Subscribe
Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro (right), speaks about retired U.S. Navy Capt. Royce Williams (far left), before he is awarded the Navy Cross for his actions in the Korean War, at the San Diego Air and Space Museum, California, Jan. 20, 2023. “It was very clear to me that his actions were truly extraordinary and more closely aligned with the criteria describing a higher medal,” Del Toro claimed, alluding to the original Silver Star award. Williams took off with three other pilots that day, however, shortly into the flight, two aircraft were forced to return to the aircraft carrier. Shortly thereafter, seven Soviet MiG-15s were identified heading toward the task force. Williams and his wingman were ordered to intercept and were immediately engaged by the enemy. After more than 30 minutes of dogfighting, Williams eliminated four aircraft while losing rudder and wing control, leaving only his elevators to control his Grumman F9F Panther back to safety. The event was classified until 2002, and after being declassified, several high-ranking Naval officers claimed the dogfight is one of the greatest feats in Naval Aviation history. Williams initially received the Silver Star in 1953, which was upgraded to the Navy Cross, the second highest military decoration for combat valor and extraordinary heroism. Williams is a San Diego native. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Daniel Childs)
| Date Taken: | 01.20.2023 |
| Date Posted: | 01.27.2023 12:25 |
| Photo ID: | 7604083 |
| VIRIN: | 230120-M-TH104-1184 |
| Resolution: | 6239x4159 |
| Size: | 6.24 MB |
| Location: | SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA, US |
| Hometown: | SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA, US |
| Web Views: | 36 |
| Downloads: | 3 |
This work, A War Hero Time ALMOST Forgot [Image 5 of 5], by Cpl Daniel Childs, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
No keywords found.
