By Armen Kurdian, Capt. USN (Ret.)
Last week, San Diego welcomed home a hero, Captain Royce Williams – USN (Ret.), who was finally recognized for his bravery over 70 years ago. The reason for the delay? Capt. Williams was involved in a mission on November 18, 1952, when he flew off the USS Oriskany (CV-34) during the Korean War. Williams, now 100 years old, flew his F9F Panther and engaged seven Soviet MiG-15’s, shooting down four of the planes during the 35-minute air battle before the remaining three fled. Williams’s plane had over 263 hits on it. The reason for the classification of the engagement? This air battle occurred during the waning days of the Korean War, and tensions remained with the old Soviet Union. If word got out about the engagement, it would prove the Soviet Union was directly involved in the Korean War. Captain Williams was told not to say anything about his accomplishments, even though his wife and brother never found out until the mission was declassified.
Congressman Darrell Issa worked tirelessly to ensure that Williams received the Nation’s highest military award for his bravery, the Congressional Medal of Honor. Captain Royce Williams is now the oldest living recipient of the Medal of Honor. He returned to Palomar Airport after receiving the medal in Washington, to hundreds of people waiting for his arrival from the chartered plane that brought him back. Captain Williams is a resident of Escondido, California. Close to 500 people swarmed Carlsbad’s Palomar Airport, with the Carlsbad Jet Center hosting the event, to greet him as he came down the steps of the chartered jet, where he was met at the bottom by Congressman Issa. The ovation was rousing as he came down the steps. Members of Veterans organizations from around the County were there to welcome him back, including the American Legion, Buffalo Soldiers, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Veterans Writing Group, Veterans Association of North County, and many others.
Many local leaders were present, including Vista Mayor John Franklin, Carlsbad Mayor Keith Blackburn, San Marcos Mayor Rebecca Jones, Carlsbad Councilmember Melanie Burkholder, and Encinitas Councilmember Luke Shaffer. Mayors Blackburn and Jones presented Williams with certificates, along with others. Mayor Franklin introduced Congressman Issa, who spoke to the crowd and introduced Captain Williams. Captain Williams regaled the crowd with stories of his service and his affinity for Monkey Shoulder Scotch.
Captain Williams was born on April 4, 1925, in Minnesota. He entered the service in 1945 and took part in World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War. He has received the Silver Star, Navy Cross and numerous other awards and is in the Hall of Heroes in the Pentagon. His accomplishment during the Korean War has been called
“one of the greatest feats in aviation history”.
The positive energy from his welcome home celebration filled the air on a sunny California day as he had finally received the hero’s recognition he so richly deserved.
