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Trump Honors WWII Veteran E. Royce Williams with Medal

2/26/2026

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Summary

Story summary

U.S. President Donald Trump awarded the Medal of Honor to 100-year-old E. Royce Williams during the State of the Union address.
Williams, a retired Navy captain, earned the Medal for a 1952 dogfight against seven Soviet MiG-15s in which he downed four aircraft.
The feat remained secret for decades and was revealed after the Soviet Union collapsed.
The Medal of Honor five-year limit was waived after Rep. Darrell Issa's advocacy.

History

Historical Context

In 1952, Navy Captain E. Royce Williams shot down four Soviet MiG-15s during the Korean War, a feat that remained classified until 1991, reflecting Cold War tensions. His Medal of Honor, awarded by President Donald Trump in 2022, highlights the delayed recognition of military valor and the evolving narrative of U.S.-Russia relations, emphasizing the importance of honoring historical military achievements.

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Story summary

U.S. President Donald Trump awarded the Medal of Honor to 100-year-old E. Royce Williams during the State of the Union address.
Williams, a retired Navy captain, earned the Medal for a 1952 dogfight against seven Soviet MiG-15s in which he downed four aircraft.
The feat remained secret for decades and was revealed after the Soviet Union collapsed.
The Medal of Honor five-year limit was waived after Rep. Darrell Issa's advocacy.

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