South Dakota pilot who outmatched Russian combatants sees Medal of Honor eligibility renewed
Top-secret Korean War battle, recently passed defense legislation rekindles push for presidential recognition
A South Dakota fighter pilot who engaged in an epic air battle that was classified as top secret during the Korean War has moved a step closer to being awarded the nation’s highest military honor.
The U.S. Senate’s passage of the National Defense Authorization Act on Dec. 17 included a provision that allows President Trump to award Royce Williams a Medal of Honor. While there is no guarantee it will happen, the legislation exempts Williams, who is now 100, from a requirement that a Medal of Honor be awarded within five years of the combat incident. In Williams’ case, it’s been 73 years.
