President Donald Trump is expected to make history during his upcoming State of the Union address by awarding the Medal of Honor to 100-year-old Korean War veteran E. Royce Williams. If it happens, it will be the first time a president presents the nation’s highest military honor during a State of the Union speech. The moment is expected to highlight sacrifice, courage, and national pride.
Williams’ heroism dates to November 1952 during the Korean War. Then a Navy lieutenant flying an F9F Panther from the USS Oriskany, he encountered seven Soviet MiG-15 jets over the Sea of Japan. Soviet involvement was officially denied at the time, making the clash highly sensitive. In a 2022 interview, Williams recalled, “Since they initiated the confrontation, I retaliated.” The battle lasted 35 minutes — later described as the longest aerial dogfight in U.S. Navy history — and Williams shot down four MiGs while heavily outnumbered.
After his wingman withdrew, Williams continued alone. His aircraft was hit repeatedly, suffering serious damage, but he maintained control and kept fighting. Officials later concluded his actions likely protected fellow pilots and the carrier group. Yet because of Cold War tensions, the full details were immediately classified, and Williams was ordered not to speak about the mission.
Upon returning, he faced another critical choice: eject into freezing waters or attempt a dangerous carrier landing in a damaged jet. He chose to land — and succeeded. For decades, the mission remained secret, even from his wife. Only after the Soviet Union collapsed did fuller accounts emerge. Williams later received the Navy Cross, but supporters argued his actions deserved more. Congress passed legislation allowing the president to waive the usual time limit for such awards.
The White House says the speech will honor “GREAT American heroes who exemplify bravery and the spirit of 1776.” For Williams, it will mark the public recognition of a once-secret battle more than 70 years later.
