During Tuesday night’s State of the Union address, President Trump awarded the Medal of Honor to a 100-year-old Korean War veteran, earning a standing ovation that lasted several minutes.
The honor went to retired Navy Captain E. Royce Williams, a fighter pilot who shot down four Soviet MiG-15 jets during a classified 1952 mission that remained secret for decades. Near the conclusion of his speech to Congress, Trump presented the nation’s highest military decoration to Williams in recognition of his extraordinary heroism.
“Royce was in the dogfight of a lifetime,” the president said, praising Williams’ remarkable bravery
On February 24, 2026, First Lady Melania Trump presented the Congressional Medal of Honor to 100-year-old Korean War veteran E. Royce Williams during the State of the Union address.
President Trump recounted Williams’ legendary heroics: “His squadron was ambushed by seven Soviet fighter planes. It was his first aerial combat of the war, and despite being heavily outnumbered and outgunned, Royce led the takedown of four enemy jets and nearly destroyed the others — all while his own plane was hit by 263 bullets, leaving him seriously wounded.”
Williams’ extraordinary story remained classified for over 50 years, even unknown to his wife, to avoid escalating tensions with the Soviet Union. Yet, the legend of his courage grew quietly over time.
According to Pentagon records, Williams’ mission involved striking ground targets near North Korea’s border in blizzard conditions, piloting an F9F-5 Panther fighter. Within minutes of reaching his objective, seven Soviet MiG-15s were scrambled to intercept him.
“They dropped back in and started shooting,” Williams recalled. “Since they started the fight, I shot back. I could see the bullets coming over me, and under me.”
During the 2026 State of the Union, Barron Trump and First Lady Melania Trump applauded Navy Pilot Capt. Royce Williams as he was honored with the Medal of Honor.
President Trump reportedly called Williams earlier this month to share the news. “Tonight, at 100 years old, this brave Navy captain is finally getting the recognition he deserves,” the president said. First Lady Melania Trump, seated next to Williams in the gallery, formally presented him with the medal, prompting an extended standing ovation.
Sen. Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.) praised the announcement, noting that he and Sen. Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska) had passed legislation waiving the usual time limits so Williams could receive the honor. “The dogfight lasted 35 minutes — an eternity for a fighter pilot — and by the end, his plane was out of ammunition and badly damaged. He barely made it back to the aircraft carrier,” Kelly said.
The senator emphasized that Williams’ secret mission “still stands out as one of the most exceptional and brave feats of naval aviation in our history.”
