Honoring American Valor: The Stories of Captain Royce Williams and Chief Warrant Officer 5 Eric Slover
On February 24th, a nation paused to recognize extraordinary courage and unwavering dedication to duty. Retired Navy Captain Royce Williams, a remarkable 100 years old, finally received the Medal of Honor for his breathtaking actions in 1952. During a 35-minute aerial dogfight, Williams single-handedly shot down four Soviet MiG-15 fighter jets – a feat unmatched before or since. For over half a century, this incredible story remained classified, a secret held close by Williams himself.
A Legacy of Service: Captain Royce Williams’ Heroism
The story of Williams’ bravery first came to light in a 2017 American Legion Magazine article, revealing a tale of incredible skill and resilience. A decorated veteran of World War II, Korea, and Vietnam, Williams flew over 220 combat missions. But it was the encounter with seven Soviet fighters in November 1952 that cemented his place in history. Despite being heavily outnumbered and outgunned, Williams led the charge, downing four enemy aircraft while enduring a staggering 263 bullet holes to his own F9F-5 Panther jet.
President Trump, during his State of the Union address, highlighted Williams’ service, stating, “In 1952, Royce was in the dogfight of a lifetime… He vanquished his adversaries while taking 263 bullets to his own plane.” Williams, seated beside First Lady Melania Trump, received a resounding bipartisan ovation as she presented him with the nation’s highest military honour. His aircraft, riddled with damage, was ultimately pushed overboard, a testament to the intensity of the battle.
Recognizing Modern Bravery: Chief Warrant Officer 5 Eric Slover
The ceremony also honoured Army Chief Warrant Officer 5 Eric Slover, a helicopter pilot recognized for his bravery during a raid to capture Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. President Trump acknowledged Slover’s crucial role in planning the mission and leading the initial Chinook helicopter assault against Maduro’s fortified compound. Slover’s dedication and leadership were instrumental to the operation’s success.
Overcoming Obstacles to Recognition
The path to awarding Williams the Medal of Honor was not without its challenges. The story remained classified for decades, with Russia declassifying the information only a decade ago. This opened the door for Williams to speak openly about his experiences, but it also required overcoming bureaucratic hurdles. Thanks to the tireless efforts of The American Legion, including a resolution passed nearly a decade prior and the support of ‘Operation Just Reward’, the FY 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) removed the time limits that previously prevented Williams from receiving the honour.
Steve Lewandowski, a member of American Legion Post 416, expressed the sentiment of many, stating, “Today is Royce’s day… It’s a day that also represents the impact of The American Legion.”
A Century of Service, A Lifetime of Honour
Royce Williams’ story is a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made by those who serve. His humility and grace, even at 100 years old, are truly inspiring. The awarding of the Medal of Honor is a long-overdue recognition of his extraordinary courage and unwavering commitment to duty. The recognition of both Captain Williams and Chief Warrant Officer 5 Slover underscores the continued bravery and dedication of American service members.
Learn more about The American Legion: https://www.legion.org/
