South Dakota pilot bestowed Medal of Honor also headed to Hall of Heroes
Royce Williams enshrined as one of country's highest acclaimed war fighters
“Tonight, at 100 years old, this brave Navy captain is finally getting the recognition he deserves,” President Donald Trump said this week of a South Dakota native war fighter.
The commander in chief was referring to retired Capt. Royce Williams, who engaged in the longest dogfight in U.S. military history and was inducted into the Hall of Heroes on Feb. 25, a day after Trump awarded him the Medal of Honor. The remarks came during the 2026 State of the Union address.
“Royce, please stand up, and I will ask the First Lady of the United States to present Capt. Royce Williams with his Congressional Medal of Honor.”
First Lady Melania Trump latched the ribbon holding the nation’s highest military honor around the neck of Williams. Melania Trump had sat next to the centenarian during the president’s address.
