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Yeah, beautiful. Heat. Good morning again, ladies and gentlemen. Our ceremony will begin in a few minutes. A reminder to make sure that all electronic devices are turned completely off and all ID badges are removed. Thank you. Ladies and gentlemen, good afternoon and welcome to today's Medal of Honor induction ceremony honoring Captain Royce Williams, United States Navy retired. Captain Williams has been presented our nation's highest and most prestigious award for valor by the
President of the United States, the Medal of Honor. This afternoon, the United States Navy will pay tribute to this courageous sailor of the Korean War as the Secretary of War, the Honorable Pete Hegath, the Secretary of the Navy, the Honorable John Felin, and the Chief of Naval Operations, Admiral Daryl Codle, formally induct him into the Pentagon's most sacred place, the Hall of Heroes. Please rise for the arrival of the official party and remain standing for the presentation of colors, the singing of our national anthem by musician first class Daniel Curran, and the invocation. colors.
Oh, present. by the dawn early light. What so proudly we held at the twilight last gleaming whose broad stripes and bright stars through the perilous fight or the ramparts we watched were so gallently streaming and the rockets red The bombs [screaming] bursting in air gave proof through the night that our flag was still there. Oh, say does that star spangled B yet or the land [screaming] of the free and the home [screaming] of the brave. Chaplain Carrie Cash will now offer the invocation. Almighty God, whose spirit hovers over the waters, commands the storm, and illumines the burning blue of the sky. Into your hands we commend the hero we honor today, Captain Royce Williams, for
bringing his long hidden heroism to light. Oh God, we are thankful. Our nation's highest honor, the Medal of Honor, proclaims a grateful nation and a debt to those few who demonstrate uncommon valor. Oh God, we praise the character of this man. In an age often bereft of virtue, we acknowledge his fidelity, his love for country, for his wife and family, and his faithfulness to you. Oh God, bless and spread abroad the example of Captain Williams, who on a day of battle long ago in dark skies over a threatened land, did himself meet the enemy with courage and resolve. To the very edge of doom he flew. He fought for his fellow pilots in the air, for the nation who sent him, for the navy he loved, for the soldiers and marines on
the ground, and for a cherished way of life that is the inheritance of all free peoples. As we celebrate this honor bestowed upon your servant, may we do more than venerate, but Lord, help us imitate with the little time we have. Help us imitate that sacrificial spirit that Captain Williams demonstrated on that heroic day and throughout all of his life. Oh God, bless Royce and pour out upon him all grace that even now he might be given the strength to fight the good fight and finish his race in the sure and certain hope that the God who calls sustains. For we know that the one who trusts in the Lord, to him is promised a crown of life, eternal and imperishable, where moth and rust cannot destroy and thieves
cannot break in and steal. This is your reward, oh God, and the highest honor of all. Well done, Captain Williams. Well done. Hear the words of your God and great commander. Well done, my good and faithful servant. Amen. Will the guests please be seated? Ladies and gentlemen, it is now my pleasure to introduce Admiral Daryl Codddle, Chief of Naval Operations. Well, good afternoon everyone and welcome. And uh what an event last night. You know, it was my first State of the Union and uh what an incredible way to kick off a series of events that of acknowledging Captain Williams and uh
this is kind of part two. So, good afternoon, Secretary Hexath, Secretary Failen, Congressman Jackson, and Congressman Isa, Chairman Kaine, General Smith, General Nordhouse, Medal of Honor recipients, uh, other Navy sailors, civilians, veterans, and most important, Captain Royce Williams and his family. It is the honor of my lifetime to be with you today. Captain Williams, thank you for allowing us to be part of your story. And sir, might I add that those service dress blues haven't aged you a bit and I suspect you'd rather be in your flight suit if I know you. What a great Navy day to be here in the Pentagon and even a better day for our country. We don't often gather in this
room for its intended purpose, to honor our heroes. Today we do. To the rest of the audience, take a moment and look around you. More than 3,500 3500 names are engraved on these walls. There are the names of Americans who on the surface may have seemed like ordinary men, yet whose actions proved anything but. Patriots who answered the nation's call, who did extraordinary things against extraordinary odds, not for recognition, but because it was their solemn duty to do so. Thomas Hudner, Michael Murphy, James Stockdale, Michael Mansour, and James E. Williams are all but a few of the Navy heroes you'll find on these walls. And today, ladies and gentlemen, we have the
privilege of adding one more name, Captain Royce Williams. 74 years ago, under the veils of secrecy and the shadows of a classified cold war, Captain Williams actions over the bordering seas of Korea were kept hidden from sight. That is why we are here, because today his record stands corrected. His actions in November of 1952 speak for themselves. Launching from the catapults of the USS Arisany, Lieutenant Junior Grade Williams and his section of fighters took to the skies on a seemingly benign patrol. Shortly after, his patrol was interrupted by a transmission from combat. From the radio, they barked orders to intercept a flight of incoming bogeies. Mechanical failures in his wingman's planes forced
them to return back to base. But Williams pressed on, confronting a fearsome section of enemy MiGs all on his own. We What ensued would be the dog fight that we can barely comprehend. Several seven Soviet MiGs versus one Navy pilot. Compared to the Grum and Panther, these MiGs were the most advanced Soviet fighters of their time. Virtually unbeatable, or so they had thought. Outnumbered, outgunned, but never outmatched, Williams engaged in the fight for his life. What followed would become the longest recorded Navy dog fight to date. 35 minutes of combat, 35 minutes of adrenalinefueled survival, and 35 minutes of Americanmade steel and his South Dakota wits. Through the Soviet MiGs were superior in capability,
Williams Panther provided him with an advantage. Sure, they were fast, faster than the speed of sound, but dog fights don't happen at supersonic speeds. They happen in the realm of subsonic. And in that domain, the Grumman Panther was better, more maneuverable, more nimble, and better suited to evade. Guns blazing from seven incoming planes, Williams rolled in to engage. He exercised trigger control, sparing every precious round, ensuring that every bogey hit was struck with precision. One MiG fell, then another, and then another, and then another. From his cockpit, Royce watched on as four Soviet MiGs trailed in flames toward the icy waters below. His panther riddled with bullets and severe damage
to the control, Royce airplane was Winchester, completely out of ammo and time to go home. white knuckles, nerves of steel, and mastery in his trade were the only things keeping him from pitching flight deck of the onto the Ariskany and into the frigid sea of Japan. In those extreme temperatures, ejecting would surely be the end. So, it just wasn't an option he would entertain. Coming in hot, no flaps to slow him down, Royce tail hook snagged a third wire. He had accomplished the unimaginable safely landing on deck. Jumping out of the cockpit, quickly inspected his plane to see 263 bullet holes had found his plane, but none of them had found him. Today is more than just recognition. It's about restoration. For decades, Captain
Williams bravery remained largely unseen. The strategic realities of the Cold War demanded his silence. Reassured by President-elect Eisenhower, the full measure of Captain Williams heroism was only known to a few. It wouldn't be till over 50 years later that the events of the cold blustery November day would officially come to light. In that time, Royce never sought recognition. He never asked for attention. He simply continued to serve quietly, professionally, and with the humility that defines our very best. Today, that record stands corrected. Today, we ensure that future generations of sailors and Americans who know will know his name and understand what it represents. Because the story of
Captain Royce Williams isn't just about the time served over Korea. It's about a lifetime defined by our Navy core values of honor, courage, and commitment. That is the legacy we carry forward. Captain Williams, on behalf of a grateful nation, a grateful Navy, and we salute you, sir. Thank you for your lifetime of service. Thank you for reminding us all what it means to answer our nation's call. Bravo, Zulu, shipmate, and welcome to the Hall of Heroes. Thank you, Admiral. Ladies and gentlemen, it is now my pleasure to introduce the Honorable John Felen, Secretary of the Navy.
Good morning, Secretary Hexath, Chairman Kaine, Congressman Jackson, Navy and Marine Corps senior leaders, distinguished guests, and especially Captain Williams and your family. Thank you for being here on this extraordinary day. I also want to recognize Congressman Isa for championing the legislative authority that made this recognition possible. Thank you. I also want to acknowledge two Medal of Honor recipients with us here today. Lieutenant Colonel William Swinson and Colonel Barney Barnum. Thank you to the Congressional Medal of Honor recipients with us here today. Thank you to the Congressional Medal of Honor Society for preserving the stories, the values, and
the enduring legacy of every medal recipient. There are few responsibilities entrusted to a Secretary of the Navy more meaningful than recommending the Medal of Honor. It is a profound honor to gather here in the Hall of Heroes to recognize Captain E. Royce Williams, a naval aviator whose courage, skill, and quiet professionalism represents the very best of the United States Navy. On November 18th, 1952, Lieutenant Williams launched from the USS Ariskany as part of the combat air patrol over the waters of North Korea. What began as a routine patrol became one of the most heroic dog fights in the history of naval aviation.
Outnumbered and facing a superior force of enemy Mig 15 fighters, Lieutenant Williams did not hesitate. He intercepted the attacking aircraft to protect the ships of Task Force 77 and the thousands of sailors aboard them. In the engagement that followed, he demonstrated extraordinary airmanship and composure under fire. He maneuvered aggressively, made repeated firing passes, and destroyed enemy aircraft while sustaining severe damage to his own jet. Even after taking a direct hit, he continued to evade further attack. maintained control of the fight and ultimately brought a nearly uncontrollable aircraft back aboard Ariskany.
His actions that day resulted in the destruction of multiple enemy aircraft, the disruption of a coordinated attack directed by Soviet ground controllers, and the protection of American ships and sailors operating in contested waters. Much of what occurred that day remained classified for decades. The broader context, including confirmation that Soviet pilots were involved, would not be publicly understood until years later. But what never changed was the fact that Lieutenant Williams acted with unwavering courage at the risk of his own life above and beyond the call of duty. The Medal of Honor citation recognizes that heroism. But those who know Captain Williams understand something equally important, his
humility. You know, Captain Williams served our nation across three major wars. He began his military career, enlisted in the army before recognizing he had the grades, guts, and grit to earn his wings in the United States Navy. Uh, however, he did not seek recognition. He did not tell the story for personal credit. He simply served faithfully, professionally, and in keeping with the highest traditions of the naval service. That is the thread that connects generations of sailors from the deck plates of destroyers to the flight decks of carriers. Captain Williams's courage reminds us of the stakes of maritime power. The Navy exists to protect the nation's interests far from our shores. Often in moments
that never make headlines, often in circumstances where failure would be catastrophic. On that November day in 1952, thousands of sailors aboard Task Force 77 returned home because of one naval aviator who refused to yield the sky. Today, we recognize not only an act of heroism, but a lifetime of service. Captain Williams, on behalf of the Department of the Navy and a grateful nation, thank you for your courage, your skill, and your unwaving unwavering devotion to duty. You upheld the finest traditions of the United States Naval Service and you continue to inspire all who wear the uniform. May God bless all of you. May God bless the United States of America and may God bless the United States Navy
and Marine Corps team that defends her. Thank you. Thank you, Secretary. Ladies and gentlemen, it is now my pleasure to introduce the Honorable Pete Hexath, Secretary of War. Well, Captain, it's good to see you. We just we met uh back there and I said, "Should we do it again like last night?" He said, "Is she going to be here again?"
No, first lady. I'm sorry. You're stuck with me. Uh but what a memory. What a moment. What an opportunity to inspire a nation. It was a privilege to be there last night. Uh a culmination of a welldeserved moment and the nation's still talking about it uh this morning and will be for a time to come. So good afternoon everybody and thank you to all the distinguished visitors that are here recognizing the importance of this kind of recognition for this kind of human being, this kind of American. Gallantry in action. Those are the words that President Lincoln used when he authorized the Medal of Honor. The year was 1861, a time when this nation, as Lincoln said, conceived in liberty was being
tested in ways that it had not before. Our 16th president imagined this medal as a tangible symbol to decorate the ones who braved the storms of battle for our nation. The date of November 18th, 1952. It was a Tuesday. In cities and towns from coast to coast, kids went off to school. Dads worked in factories. Moms prepared supper for later that night. Many Americans went to see High Noon playing in the movie theaters. It was a week before Thanksgiving. And a world away, there were some 300,000 plus American servicemen, our warriors, stationed in South Korea.
We know the story of what then Lieutenant Royce Williams did. One Navy pilot up against seven Soviet MiGs. 35 minutes of combat. Your plane hit by 263 bullets. I don't even know how that's possible. You protected sailors on their ship and you sent four Soviet MiGs to the bottom of the Sea of Japan. Royce Williams, what you accomplished on that day, November 18th, is the living essence of what Abraham Lincoln wished to honor. Gallantry in action. A little less than a century after Lincoln authorized the Medal of Honor, another president familiar with war would define the battle that animated Royce Williams life this way. We are fighting the armies of communism.
Eisenhower declared, "This is not an argument between slightly different philosophies. This conflict strikes directly at the faith of our fathers and the lives of our sons. Freedom pitted against tyranny," Ike said. Lightness against the darkness. In fact, the communist leader of what they dreamed would be a worldwide revolution described their audacious mission in rather simple terms. Lenin said, "Our mission is to dethrone God." Our chief diplomat stationed to the Soviet Union during that era said that the communists sought to expand wherever and whenever they found one thing, weakness. Our diplomat warned us this,
writing, "They cannot be swayed by diplomacy or the logic of reason. They only retreat when faced with the logic of force, when strong resistance is encountered." And so on that Tuesday on November 1952, a week before families in our nation gathered to thank the author of all that was good that is or will be around their Thanksgiving tables. You climbed into your F9F Panther and you showed those communists the logic of force. You showed a grateful nation the definition of heroism. Captain Royce, I will conclude with the words that Eisenhower himself said at a ceremony for Medal of Honor recipients just like you.
I think the best thing I can do is say thank you and thank a merciful providence that you are here at this moment and we can celebrate you. God bless sir. Thank you. Thank you, Secretary Felen. Admiral Codle and Captain Royce Williams will now join Secretary Hegsth on stage for the induction ceremony. Guests, please remain standing. Military personnel, attention to award. The President of the United States in the name of Congress takes pleasure in awarding the Medal of Honor to Lieutenant E. Royce Williams for service as set forth in the following. for
conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty on 18th November 1952 while leading a division of three jet fighters attached to fighter squadron 781 VF-781 and embarked on USS Arisany while flying a combat patrol mission over the northeastern coastal waters of enemy held North Korea. Lieutenant Williams demonstrated extraordinary heroism by intercepting a superior force of attacking enemy Mig 15 fighters in order to protect the ships of Task Force 77. After thwarting the enemy's initial attack, he maneuvered his aircraft to make two firing passes on one MiG, which then spiraled into the sea. He inflicted heavy damage to a second MiG 15, which started smoking badly and retired from
the fight. When his own aircraft was severely damaged by a direct hit from one of the remaining enemy Mig 15s, Lieutenant Williams evaded further enemy attack while continuing to direct the dog fight. He eventually found cover in a cloudbank, broke off the engagement, and miraculously landed his nearly uncontrollable aircraft on the USS Arisy. His exceptional airmanship, coupled with his complete disregard for his own personal safety, resulted in the destruction of three enemy Mig 15s and severe damage to a fourth and undoubtedly saved the lives of hundreds of Task Force 77 sailors. By his undaunted courage, bold initiative, and total devotion to duty, Lieutenant Williams reflected great credit upon
himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. The Hall of Heroes contains plaques with the names of 3,500 service personnel who have earned the Medal of Honor. We will now unveil the plaque inducting Captain Royce Williams into the Hall of Heroes as our nation's 3,529th Medal of Honor recipient. At this time, Secretary Hegsth will present the Medal of Honor flag. If you are in the center aisle, please clear so we may bring the flag forward. On 23rd October 2002, public law 107-248, section 8143 established the Medal of Honor flag to recognize service members who have distinguished themselves by gallantry and action above and beyond the call of duty.
The flag is light blue with gold fringe bearing 13 white stars in a configuration as on the eight-sided pad from which the medal is suspended. It gives emphasis to the Medal of Honor as being the highest award for valor by an individual serving in the US armed forces. The flag is presented folded with one star showing representing the medal itself. Folding Captain Royce Williams' flag today are sailors from the United States Navy Ceremonial Guard. Thank you, Secretary Hath, Secretary Failen, and Admiral Codddle. Will the guests please be seated?
Ladies and gentlemen, Captain Royce Williams. Well, thank you all. Words can't convey. Wow. 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. What I have to think about is what started all this was copy from my dad warrior from World War I. Patriotism, recognition of the country you are living in is giving to each of us and we owe something in return.
I just like any other sailor I and soldier which I was once 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 uh were insignificant and all I say is God bless America and all glory to God. Thank you. Take your hand right here, sir. Head back to your seat. Okay. Thank you, Captain Williams. Ladies and gentlemen, please remain standing for the benediction, the playing of anchors away, and the departure of the official party.
Hear the words of the prophet Isaiah. Have you not known, have you not heard? The everlasting God, the Lord, the creator of the ends of the earth, neither faints nor is weary. His understanding is unsearchable. He gives power to the weak, and to those who have no might, he increases strength. Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall. But those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength. They shall mount up with wings like eagles. They shall run and not weary. They shall walk and not faint. Almighty God, we thank you for calling us to tasks which demand our best efforts and lift us to purposes far greater than ourselves. That calling, that purpose, that obedience of faith has been made
abundantly clear in the life, service, and the deeds of Captain Royce Williams. To Royce, to his family, to the nation he loves and the people he defended. The Lord bless you and keep you. The Lord make his face shine upon you and be gracious unto you. The Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace both now and in the life everlasting. Amen.
Again, please remain in place for the departure of the official party. ladies and gentlemen, this concludes the ceremony. You are cordially invited to join us for a reception at the rear of the Hall of Heroes. Thank you for attending. Good day.
