For acts of gallantry done during the Korean War in 1952, retired Navy Capt. E. Royce Williams, 100, was inducted into the Pentagon’s Hall of Heroes. Here, Williams can be seen as he is presented with the Medal of Honor Flag by Sec. of War Pete Hegseth. (Photo credit: Department of War / YouTube)
Navy Capt. E. Royce Williams Received The Medal Of Honor At The State Of The Union The Day Before His Induction Into The Hall Of Heroes
At 100 years old, retired Navy Capt. E. Royce Williams’ service and bravery is still being celebrated.
On Tuesday, Feb. 24, Williams received the highest military honor, the Congressional Medal of Honor, while attending the State of the Union address.
There, President Donald Trump said, “Royce was in the dogfight of a lifetime.”
Expounding upon Williams’ service, Trump stated:
“It was his first aerial combat of the war, and despite being massively outnumbered and outgunned, Royce led the take down of four enemy jets and almost destroyed the others — vanquishing his adversaries while taking 263 bullets to his own plane and being seriously hurt.”
Placing the Medal of Honor upon him was First Lady Melania Trump.
The next day, on Wednesday, Feb. 25, Williams was honored for his service again, as he was inducted into the Pentagon’s Hall of Heroes.
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Watch E. Royce Williams Get Inducted Into The Hall Of Heroes
Established in 1968 by the Department of Defense, now the Department of War, the Hall of Heroes is located at the Pentagon and, according to the DOW’s website, “is a room dedicated for people to honor the brave service members who have received the Medal of Honor, the highest award for bravery that can be awarded to members of America’s armed forces for exceptional acts of valor.”
At the Pentagon on Feb. 25, retired Navy Capt. E. Royce Williams was inducted into the Hall of Heroes.
Speaking on the moment Williams received the Medal of Honor from Trump the night before during the State of the Union address, Sec. of War Pete Hegseth remarked, “What an opportunity to inspire a nation.”
Continuing in his remarks, Hegseth said, “‘Gallantry in action.’ Those are the words that President Lincoln used when he authorized the Medal of Honor.”
The Medal of Honor was established 1861 as the nation was deeply divided, brother fighting against brother in the Civil War.
Detailing Williams’ feat of gallantry during the Korean War on Nov. 18, 1952, Hegseth said, “We know the story of what then Lt. Royce Williams did. One Navy pilot up against seven Soviet MIGs. Thirty-five minutes of combat, with your plane hit by 263 bullets.”
Providing personal commentary on Williams’ story, Hegseth expressed at the amount of bullets his plane took, “I don’t even know how that’s possible.”
Continuing, Hegseth said, “You protected sailors on their ship, and you sent for Soviet MIGs to the bottom of the sea in Japan.”
Hegseth then declared:
“Royce Williams, what you accomplished on that day, Nov. 18, is the living essence of what Abraham Lincoln wished to honor: ‘gallantry in action.’”
Joining Hegseth to induct Williams into the Hall of Heroes was Sec. of the Navy John Phelan.
After being inducted into the Hall of Heroes, Williams took to the podium, speaking with strength and clarity at the age of 100.
“I don’t go looking for honors, and I can’t believe the last couple of days, and it’s not even in my imagination,” Williams stated. “I [was] just like any other sailor — and soldier, which I was once — I set out to be good at whatever I do for my country, and, as events revealed, I had this opportunity to do my best in battle. I did a lot of other events that were insignificant.”
Ending his remarks, Williams said, “All I say is, God bless America, and all glory to God.”
Watch retired Navy Capt. E. Royce Williams be inducted into the Hall of Heroes, here:
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