end of his speech to Congress.
“Royce was in the dogfight of a lifetime,” the president said of Williams’ heroics.
“His squadron was ambushed by seven Soviet fighter planes,” Trump continued. “It was his first aerial combat of the war, and despite being massively outnumbered and outgunned, Royce led the take down of four enemy jets and almost destroyed the others – vanquishing his adversaries while taking 263 bullets to his own plane and being seriously hurt.”
Trump explained that the mission was so secret that the story was kept under wraps for over 50 years, to avoid stirring up tensions with the Soviet Union. Williams didn’t even tell his wife for many years.
According to Arizona Central, Democrat Sen. Mark Kelly and Republican Rep. Abe Hamadeh had both recommended Williams for the honor.
“Tonight, at 100 years old, this brave Navy captain is finally getting the recognition he deserves,” Trump announced.
The president then asked First Lady Melania Trump, who was seated beside Williams, to present him with the Congressional Medal of Honor.
WATCH the touching moment below:
MUST WATCH: At @POTUS‘ direction, @FLOTUS bestows 100-year-old Navy Fighter Pilot Royce Williams with the Congressional Medal of Honor for his actions during a secret 1952 mission in Korea, in which he downed four enemy jets while taking on tremendous fire ❤️🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/ZnTewnCMfj
— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) February 25, 2026
CBS News shared the following details:
At the height of the Korean War, Williams and another American pilot were flying off the coast of the Korean Peninsula when they encountered seven Soviet miG-15 fighter jets. The Soviet aircraft opened fire, he would later recall: “Since they started the fight,” he said, “I shot back.”
Williams struck one of the MiGs, and his fellow American pilot pursued it. Then, flying alone, he engaged the remaining aircraft, downing three more Soviet planes while maneuvering through what military accounts later described as hundreds of rounds of incoming fire. In recent years, the U.S. military has published detailed descriptions of the encounter, portraying it as one of the most intense aerial engagements of the war.
The U.S. Navy honored Wiliams, sharing his photo and writing, “Tonight during the State of the Union, our nation paused to honor extraordinary courage. The United States Navy proudly recognizes Capt. Elmer Royce Williams (Ret.), Medal of Honor recipient. His heroism embodies the fighting spirit and enduring legacy of the United States Navy.”
Tonight during the State of the Union, our nation paused to honor extraordinary courage. The United States Navy proudly recognizes Capt. Elmer Royce Williams (Ret.), Medal of Honor recipient. His heroism embodies the fighting spirit and enduring legacy of the United States Navy. pic.twitter.com/irjGbdQ4d3
— U.S. Navy (@USNavy) February 25, 2026
Senate Majority Leader John Thune wrote, “I’m grateful to @POTUS for honoring Wilmot native E. Royce Williams with the Medal of Honor for his courageous dogfight during the Korean War. His heroics, including fending off seven Soviet MiGs for 35 minutes, downing four of them, remained classified for decades. Thank you Royce and your family for your service and sacrifice for our country.”
I’m grateful to @POTUS for honoring Wilmot native E. Royce Williams with the Medal of Honor for his courageous dogfight during the Korean War. His heroics, including fending off seven Soviet MiGs for 35 minutes, downing four of them, remained classified for decades. Thank you…
— Leader John Thune (@LeaderJohnThune) February 25, 2026
Sen. Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska) wrote, “Captain E. Royce Williams’ heroism in the Korean War—classified for more than 50 years—stands among the greatest feats in naval aviation history. I was honored to meet Captain Williams in 2023 at a special event hosted by Korean President Yoon honoring surviving Korean War veterans. President Trump awarding him the Medal of Honor tonight is a well-deserved and long overdue recognition.
“I was honored to lead an amendment in the NDAA with Senator Kelly to waive the five-year time limitation on this award. As both a United States Senator and a veteran of the United States Marine Corps, I thank him for his service to our country. #SOTU2026.”
Captain E. Royce Williams’ heroism in the Korean War—classified for more than 50 years—stands among the greatest feats in naval aviation history. I was honored to meet Captain Williams in 2023 at a special event hosted by Korean President Yoon honoring surviving Korean War… pic.twitter.com/Y8Z3xuXgeF
— Sen. Dan Sullivan (@SenDanSullivan) February 25, 2026
100-year old South Dakota native Royce Williams receiving the the Congressional Medal of Honor from the First Lady. pic.twitter.com/RDyslxYXD2
— Rep. Dusty Johnson (@RepDustyJohnson) February 25, 2026
I took this photo from the House Chamber tonight of America’s latest recipient of the Congressional Medal of Honor — my constituent and friend, the great Royce Williams.
He is America’s true Top Gun and an American hero like no other. Read his story. https://t.co/YVjg5RGqI8 pic.twitter.com/y34OveqCMk
— Rep. Darrell Issa (@repdarrellissa) February 25, 2026
Holy smokes – another Medal of Honor – two in one night! Breathtaking. Long overdue, and earned by 100-year old naval aviator, USN Captain (Ret) Royce Williams, known for his solo dogfight with 7 Soviet pilots during the Korean War in 1952, which, according to many, is referred… pic.twitter.com/CJbOsQUEzm
— Rep. Scott Perry (@RepScottPerry) February 25, 2026
President Trump has just awarded Captain Royce Williams the Medal of Honor at the State of the Union for his heroic actions while serving in Korea. pic.twitter.com/7JizqsVmAP
— Department of War 🇺🇸 (@DeptofWar) February 25, 2026
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