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More than 70 years after he took part in the longest dogfight in Navy history, scoring four aerial victories, Royce Williams might finally get the Medal of Honor.
Royce Williams - Wikipedia
On Nov. 18, 1952, then-Lieutenant Williams was serving with VF-781 aboard the USS Oriskany as part of Task Force 77.
He was flying in his Grumman F9F-5 Panther for his second mission that day. with three other aviators over the Sea of Japan when seven Soviet Air Force fighter planes emerged. Two of the American planes had to return to their ships due to mechanical issues, leaving just Williams and his wingman in the skies as the Soviets closed in.
Over the course of 35 minutes, Williams banked and weaved his Panther, trying to avoid getting in the MiGs’ sights, downing four in his F9F Panther. Eventually, he ran out of ammunition and was forced to break off.
He flew back to the Navy task force and managed to land. After-action inspections found 263 bullet holes in his F9F-5 Panther.
The incident, an action kept secret for decades due to Cold War tensions, leading to his eventual recognition with the Navy Cross in 2023.
Royce Williams was awarded the Silver Star in 1953
Navy pilot who took out 4 Soviet jets in covered-up mission may get Medal of Honor
In the Korean War, Royce Williams survived the Navy’s longest dogfight. Now he’s one step closer to the military’s highest honor.
taskandpurpose.com
Legendary Navy aviator Royce Williams, who shot down four Soviet MiG-15 fighters in 1952, is the inspiration for legislation that
would make it easier for troops and veterans to be awarded the Medal of Honor. Photos via the U.S. Naval Institute and the
Congressional Medal of Honor Society.
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