Rep. Darrell Issa (left) holds the microphone as retired Navy Capt. Royce Williams gives a speech after being awarded the Navy Cross for his actions during the Korean War, at the San Diego Air and Space Museum, California, Jan. 20, 2023. Issa pushed for the upgrade calling Williams, “a Top Gun pilot like no other, and an American hero for all time.” He added, “it is to this day the most unique US-Soviet aerial combat dogfight in the history of the Cold War.” For 35 minutes, Williams and his wingman engaged seven Soviet MiG-15s, with the fight ending after Williams had shot down four
Rep. Darrell Issa (left) holds the microphone as retired Navy Capt. Royce Williams gives a speech after being awarded the Navy Cross for his actions during the Korean War, at the San Diego Air and Space Museum, California, Jan. 20, 2023. Issa pushed for the upgrade calling Williams, “a Top Gun pilot like no other, and an American hero for all time.” He added, “it is to this day the most unique US-Soviet aerial combat dogfight in the history of the Cold War.” For 35 minutes, Williams and his wingman engaged seven Soviet MiG-15s, with the fight ending after Williams had shot down four fighters. His wingman chased off the lone, remaining fighter engaging Williams in his crippled aircraft. The event was classified until 2002, and after being declassified; several high-ranking Naval officers claimed the dogfight is one of the greatest feats in Naval Aviation history. “The heroism and valor he demonstrated for 35 harrowing minutes 70 years ago in the skies over the North Pacific and the coast of North Korea saved the lives of his fellow pilots, shipmates, and crew,” Issa added. “His story is one for the ages but is now being fully told.” Williams’ initially received the Silver Star in 1953, which was upgraded to the Navy Cross, the second highest military decoration for combat valor and extraordinary heroism. Williams is a San Diego native.
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Keywords: .., award, cross, fighter, korean, navy, pilot, war
