Secrets of a Soviet MiG Killer

Help Royce Williams get his Silver Star upgraded to the Medal of Honor - the recognition he has earned through his conspicuous gallantry on November 18, 1952 - by writing the Secretary of the Navy at the following mailing address:

The Honorable Carlos Del Toro
Secretary of the Navy
1000 Navy Pentagon Washington, DC 20350-1000

Here's some draft language for the letter:

Dear Secretary Del Toro:

I am writing you in support of the effort to upgrade the recognition bestowed upon Capt. Royce Williams, USN (Ret.) as a result of his actions during the Korean War. Specifically, on November 18, 1952, then-Lieutenant Williams shot down four Soviet MiG-15s before landing his stricken F9F-5 Panther aboard the USS Oriskany (CVA-34) stationed in the Sea of Japan off the coast of North Korea.

Because of the sensitivity of the incident, U.S. Navy and NSA officials concocted a fictional narrative and awarded Williams a Silver Star for a confirmed kill of one MiG and possible kill of another, both of unspecified national origin. Further, two other members of Williams' squadron were given false credit for MiGs that Williams shot down. Williams was told to keep the truth a secret, and he did so for 40 years.

The truth was revealed by the Russians at the end of the Cold War when they revealed the identities of the Red Air Force pilots Williams shot down. However, the U.S. Navy refused to change their records on the grounds that there were no other living witnesses beyond Williams. This is fundamentally unjust and a dishonor to a great Naval Aviator.

Therefore, as a concerned American and supporter of our military, I strongly ask that you take action on Rear Admiral Shelton's package before you and upgrade Royce Williams' Silver Star to the Medal of Honor. His actions on that day define conspicuous gallantry above and beyond the call of duty, and he has more than earned our military's highest award.

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[jimz]

This American Hero definitely deserves the Medal Of Honor. Thank You for sharing this amazing story.

[franklopez]

Had the privilege of hosting Royce Williams at the Camarillo airshow Aug 2023

[kevinmiller]

Ward, your treatment of naval aviation history in this forum is outstanding. And your call to action does not fall on deaf ears. BZ.

[paulpovinelli]

As a former VQ-2 reconnaissance Aircrewman, I heard all about the incidents that officially “never happened”. This is a disgrace, and disparages these brave men, many of whom lost their lives. Thank you for this Ward.

[dilus]

I sincerely hope that Capt Williams gets the upgrade he richly deserves. Incredible bravery against the odds 🤞time to put the records straight

[Pricklyhedgehog]

Absolutely, sounds like the whole thing needs to be made into a movie/doco' too. incredible piece of flying, not only the A2A kills, but bringing a massively damaged aircraft back to the boat, in an era where crashing during recovery was one of the leading causes of pilot aircraft losses.

[wglsgary]

Royce is an honorable man for remaining silent. I wish we had more like him. It will be pleasure to follow your lead and write the letter for the upgrade. Thanks ! 🇺🇸

[TorToroPorco]

There is so much to digest with this story. But the most important thing is the bravery, honour and selflessness of a great man who served his country and asked for nothing in return. The least we can do is show him our gratitude while he is still alive to appreciate it.

[thetir]

Panther vs MIG, and nearly became an ace in one engagement, absolutely incredible airmanship!

[ZATennisFan]

He absolutely deserves the MOH.. 7-2 odds and he takes out 4 in an inferior aircraft???

[toastyboi]

Royce Williams is literally my hero- I spend a lot of time looking through navy and marine corps aviator's storys as I prepare for my soon-to-be career in either service. I came across William's amazing tale and I literally couldn't hold back my astonishment. That just happened to be one of the greatest actions ever completed by a navy pilot, yet he never even got a navy cross for that.

If Williams ever does see this comment, just know that new generations look up to you, and you're truly a man among men.

[jeffcalidrone]

Wow a Korean War top gun for sure. What a bad ass. Royce deserves the Medal of Honor I’ll do my part. God bless him and you dude.

[metfish]

If we don’t give him his MOH perhaps the Russians will. After all, they admit he downed all four Migs. Another great video Ward!

My letter will be sent to the secretary tomorrow.

[Whitpusmc]

The Carrier Captain lined up the ship with him on his approach! Outstanding!!

[christopherskuster]

Thanks for telling this story Ward, give the man a Medal of Honor!!!!

[seaninness]

I'm sure my Dad would have signed on as he flew F-80's, F94's and F-86's during the same era. Unfortunately he passed away in late 2013. Best wishes with Captain Williams proper recognition.

[beerguy]

Just swearing to secrecy, not making waves, and towing the line for that long, this American patriot deserves the Medal of Honor for going above and beyond.

Although I never served, I know 2 USN Lt. Cmdr’s ret. and several naval veterans that I am going to share this video with in hopes of garnering their support along with my own. Thank you for sharing Ward. I would have likely never known of this story had you not shared it.

[owensbama]

What an awesome story from a real hero. I for one would be honored to speak up on his behalf and do anything I can to help this man get the recognition he so deserves. What a hero!!

[BB_Chaptsick]

Incredible story. Thank you for sharing. Thank you Capt. R. Wiliams. Letter soon to follow.

[jzcski]

One hell of a story!!! Thanks, Mooch!