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, a retired U.S. Navy captain whose extraordinary heroism remained classified for decades. If carried out as planned, the ceremony would mark the first time a sitting president has presented the nation’s highest military decoration for valor during a State of the Union speech before a joint session of Congress. The moment is anticipated to be one of the most emotionally powerful segments of the evening, underscoring themes of sacrifice, courage, and national pride as the administration highlights individual Americans who have shaped the country’s legacy.
Williams’ act of valor dates back to November 1952, at the height of the Korean War. Then a Navy lieutenant flying an F9F Panther off the USS Oriskany, Williams became embroiled in what would later be recognized as the longest aerial dogfight in U.S. Navy history. While patrolling over the Sea of Japan near the Korean Peninsula, Williams and a fellow American pilot encountered seven Soviet MiG-15 fighter jets. At the time, Soviet involvement in the conflict was officially denied and shrouded in secrecy, making the engagement politically explosive. According to Williams’ later recollections, the Soviet aircraft opened fire first. “Since they initiated the confrontation, I retaliated,” he said in a 2022 interview with Task & Purpose. What followed was a 35-minute battle in which Williams maneuvered through intense enemy fire, ultimately shooting down four MiGs despite being vastly outnumbered.
After his wingman was forced to disengage, Williams found himself alone against the remaining Soviet jets. Military accounts released decades later describe a ferocious exchange involving hundreds of incoming rounds striking his aircraft. Williams’ Panther sustained significant damage, including hits to its control systems and fuselage, yet he maintained control under extraordinary pressure. Demonstrating remarkable composure and tactical skill, he continued engaging the enemy, downing additional aircraft before turning back toward the American carrier group. The confrontation was not merely a personal triumph; officials later concluded that his actions likely saved the lives of fellow pilots and protected the carrier task force from potential attack. At the time, however, the political sensitivity of direct combat between American and Soviet forces meant the full details of the engagement were immediately classified.
Upon returning from the mission, Williams faced another life-or-death decision. His aircraft was badly damaged, and ejecting over the frigid waters posed grave risks. The cold temperatures made survival in the sea unlikely, yet attempting a high-speed carrier landing in a compromised jet was equally perilous. Williams chose to remain with the aircraft and attempt the landing. He successfully guided the crippled plane onto the deck, a feat that further underscored his extraordinary airmanship. Despite the magnitude of what had occurred, Williams was instructed to keep the incident secret. For years, he did not discuss the dogfight publicly—not even with his wife. The Cold War context demanded silence, and the extraordinary battle remained largely unknown outside classified military channels.
It was not until after the collapse of the Soviet Union that fuller accounts began to emerge. Declassified military histories and archival research confirmed the scale of the confrontation and the number of Soviet aircraft downed. Three years ago, Williams was awarded the Navy Cross, the highest decoration for valor that can be bestowed upon a member of the Navy or Marine Corps short of the Medal of Honor. Yet some lawmakers and military advocates believed his actions merited the nation’s highest recognition. Among those pushing for an upgrade was Rep. Darrell Issa of California, whose district includes Williams’ home in San Diego. Issa argued that the heroism displayed during those “35 harrowing minutes” unquestionably warranted the Medal of Honor. In support of the effort, Congress passed legislation last year granting the president authority to waive the longstanding five-year time limit typically required for such awards, clearing the path for the long-delayed recognition.
The planned presentation aligns with broader themes expected in Trump’s State of the Union address. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt previewed the speech during an appearance on Fox & Friends, describing it as a celebration of American achievement and resilience. She said the president would spotlight “GREAT American heroes who exemplify bravery and the spirit of 1776,” tying Williams’ story to the nation’s approaching 250th anniversary of independence this July. In addition to honoring individual citizens, Trump is expected to highlight his administration’s policy accomplishments and outline priorities aimed at economic growth and national security. The recognition of Williams serves as a poignant reminder of a generation that fought during a tense chapter of the Cold War, often without public acknowledgment. As the centenarian veteran stands before Congress to receive the Medal of Honor, his once-secret dogfight over the Korean Peninsula will finally be honored on one of the nation’s most visible stages, closing a chapter that began in silence more than seven decades ago.
