The only thing I could do was out-turn them.” “They had me cold on maneuverability and acceleration – the MiG was vastly superior on those counts to the F9F. “In the moment I was a fighter pilot doing my job…I was only shooting what I had,” said Williams in a previous account of the fight. After Williams downed the first MiG, his wingman chased the falling aircraft, and Williams found himself alone in air-to-air combat with the remaining MiGs. Before they could engage, the team’s flight leader had to return to Oriskany due to a fuel pump issue, leaving only Williams and his wingman. 18, 1952, Williams was flying with two other members of VF-781 from Essex-class aircraft carrier USS Oriskany (CVA 34) when they encountered seven MiG-15 aircraft. It was very clear to me that his actions were extraordinary, and more closely aligned with the criteria describing a higher award…and sir, what a tremendous honor it was to tell you in person, that after all these years, your courageous actions would finally get the recognition they deserve.” Among the many cases I have reviewed, Captain Williams’ case stood out. However, as the Secretary of the Navy, I have the authority to consider proposals to upgrade awards. “His actions almost 70 years ago earned him recognition, and he was awarded the Silver Star Medal. “Royce Williams was a Lieutenant in the United States Navy when he took the lead of an incredibly critical mission during the Korean War, resulting in the protection of Task Force 77 from enemy attack,” said Secretary Del Toro. Williams on May 7, 1953, while assigned to the “Pacemakers” of Fighter Squadron (VF) 781, for combat action against seven Soviet Mikoyan Gurevich (MiG) 15 aircraft. The Navy Cross is an upgrade of the Silver Star Medal previously awarded to then-Lt. Royce Williams for his exploits during the Korean War at a ceremony at the San Diego Air and Space Museum, Jan. SAN DIEGO - Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro awarded the Navy Cross to retired Navy Capt.
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