Royce Williams Wikipedia: 100-Year-Old Navy Veteran Receives Medal of Honor at State of the Union
Feb. 24, 2026 — Washington, D.C. President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump awarded the Medal of Honor to 100-year-old retired U.S. Navy Capt. Royce Williams during the State of the Union address, honoring his solo dogfight against seven Soviet MiG-15 pilots on November 18, 1952, during the Korean War. The Royce Williams Wikipedia page details how Williams shot down at least four MiGs in the longest dogfight in U.S. Navy history, an action classified for decades due to Cold War secrecy.
Williams, born April 4, 1925, became the oldest recipient of the Medal of Honor in history. The presentation marked the first time a president bestowed the medal directly during a State of the Union, as reported by CBS News.
Korean War Dogfight
The Royce Williams Wikipedia entry describes Williams’ engagement over the Sea of Japan, where his F9F Panther faced overwhelming odds after his wingmen aborted due to mechanical issues and fuel shortages. Declassified records cited on the Royce Williams Wikipedia confirm he downed multiple Soviet pilots despite damage to his aircraft.
The American Legion highlighted the feat as legendary, noting Williams’ service also spanned World War II and Vietnam.
Hall of Heroes Induction
Following the award, Secretary of the Navy inducted Williams into the Hall of Heroes, per a U.S. Navy release.
Veteran Community Response
The Disabled American Veterans (DAV) celebrated Williams as a member, while AARP profiled his story, drawing from the Royce Williams Wikipedia and sources like the documentary Actions Speak Louder Than Medals.
Recent X discussions amplified the news, with Fox News calling him a “legend,” the U.S. Navy sharing induction photos, and Mario Nawfal emphasizing the dogfight (posts).
The Royce Williams Wikipedia compiles his biography, distinguishing him from unrelated figures like basketball players.
