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3w ago

NDAA Provision Clears Path for Medal of Honor Review for Korean War Ace Royce Williams

A waiver in the defense policy bill would allow the 100-year-old Navy veteran to be considered decades after Cold War secrecy obscured his record.

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.
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Overview

  • The compromise 2026 defense bill released Sunday includes Sec. 591, which waives time limits and authorizes consideration of upgrading Williams’ Navy Cross to the Medal of Honor.
  • Congress is expected to vote on the package this week, with final action on any award still pending after enactment.
  • The President has the final authority to approve the Medal of Honor if the provision becomes law.
  • Williams’ 1952 dogfight lasted about 35 minutes as he engaged seven Soviet MiG-15s, shot down four, and landed a heavily damaged F9F-5 Panther on USS Oriskany.
  • His exploits were long underreported due to Cold War sensitivities, later corroborated by Soviet records in 1992, and his Silver Star was upgraded to a Navy Cross in 2023 after renewed advocacy.