03/01/2026
Grateful for men and women in uniform who give their all and expect nothing in return. Recognizing this man is truly overdue for all he did for our country. Thank you sir!
🇺🇸 South Dakota Proud 🇺🇸
Last night during the State of the Union address, Wilmot, South Dakota native and retired U.S. Navy Captain Royce Williams received the Medal of Honor — our nation’s highest military award for valor in combat.
Williams, now 100 years old, was recognized for extraordinary heroism during the Korean War when he engaged in a historic 1952 aerial battle against seven Soviet MiG-15 fighter jets. Flying his F9F-5 Panther, Williams shot down four enemy aircraft during a 35-minute dogfight while his own plane sustained heavy damage, an encounter long kept classified due to Cold War tensions.
According to reporting from The Dakota Scout, Williams’ actions are considered among the most remarkable feats in U.S. naval aviation history, highlighting the courage and skill of the South Dakota native who quietly carried this story for decades before receiving national recognition.
From Wilmot, SD to Washington, D.C., South Dakota celebrates Captain Royce Williams — a hometown hero whose courage, humility, and service continue to inspire generations.
Thank you for making South Dakota proud. 🇺🇸