Authorizes the President to award the Medal of Honor to E. Royce Williams for his extraordinary valor during the Korean War, specifically for his actions on November 18, 1952, when he shot down four Soviet MiG-15s while sustaining heavy damage to his own aircraft. This bill waives the usual time restrictions for awarding the Medal of Honor to recognize Williams' heroism.
Darrell Issa
Representative
CA-48
This bill authorizes the President to award the Medal of Honor to Navy Lieutenant E. Royce Williams for his extraordinary heroism during the Korean War on November 18, 1952. During this event, Lieutenant Williams shot down four Soviet MiG-15s while sustaining heavy damage to his own aircraft. The bill waives the usual time restrictions for awarding the Medal of Honor due to the extraordinary nature of Williams' valor.
Navy Pilot E. Royce Williams Cleared for Medal of Honor for 1952 Korean War Heroics: Time Limits Waived
This bill cuts through the red tape to allow the President to award the Medal of Honor to retired Navy pilot E. Royce Williams for his incredible actions during the Korean War on November 18, 1952. Basically, it greenlights a long-overdue recognition for a true act of valor.
Cleared Hot: Recognizing a Hero
The core of this bill is simple: it authorizes the President to bestow the Medal of Honor upon E. Royce Williams, officially recognizing his extraordinary heroism. The bill waives any time limitations that might have prevented this, acknowledging that sometimes recognition takes longer than it should. Section 2 is straight to the point, giving the President the go-ahead.
What Went Down in '52
Back on November 18, 1952, then-Lieutenant Williams found himself in a seriously intense dogfight. While engaging seven Soviet MiG-15s, Williams didn't just hold his own – he shot down at least four, possibly five, of them. This is a record for MiGs shot down in a single mission. His own plane? Riddled with 263 holes and a massive gash, according to the bill's findings (Section 1). Despite the damage, Williams managed to land his plane. The NSA intercepted Soviet communications confirming three MiGs were shot down, and Russia eventually released the names of the four pilots lost in that battle.
Real-World Impact: More Than Just a Medal
This isn't just about a medal; it's about acknowledging a level of bravery that most of us can't even imagine. For Williams and his family, it's a powerful validation of his service. For current service members, it's a reminder that extraordinary acts of valor are recognized, even decades later. It also sets a historical record, ensuring that Williams' incredible feat is properly documented and remembered. The bill details how Williams' Silver Star was upgraded to the Navy Cross in January 2023, but concludes that the Congressional Medal of Honor is the appropriate recognition for his actions.
The Bottom Line
This bill rights a historical wrong and underscores the importance of recognizing and honoring those who go above and beyond in service to their country. It's a clear message that extraordinary valor deserves the highest recognition, no matter how much time has passed.