Issa Secures Congressional Medal of Honor Language for San Diegan Captain Royce Williams
Issa: “This is a just reward and a deserved recognition for the Secret Soldier of the Korean War and the best and bravest fighter pilot I’ve ever known”
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Darrell Issa (CA-48) today announced the just-finalized 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) includes his legislation to permit Escondido Navy Captain E. Royce Williams (Ret.) to be eligible to receive the Congressional Medal of Honor. The NDAA is expected to be approved by the House and Senate later this week, before heading to the White House for President Trump’s signature.
“Escondido’s Royce Williams is 100 years young, a Top Gun pilot like no other, and an American hero for all time,” said Rep. Issa. “The heroism and valor he demonstrated for more than 35 harrowing minutes almost 70 years ago in the skies over the North Pacific and the coast of North Korea saved the lives of his fellow pilots, shipmates, and crew. His story is one for the ages and it now has its rightful chapter as Royce receives the Medal of Honor.”
On November 18, 1952, Capt. Williams piloted his F9F-5 Panther and alone faced seven Soviet MiG-15s – impossible odds by any conventional measure. Royce shot down four and survived a 37-millimeter round to his fuselage, where six inches to the right or left would have meant certain death. Despite the immense damage to his jet, he made a near-perfect landing on the deck of his aircraft carrier, the USS Oriskany.
Royce was instructed to keep the incident a secret, and he remained silent for more than 50 years. In addition, Soviet records released in 1992 detailed how Williams shot down the four MiGs. Williams was awarded a Silver Star — which was elevated to the Navy Cross in 2023 after a determined campaign to share the full-facts led by Rep. Issa and others.
Subtitle J, Sec. 597, of the NDAA, includes Issa’s legislation to remove the five-year statute of limitations for Medal of Honor consideration for Williams.
“What Royce did is — still to this day — the most unique U.S.-Soviet aerial combat dogfight in the history of the Cold War, and one in which Royce Williams demonstrated indomitable courage of the highest skill under incalculable duress. It is my honor to have fought all these years for Royce to gain a recognition that he has not sought, but so richly deserves,” said Rep. Issa.
More about Captain Williams’ story and Operation Just Reward:
Retired Navy Capt. Royce Williams shares declassified heroic story | Fox News
'Operation Just Reward': A tale for the ages - Washington Times
ABC NEWS: Leaders, loved ones band together in attempt to award hero Medal of Honor
KUSI NEWS: Congressman Darrell Issa talks about MOH for Capt. Royce Williams
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