WEBVTT 00:00.889 --> 00:03.000 Ladies and gentlemen , good afternoon 00:03.000 --> 00:05.111 and welcome to today's Medal of Honor 00:05.111 --> 00:07.111 induction ceremony honoring Captain 00:07.111 --> 00:09.111 Royce Williams , United States Navy 00:09.111 --> 00:11.111 retired . Captain Williams has been 00:11.111 --> 00:13.333 presented our nation's highest and most 00:13.333 --> 00:15.278 prestigious award for valor by the 00:15.278 --> 00:17.333 President of the United States , the 00:17.333 --> 00:19.579 Medal of Honor . This afternoon , the 00:19.579 --> 00:21.746 United States Navy will pay tribute to 00:21.746 --> 00:23.801 this courageous sailor of the Korean 00:23.801 --> 00:25.801 War , as the Secretary of War , the 00:25.801 --> 00:27.968 Honorable Pete Hegseth , the Secretary 00:27.968 --> 00:29.912 of the Navy , the Honorable John P 00:29.912 --> 00:31.690 Phelan , and the Chief of Naval 00:31.690 --> 00:33.746 Operations , Admiral Darryl Caudle , 00:33.746 --> 00:35.968 formally induct him into the Pentagon's 00:35.968 --> 00:38.246 most sacred place , the Hall of Heroes . 00:39.020 --> 00:40.979 Please rise for the arrival of the 00:40.979 --> 00:43.146 official party and remain standing for 00:43.146 --> 00:44.979 the presentation of colors , the 00:44.979 --> 00:46.868 singing of our national anthem by 00:46.868 --> 00:48.923 musician First Class Daniel Curran , 00:48.923 --> 00:50.090 and the invocation . 01:19.040 --> 01:21.620 Color guard , advance the colors . 01:38.029 --> 01:38.790 Color hope 01:41.230 --> 01:44.150 Cres on . 01:47.910 --> 01:51.470 Oh , say , can you see ? 01:52.199 --> 01:54.550 By the dawn's early light . 01:58.680 --> 02:02.169 Proudly we the 02:02.169 --> 02:05.300 twilight's gleaming , 02:06.760 --> 02:08.927 whose stripes and bright stars through 02:12.619 --> 02:13.619 the perilous 02:15.979 --> 02:19.600 ramparts we were so 02:19.600 --> 02:20.711 gallantly streaming 02:25.479 --> 02:28.949 and the rockets . The bombs 02:28.949 --> 02:29.759 bursting . 02:34.339 --> 02:38.270 Through the night that our flag 02:38.270 --> 02:41.929 was still . Oh 02:41.929 --> 02:44.889 say does that star spangled . 02:48.779 --> 02:49.089 that 02:52.529 --> 02:54.380 or And 02:58.899 --> 03:01.809 And the love 03:07.500 --> 03:08.500 pour . 03:11.619 --> 03:14.899 Retire the colors march . 03:26.949 --> 03:29.119 Chaplain Kerry Cash will now offer the 03:29.119 --> 03:30.119 invocation . 03:36.449 --> 03:38.171 I invite you to pray with me . 03:40.500 --> 03:43.399 Almighty God , whose spirit hovers over 03:43.399 --> 03:46.039 the waters , commands the storm , and 03:46.039 --> 03:48.261 illumines the burning blue of the sky . 03:48.520 --> 03:50.630 In your hands we commend the hero we 03:50.630 --> 03:53.000 honor today , Captain Royce Williams . 03:53.880 --> 03:56.102 For bringing his long hidden heroism to 03:56.102 --> 03:58.399 light , oh God , we are thankful . Our 03:58.399 --> 04:00.559 nation's highest honor , the Medal of 04:00.559 --> 04:03.919 Honor , proclaims a grateful nation and 04:03.919 --> 04:06.089 a debt to those few who demonstrate 04:06.509 --> 04:10.149 uncommon valor . Oh God , we praise the 04:10.149 --> 04:13.600 character of this man . In an age often 04:13.600 --> 04:16.559 bereft of virtue , we acknowledge his 04:16.559 --> 04:19.730 fidelity , his love for country , for 04:19.730 --> 04:21.559 his wife and family , and his 04:21.559 --> 04:25.309 faithfulness to you . Oh God bless and 04:25.309 --> 04:28.230 spread abroad the example of Captain 04:28.230 --> 04:31.029 Williams , who on a day of battle long 04:31.029 --> 04:33.970 ago , in dark skies over a threatened 04:33.970 --> 04:36.750 land , did himself meet the enemy with 04:36.750 --> 04:39.489 courage and resolve . To the very edge 04:39.489 --> 04:42.320 of doom , he flew . He fought for his 04:42.320 --> 04:44.264 fellow pilots in the air , for the 04:44.264 --> 04:46.376 nation who sent him , for the navy he 04:46.376 --> 04:48.598 loved , for the soldiers and marines on 04:48.598 --> 04:50.820 the ground , and for a cherished way of 04:50.820 --> 04:52.820 life that is the inheritance of all 04:52.820 --> 04:56.269 free peoples . As we celebrate this 04:56.269 --> 04:58.820 honor bestowed upon your servant , may 04:58.820 --> 05:01.269 we do more than venerate , but Lord , 05:01.350 --> 05:04.500 help us imitate . With the little time 05:04.500 --> 05:07.130 we have . Help us imitate that 05:07.130 --> 05:09.649 sacrificial spirit that Captain 05:09.649 --> 05:11.705 Williams demonstrated on that heroic 05:11.705 --> 05:14.089 day and throughout all of his life . Oh 05:14.089 --> 05:17.369 God bless Royce , and pour out upon him 05:17.369 --> 05:20.720 all grace that even now . He might be 05:20.720 --> 05:22.776 given the strength to fight the good 05:22.776 --> 05:25.239 fight and finish his race in the sure 05:25.239 --> 05:28.220 and certain hope that the God who calls 05:28.359 --> 05:31.559 sustains . For we know that the one who 05:31.559 --> 05:34.489 trusts in the Lord . To him is promised 05:34.489 --> 05:36.450 a crown of life , eternal and 05:36.450 --> 05:38.769 imperishable , where moth and rust 05:38.769 --> 05:41.019 cannot destroy and thieves cannot break 05:41.019 --> 05:43.241 in and steal . This is your reward , oh 05:43.241 --> 05:45.799 God , and the highest honor of all . 05:46.299 --> 05:48.299 Well done , Captain Williams . Well 05:48.299 --> 05:50.660 done . Hear the words of your God and 05:50.660 --> 05:53.380 great commander . Well done , my good 05:53.380 --> 05:55.660 and faithful servant . Amen . 06:00.279 --> 06:02.223 Will the guests please be seated ? 06:03.299 --> 06:05.299 Ladies and gentlemen , it is now my 06:05.299 --> 06:07.355 pleasure to introduce Admiral Darryl 06:07.355 --> 06:09.410 Caudle , Chief of Naval Operations . 06:16.000 --> 06:18.167 Well , good afternoon , everyone , and 06:18.167 --> 06:20.278 welcome and , uh , what an event last 06:20.278 --> 06:22.222 night . You know , it was my first 06:22.222 --> 06:24.333 State of the Union and , uh , what an 06:24.333 --> 06:26.440 incredible way to kick off , uh , a 06:26.440 --> 06:28.519 series of events that , of 06:28.519 --> 06:30.852 acknowledging Captain Williams and , uh , 06:30.852 --> 06:32.797 this is kind of part two . So good 06:32.797 --> 06:34.575 afternoon , Secretary Hegseth , 06:34.575 --> 06:37.220 Secretary Phelan , Congressman Jackson , 06:37.279 --> 06:39.809 and Congressman Issa . Uh , Chairman 06:39.809 --> 06:42.279 Kain , General Smith , General Nordhaus , 06:42.600 --> 06:45.299 Medal of Honor recipients , uh , other , 06:45.459 --> 06:47.237 uh , Navy sailors , civilians , 06:47.237 --> 06:49.459 veterans , and most important , Captain 06:49.459 --> 06:51.570 Royce Williams and his family , it is 06:51.570 --> 06:54.079 the honor of my lifetime to be with you 06:54.079 --> 06:56.359 today . Captain Williams , thank you 06:56.359 --> 06:58.359 for allowing us to be part of your 06:58.359 --> 07:00.600 story . And sir , might I add that 07:00.600 --> 07:02.829 those service dress blues haven't aged 07:02.829 --> 07:05.299 you a bit . And I suspect you'd rather 07:05.299 --> 07:07.466 be in your flight suit if I know you . 07:07.640 --> 07:09.862 What a great Navy Day to be here in the 07:09.862 --> 07:12.029 Pentagon and even a better day for our 07:12.029 --> 07:14.251 country . We don't often gather in this 07:14.251 --> 07:16.679 room for its intended purpose to honor 07:16.679 --> 07:20.079 our heroes . Today we do . To the rest 07:20.079 --> 07:22.079 of the audience , take a moment and 07:22.079 --> 07:24.023 look around you . More than 3500 , 07:24.470 --> 07:27.869 3500 names are engraved on these 07:27.869 --> 07:30.640 walls . They're the names of Americans 07:30.799 --> 07:33.021 who on the surface may have seemed like 07:33.021 --> 07:36.070 ordinary men . Yet whose actions proved 07:36.070 --> 07:38.450 anything but patriots who answered the 07:38.450 --> 07:40.790 nation's call , who did extraordinary 07:40.790 --> 07:43.269 things against extraordinary odds , not 07:43.269 --> 07:45.549 for recognition , but because it was 07:45.549 --> 07:48.309 their solemn duty to do so . Thomas 07:48.309 --> 07:50.250 Hudner , Michael Murphy , James 07:50.250 --> 07:52.670 Stockdale , Michael Mansour , and James 07:52.670 --> 07:54.869 E . Williams are all but a few of the 07:54.869 --> 07:57.290 Navy heroes you'll find on these walls . 07:57.709 --> 07:59.820 And today , ladies and gentlemen , we 07:59.820 --> 08:01.931 have the privilege of adding one more 08:01.931 --> 08:05.209 name , Captain Royce Williams . 74 08:05.209 --> 08:07.429 years ago under the veils of secrecy 08:07.570 --> 08:10.010 and the shadows of a classified Cold 08:10.010 --> 08:12.170 War , Captain Williams' actions over 08:12.170 --> 08:14.690 the bordering seas of Korea were kept 08:14.690 --> 08:17.570 hidden from sight . That is why we are 08:17.570 --> 08:20.440 here . Because today his record stands 08:20.440 --> 08:22.607 corrected , his actions in November of 08:22.607 --> 08:26.130 1952 speak for themselves . Launching 08:26.130 --> 08:28.450 from the catapults of the USS Oriskany , 08:28.809 --> 08:30.865 Lieutenant Junior Grade Williams and 08:30.865 --> 08:32.890 his section of fighters took to the 08:32.890 --> 08:35.770 skies on a seemingly benign patrol . 08:36.239 --> 08:37.961 Shortly after , his patrol was 08:37.961 --> 08:39.906 interrupted by a transmission from 08:39.906 --> 08:42.017 combat . From the radio , they barked 08:42.017 --> 08:43.795 orders to intercept a flight of 08:43.795 --> 08:46.429 incoming bogeys . Mechanical failures 08:46.429 --> 08:49.109 in his wingman's planes forced them to 08:49.109 --> 08:51.469 return back to base , but Williams 08:51.469 --> 08:53.580 pressed on , confronting a fearsome , 08:53.580 --> 08:56.630 fearsome section of enemy MiGs all on 08:56.630 --> 08:59.869 his own . What ensued would be the 08:59.869 --> 09:02.349 dogfight that we can barely comprehend . 09:03.090 --> 09:06.349 7 Soviet MiGs versus 1 Navy pilot . 09:06.760 --> 09:08.704 Compared to the Grum and Panther , 09:08.704 --> 09:10.840 these MiGs were the most advanced 09:10.840 --> 09:12.618 Soviet fighters of their time , 09:12.640 --> 09:15.559 virtually unbeatable , or so they had 09:15.559 --> 09:17.869 thought . Outnumbered , outgunned , but 09:17.869 --> 09:20.159 never outmatched , Williams engaged in 09:20.159 --> 09:22.640 the fight for his life . What followed 09:22.640 --> 09:24.807 would become the longest recorded Navy 09:24.807 --> 09:27.750 dogfight to date . 35 minutes of combat , 09:28.119 --> 09:30.090 35 minutes of adrenaline fueled 09:30.090 --> 09:32.479 survival , and 35 minutes of 09:32.479 --> 09:34.640 American-made steel and his South 09:34.640 --> 09:37.679 Dakota wits . Through the Soviet MiGs 09:37.679 --> 09:40.000 were superior in capability , William's 09:40.000 --> 09:42.590 Panther provided him with an advantage . 09:42.960 --> 09:45.182 Sure , they were fast , faster than the 09:45.182 --> 09:47.238 speed of sound , but dogfights don't 09:47.238 --> 09:49.400 happen at supersonic speeds . They 09:49.400 --> 09:51.849 happen in the realm of subsonic , and 09:51.849 --> 09:53.905 in that domain , the Grumman Panther 09:53.905 --> 09:56.016 was better , more maneuverable , more 09:56.016 --> 09:58.280 nimble , and better suited to evade . 09:58.710 --> 10:01.030 Guns blazing from 7 incoming planes , 10:01.440 --> 10:04.229 Williams rolled in to engage . He 10:04.229 --> 10:06.309 exercised trigger control , sparing 10:06.309 --> 10:08.500 every precious round , ensuring that 10:08.500 --> 10:10.278 every bogey hit was struck with 10:10.278 --> 10:12.479 precision . One MiGG fell , then 10:12.479 --> 10:14.590 another , and then another , and then 10:14.590 --> 10:16.590 another . From his cockpit , Royce 10:16.590 --> 10:19.400 watched on as 4 Soviet MiGs trailed in 10:19.400 --> 10:22.299 flames toward the icy waters below . 10:23.179 --> 10:25.235 His panther riddled with bullets and 10:25.235 --> 10:27.401 severe damage to the control , Royce's 10:27.401 --> 10:29.457 airplane was Winchester , completely 10:29.457 --> 10:32.260 out of ammo and time to go home . White 10:32.260 --> 10:34.340 knuckles , nerves of steel , and 10:34.340 --> 10:36.309 mastery in his trade were the only 10:36.309 --> 10:38.580 things keeping him from pitching flight 10:38.580 --> 10:41.020 deck onto the Oriskany and into the 10:41.020 --> 10:43.929 frigid Sea of Japan . And those extreme 10:43.929 --> 10:46.090 temperatures ejecting would surely be 10:46.090 --> 10:48.890 the end , so it just wasn't an option 10:48.890 --> 10:51.719 he would entertain . Coming in hot , no 10:51.719 --> 10:54.010 flaps to slow him down , Royce's tail 10:54.010 --> 10:56.250 hook snagged a third wire . He had 10:56.250 --> 10:58.306 accomplished the unimaginable safely 10:58.306 --> 11:00.609 landing on deck . Jumping out of the 11:00.609 --> 11:03.150 cockpit , quickly inspected his plane 11:03.289 --> 11:06.809 to see 263 bullet holes had found his 11:06.809 --> 11:09.087 plane , but none of them had found him . 11:09.880 --> 11:11.991 Today is more than just recognition , 11:11.991 --> 11:14.158 it's about restoration . For decades , 11:14.158 --> 11:16.102 Captain Williams' bravery remained 11:16.102 --> 11:18.190 largely unseen . The strategic 11:18.190 --> 11:20.440 realities of the Cold War demanded his 11:20.440 --> 11:23.080 silence . Reassured by President-elect 11:23.080 --> 11:24.919 Eisenhower , the full measure of 11:24.919 --> 11:26.919 Captain Williams' heroism was only 11:26.919 --> 11:29.159 known to a few . It wouldn't be till 11:29.159 --> 11:31.559 over 50 years later that the events of 11:31.559 --> 11:33.840 the cold , blustery November day would 11:33.840 --> 11:36.173 officially come to light . In that time , 11:36.173 --> 11:38.390 Royce never sought recognition . He 11:38.390 --> 11:40.501 never asked for attention . He simply 11:40.501 --> 11:42.250 continued to serve quietly , 11:42.630 --> 11:44.797 professionally , and with the humility 11:44.797 --> 11:47.020 that defines our very best . Today that 11:47.020 --> 11:49.309 record stands corrected . Today we 11:49.309 --> 11:51.229 ensure that future generations of 11:51.229 --> 11:53.989 sailors and Americans who will know his 11:53.989 --> 11:56.200 name . And understand what it 11:56.200 --> 11:58.580 represents because the story of Captain 11:58.580 --> 12:00.880 Royce Williams isn't just about the 12:00.880 --> 12:03.640 time served over Korea , it's about a 12:03.640 --> 12:05.909 lifetime defined by our Navy Corps 12:05.909 --> 12:08.239 values of honor , courage , and 12:08.239 --> 12:10.719 commitment . That is the legacy we 12:10.719 --> 12:12.830 carry forward . Captain Williams , on 12:12.830 --> 12:15.239 behalf of a grateful nation . A 12:15.239 --> 12:17.599 grateful navy , and we salute you , sir . 12:17.960 --> 12:20.238 Thank you for your lifetime of service . 12:20.238 --> 12:22.404 Thank you for reminding us all what it 12:22.404 --> 12:24.719 means to answer our nation's call . 12:25.000 --> 12:27.280 Bravo Zulu , shipmate , and welcome to 12:27.280 --> 12:28.447 the Hall of Heroes . 12:41.119 --> 12:42.952 Thank you , Admiral . Ladies and 12:42.952 --> 12:45.008 gentlemen , it is now my pleasure to 12:45.008 --> 12:47.119 introduce the Honorable John Phelan , 12:47.119 --> 12:46.890 Secretary of the Navy . 12:54.619 --> 12:57.020 Good morning , Secretary Hegseth , 12:57.390 --> 12:59.880 Chairman Kain , Congressman Jackson , 13:00.380 --> 13:02.547 Navy and Marine Corps senior leaders , 13:02.547 --> 13:04.658 distinguished guests , and especially 13:04.658 --> 13:06.602 Captain Williams and your family . 13:06.750 --> 13:08.583 Thank you for being here on this 13:08.583 --> 13:10.528 extraordinary day . I also want to 13:10.528 --> 13:12.280 recognize Congressman Issa for 13:12.280 --> 13:14.479 championing the legislative authority 13:14.479 --> 13:16.590 that made this recognition possible . 13:16.590 --> 13:19.450 Thank you . I also want to acknowledge 13:19.450 --> 13:21.561 two Medal of Honor recipients with us 13:21.561 --> 13:23.783 here today , Lieutenant Colonel William 13:23.783 --> 13:25.783 Swenson and Colonel Barney Barnum . 13:26.340 --> 13:28.562 Thank you to the Congressional Medal of 13:28.562 --> 13:30.673 Honor recipients with us here today . 13:30.890 --> 13:33.112 Thank you to the Congressional Medal of 13:33.112 --> 13:34.946 Honor Society for preserving the 13:34.946 --> 13:37.168 stories , the values , and the enduring 13:37.168 --> 13:39.780 legacy of every medal recipient . There 13:39.780 --> 13:42.020 are few responsibilities entrusted to a 13:42.020 --> 13:44.289 Secretary of the Navy more meaningful 13:44.289 --> 13:46.456 than recommending the Medal of Honor . 13:46.599 --> 13:49.080 It is a profound honor to gather here 13:49.080 --> 13:51.359 in the Hall of Heroes to recognize 13:51.359 --> 13:54.000 Captain E . Royce Williams , a naval 13:54.000 --> 13:56.679 aviator whose courage , skill , and 13:56.679 --> 13:59.159 quiet professionalism represents the 13:59.159 --> 14:01.270 very best of the United States Navy . 14:01.969 --> 14:05.440 On November 18 , 1952 , Lieutenant 14:05.440 --> 14:08.219 Williams launched from the USS Arriany 14:08.700 --> 14:10.811 as part of the combat air patrol over 14:10.811 --> 14:13.440 the waters of North Korea . What began 14:13.440 --> 14:15.551 as a routine patrol became one of the 14:15.551 --> 14:17.773 most heroic dogfights in the history of 14:17.773 --> 14:20.460 naval aviation . Outnumbered and facing 14:20.460 --> 14:23.299 a superior force of enemy MiG-15 14:23.299 --> 14:25.659 fighters , Lieutenant Williams did not 14:25.659 --> 14:28.299 hesitate . He intercepted the attacking 14:28.299 --> 14:30.859 aircraft to protect the ships of Task 14:30.859 --> 14:33.659 Force 77 and the thousands of sailors 14:33.659 --> 14:36.479 aboard them . In the engagement that 14:36.479 --> 14:37.979 followed , he demonstrated 14:37.979 --> 14:41.049 extraordinary airmanship and composure 14:41.049 --> 14:43.880 under fire . He maneuvered aggressively , 14:44.210 --> 14:46.239 made repeated firing passes , and 14:46.239 --> 14:48.289 destroyed enemy aircraft while 14:48.289 --> 14:50.650 sustaining severe damage to his own jet . 14:51.590 --> 14:53.820 Even after taking a direct hit , he 14:53.820 --> 14:55.820 continued to evade further attack , 14:56.309 --> 14:58.420 maintained control of the fight , and 14:58.420 --> 14:59.976 ultimately brought a nearly 14:59.976 --> 15:02.489 uncontrollable aircraft back aboard 15:02.489 --> 15:05.309 Oriskany . His actions that day 15:05.309 --> 15:07.531 resulted in the destruction of multiple 15:07.531 --> 15:09.587 enemy aircraft , the disruption of a 15:09.587 --> 15:11.830 coordinated attack directed by Soviet 15:11.830 --> 15:14.052 ground controllers , and the protection 15:14.052 --> 15:16.750 of American ships and sailors operating 15:16.750 --> 15:19.729 in contested waters . Much of what 15:19.729 --> 15:21.909 occurred that day remained classified 15:21.909 --> 15:24.390 for decades . The broader context , 15:24.590 --> 15:26.539 including confirmation that Soviet 15:26.539 --> 15:28.590 pilots were involved , would not be 15:28.590 --> 15:31.190 publicly understood until years later . 15:31.849 --> 15:34.179 But what never changed was the fact 15:34.179 --> 15:36.210 that Lieutenant Williams acted with 15:36.210 --> 15:38.900 unwavering courage at the risk of his 15:38.900 --> 15:41.659 own life above and beyond the call of 15:41.659 --> 15:44.859 duty . The Medal of Honor citation 15:44.859 --> 15:47.770 recognizes that heroism . But those who 15:47.770 --> 15:49.603 know Captain Williams understand 15:49.603 --> 15:51.570 something equally important , his 15:51.570 --> 15:54.049 humility . You know , Captain Williams 15:54.049 --> 15:56.609 served our nation across 3 major wars . 15:56.890 --> 15:59.440 He began his military career , enlisted 15:59.440 --> 16:02.010 in the Army before recognizing he had 16:02.010 --> 16:04.530 the grades , guts , and grit to earn 16:04.530 --> 16:06.641 his wings in the United States Navy . 16:06.820 --> 16:09.080 Uh , however , he did not seek 16:09.080 --> 16:11.890 recognition . He did not tell the story 16:11.890 --> 16:14.330 for personal credit . He simply served 16:14.330 --> 16:16.770 faithfully , professionally , and in 16:16.770 --> 16:18.937 keeping with the highest traditions of 16:18.937 --> 16:21.369 the naval service . That is the thread 16:21.369 --> 16:23.570 that connects generations of sailors 16:23.830 --> 16:25.941 from the deck plates of destroyers to 16:25.941 --> 16:28.409 the flight decks of carriers . Captain 16:28.409 --> 16:30.409 Williams' courage reminds us of the 16:30.409 --> 16:33.440 stakes of maritime power . The navy 16:33.440 --> 16:35.280 exists to protect the nation's 16:35.280 --> 16:37.750 interests far from our shores , often 16:37.750 --> 16:39.917 in moments that never make headlines , 16:40.119 --> 16:42.440 often in circumstances where failure 16:42.440 --> 16:44.890 would be catastrophic . On that 16:44.890 --> 16:47.859 November day in 1952 , thousands of 16:47.859 --> 16:51.340 sailors aboard Task Force 77 returned 16:51.340 --> 16:53.919 home because of one naval aviator who 16:53.919 --> 16:57.049 refused to yield the sky . Today we 16:57.049 --> 16:59.216 recognize not only an act of heroism , 16:59.570 --> 17:02.210 but a lifetime of service . Captain 17:02.210 --> 17:04.377 Williams , on behalf of the Department 17:04.377 --> 17:06.377 of the Navy and a grateful nation , 17:06.449 --> 17:08.782 thank you for your courage , your skill , 17:09.050 --> 17:10.883 and your unwavering , unwavering 17:10.883 --> 17:13.489 devotion to duty . You upheld the 17:13.489 --> 17:15.656 finest traditions of the United States 17:15.656 --> 17:17.656 Naval Service , and you continue to 17:17.656 --> 17:20.530 inspire all who wear the uniform . May 17:20.530 --> 17:22.770 God bless all of you . May God bless 17:22.770 --> 17:24.969 the United States of America and may 17:24.969 --> 17:27.025 God bless the United States Navy and 17:27.025 --> 17:29.080 Marine Corps team that defends her . 17:29.080 --> 17:30.080 Thank you . 17:40.390 --> 17:42.334 Thank you , Secretary . Ladies and 17:42.334 --> 17:44.390 gentlemen , it is now my pleasure to 17:44.390 --> 17:46.557 introduce the Honorable Pete Hegseth , 17:46.557 --> 17:46.479 Secretary of War . 17:55.069 --> 17:57.291 Well , Captain , it's good to see you . 17:57.291 --> 17:59.410 We just , we met , uh , uh back there 17:59.410 --> 18:01.632 and I said , should we do it again like 18:01.632 --> 18:03.799 last night ? He said , is she gonna be 18:03.799 --> 18:06.077 here again ? No first lady , I'm sorry . 18:06.170 --> 18:08.969 You're stuck with me , uh , but what a 18:08.969 --> 18:11.170 memory , what a moment , what an 18:11.170 --> 18:13.569 opportunity to inspire a nation . It 18:13.569 --> 18:15.847 was a privilege to be there last night , 18:15.847 --> 18:17.680 uh , a culmination of a , a well 18:17.680 --> 18:19.625 deserved moment , and the nation's 18:19.625 --> 18:21.569 still talking about it , uh , this 18:21.569 --> 18:23.847 morning and will be for a time to come . 18:23.847 --> 18:25.958 So good afternoon everybody and thank 18:25.958 --> 18:28.069 you to all the distinguished visitors 18:28.069 --> 18:28.010 that are here recognizing the 18:28.010 --> 18:31.550 importance of this kind of recognition 18:31.550 --> 18:33.550 for this kind of human being , this 18:33.550 --> 18:36.530 kind of American . Gallantry in action . 18:37.469 --> 18:39.413 Those are the words that President 18:39.413 --> 18:41.413 Lincoln used when he authorized the 18:41.413 --> 18:44.800 Medal of Honor . The year was 1861 . A 18:44.800 --> 18:47.133 time when this nation , as Lincoln said , 18:47.133 --> 18:49.244 conceived in liberty was being tested 18:49.244 --> 18:51.300 in ways that it had not before . Our 18:51.300 --> 18:53.522 16th president imagined this medal as a 18:53.522 --> 18:56.869 tangible symbol . To decorate the ones 18:56.869 --> 18:59.469 who braved the storms of battle for our 18:59.469 --> 19:03.140 nation . The date of November 18th . 19:03.839 --> 19:06.979 1952 . It was a Tuesday 19:07.680 --> 19:10.020 In cities and towns from coast to coast , 19:10.170 --> 19:12.520 kids went off to school . Dads worked 19:12.520 --> 19:15.520 in factories , moms prepared supper for 19:15.520 --> 19:18.469 later that night . Many Americans went 19:18.469 --> 19:21.329 to see High Noon playing in the movie 19:21.329 --> 19:24.109 theaters . It was a week before 19:24.109 --> 19:27.050 Thanksgiving . And a world away there 19:27.050 --> 19:30.849 were some 300,000+ American servicemen , 19:31.290 --> 19:33.530 our warriors stationed in South Korea . 19:34.869 --> 19:36.591 We know the story of what then 19:36.591 --> 19:39.500 Lieutenant Royce Williams did . One 19:39.500 --> 19:42.699 Navy pilot up against 7 Soviet MiGs . 19:43.140 --> 19:45.251 35 minutes of combat , your plane hit 19:45.251 --> 19:47.579 by 263 bullets . I don't even know how 19:47.579 --> 19:50.619 that's possible . You protected sailors 19:50.619 --> 19:53.550 on their ship . And you sent 4 Soviet 19:53.550 --> 19:55.828 MiGs to the bottom of the Sea of Japan . 19:56.609 --> 19:58.776 Royce Williams , what you accomplished 19:58.776 --> 20:01.349 on that day , November 18th , is the 20:01.349 --> 20:04.739 living essence of what Abraham Lincoln 20:04.739 --> 20:08.380 wished to honor . Gallantry in 20:08.560 --> 20:11.439 action . A little less than a century 20:11.439 --> 20:13.550 after Lincoln authorized the Medal of 20:13.550 --> 20:15.839 Honor , another president familiar with 20:15.839 --> 20:17.672 war would define the battle that 20:17.672 --> 20:19.950 animated Royce Williams' life this way . 20:20.709 --> 20:23.630 We are fighting the armies of communism . 20:24.810 --> 20:26.754 Eisenhower declared this is not an 20:26.754 --> 20:29.349 argument between slightly different 20:29.410 --> 20:32.819 philosophies . This conflict strikes 20:32.819 --> 20:35.099 directly at the faith of our fathers 20:35.339 --> 20:38.979 and the lives of our sons . Freedom 20:39.199 --> 20:41.819 pitted against tyranny , Ike said . 20:42.280 --> 20:45.829 Lightness against the darkness . In 20:45.829 --> 20:48.400 fact , the communist leader of what 20:48.400 --> 20:50.289 they dreamed would be a worldwide 20:50.289 --> 20:52.750 revolution . Described their audacious 20:52.750 --> 20:55.869 mission in rather simple terms . Lennon 20:55.869 --> 20:58.949 said , our mission is to dethrone God . 21:00.280 --> 21:02.280 Our chief diplomat stationed in the 21:02.280 --> 21:04.447 Soviet Union during that era said that 21:04.447 --> 21:06.224 the communists sought to expand 21:06.224 --> 21:08.439 wherever and whenever they found one 21:08.439 --> 21:12.280 thing . Weakness . Our diplomat 21:12.280 --> 21:14.447 warned us this , writing , they cannot 21:14.447 --> 21:17.209 be swayed by diplomacy or the logic of 21:17.209 --> 21:19.890 reason . They only retreat when faced 21:19.890 --> 21:23.050 with the logic of force . When strong 21:23.050 --> 21:26.910 resistance is encountered . And 21:26.910 --> 21:30.520 so On that Tuesday , On November 21:30.520 --> 21:33.719 1952 , a week before families in our 21:33.719 --> 21:37.640 nation gathered to thank the author of 21:37.640 --> 21:41.270 All That Was good . That is or will be . 21:42.439 --> 21:45.849 Around their Thanksgiving tables . You 21:46.239 --> 21:49.040 climbed into your F9F Panther . 21:50.189 --> 21:53.989 And you showed Those communists , the 21:53.989 --> 21:57.719 logic of force . You 21:57.719 --> 22:00.819 showed A grateful nation The 22:00.819 --> 22:04.520 definition of heroism . Captain 22:04.520 --> 22:06.687 Royce , I will conclude with the words 22:06.687 --> 22:08.576 that Eisenhower himself said at a 22:08.576 --> 22:10.853 ceremony for Medal of Honor recipients , 22:10.920 --> 22:14.229 just like you . I think the best thing 22:14.229 --> 22:16.660 I can do is say . Thank you . 22:18.130 --> 22:21.300 And thank a merciful providence . That 22:21.300 --> 22:24.260 you are here at this moment and we can 22:24.260 --> 22:26.979 celebrate you . God bless , sir . Thank 22:26.979 --> 22:27.979 you . 22:48.469 --> 22:50.469 Thank you , Secretary . Secretary P 22:50.469 --> 22:52.580 Phelan , Admiral Caudle , and Captain 22:52.580 --> 22:54.747 Royce Williams will now join Secretary 22:54.747 --> 22:56.691 Hegseth on stage for the induction 22:56.691 --> 22:58.580 ceremony . Guests , please remain 22:58.580 --> 23:01.420 standing . Military personnel , 23:01.770 --> 23:03.209 attention to award . 23:22.189 --> 23:24.411 The President of the United States , in 23:24.411 --> 23:26.522 the name of Congress , takes pleasure 23:26.522 --> 23:28.411 in awarding the Medal of Honor to 23:28.411 --> 23:30.300 Lieutenant E . Royce Williams for 23:30.300 --> 23:32.411 service as set forth in the following 23:32.411 --> 23:34.078 for conspicuous gallantry and 23:34.078 --> 23:36.150 intrepidity at the risk of his life 23:36.150 --> 23:38.372 above and beyond the call of duty on 18 23:38.372 --> 23:41.010 November 1952 while leading a division 23:41.010 --> 23:42.899 of three jet fighters attached to 23:42.899 --> 23:46.510 Fighter Squadron 781 VF-781 23:46.750 --> 23:49.790 and embarked on USS Oriskany . While 23:49.790 --> 23:52.012 flying a combat patrol mission over the 23:52.012 --> 23:53.734 northeastern coastal waters of 23:53.734 --> 23:55.734 enemy-held North Korea , Lieutenant 23:55.734 --> 23:57.734 Williams demonstrated extraordinary 23:57.734 --> 23:59.679 heroism by intercepting a superior 23:59.679 --> 24:01.457 force of attacking enemy MiG-15 24:01.457 --> 24:03.689 fighters in order to protect the ships 24:03.780 --> 24:07.219 of Task Force 77 . After thwarting the 24:07.219 --> 24:09.386 enemy's initial attack , he maneuvered 24:09.386 --> 24:11.552 his aircraft to make two firing passes 24:11.552 --> 24:13.719 on one MiGG , which then spiraled into 24:13.719 --> 24:15.886 the sea . He inflicted heavy damage to 24:15.886 --> 24:18.108 a second MiG-15 , which started smoking 24:18.108 --> 24:20.330 badly and retired from the fight . When 24:20.330 --> 24:22.441 his own aircraft was severely damaged 24:22.441 --> 24:24.219 by a direct hit from one of the 24:24.219 --> 24:26.275 remaining enemy MiG-15s , Lieutenant 24:26.275 --> 24:28.330 Williams evaded further enemy attack 24:28.330 --> 24:30.663 while continuing to direct the dogfight . 24:30.790 --> 24:32.846 He eventually found cover in a cloud 24:32.846 --> 24:34.957 bank , broke off the engagement , and 24:34.957 --> 24:36.679 miraculously landed his nearly 24:36.679 --> 24:38.623 uncontrollable aircraft on the USS 24:38.623 --> 24:41.550 Oriskany . His exceptional airmanship , 24:41.790 --> 24:44.012 coupled with his complete disregard for 24:44.012 --> 24:46.123 his own personal safety , resulted in 24:46.123 --> 24:48.290 the destruction of 3 enemy MiG-15s and 24:48.290 --> 24:50.219 severe damage to a 4th , and 24:50.219 --> 24:52.589 undoubtedly saved the lives of hundreds 24:52.589 --> 24:55.780 of Task Force 77 sailors . By his 24:55.780 --> 24:57.979 undaunted courage , bold initiative , 24:58.109 --> 25:00.331 and total devotion to duty , Lieutenant 25:00.331 --> 25:02.387 Williams reflected great credit upon 25:02.387 --> 25:04.109 himself and upheld the highest 25:04.109 --> 25:06.220 traditions of the United States Naval 25:06.220 --> 25:05.770 Service . 25:38.339 --> 25:40.420 The Hall of Heroes contains plaques 25:40.420 --> 25:42.699 with the names of 3500 service 25:42.699 --> 25:45.140 personnel who have earned the Medal of 25:45.140 --> 25:47.819 Honor . We will now unveil the plaque 25:47.819 --> 25:49.930 inducting Captain Royce Williams into 25:49.930 --> 25:51.875 the Hall of Heroes as our nation's 25:51.875 --> 25:55.660 3,529th Medal of Honor recipient . 26:33.719 --> 26:36.130 At this time , Secretary Hegseth will 26:36.130 --> 26:39.459 present the Medal of Honor flag . If 26:39.459 --> 26:41.515 you are in the center aisle , please 26:41.515 --> 26:43.792 clear so we may bring the flag forward . 27:57.530 --> 28:00.619 On 23rd October 2002 , Public Law 28:00.619 --> 28:04.359 107-248 , Section 8143 28:04.420 --> 28:07.099 established the Medal of Honor flag to 28:07.099 --> 28:09.043 recognize service members who have 28:09.043 --> 28:11.155 distinguished themselves by gallantry 28:11.155 --> 28:13.377 and action above and beyond the call of 28:13.377 --> 28:14.377 duty . 28:21.359 --> 28:24.239 The flag is light blue with gold fringe 28:24.239 --> 28:26.589 bearing 13 white stars in a 28:26.589 --> 28:29.589 configuration as on the eight-sided pad 28:29.589 --> 28:32.579 from which the metal is suspended . It 28:32.579 --> 28:34.939 gives emphasis to the Medal of Honor as 28:34.939 --> 28:37.619 being the highest award for valor by an 28:37.619 --> 28:39.563 individual serving in the US armed 28:39.563 --> 28:42.479 forces . The flag is presented , folded 28:42.589 --> 28:45.020 with one star showing , representing 28:45.020 --> 28:48.060 the medal itself . Folding Captain 28:48.060 --> 28:50.739 Royce Williams' flag today are sailors 28:50.739 --> 28:53.099 from the United States Navy ceremonial 28:53.099 --> 28:54.099 Guard . 31:07.030 --> 31:09.252 Thank you Secretary Hegseth , Secretary 31:09.252 --> 31:11.419 Phelan , and Admiral Caudle . Will the 31:11.419 --> 31:14.040 guests please be seated ? Ladies and 31:14.040 --> 31:16.939 gentlemen , Captain Royce Williams . 31:38.660 --> 31:40.160 Well thanks y'all . 31:53.969 --> 31:56.050 Words can't convey . 31:57.410 --> 31:58.130 Wow . 32:05.760 --> 32:08.959 I don't go looking for honors . And I 32:08.959 --> 32:11.300 can't believe the last couple of days . 32:12.239 --> 32:15.849 And it's not even in my imagination . 32:17.079 --> 32:20.250 Well I have to think about is . 32:21.170 --> 32:24.530 What started all this was a copy from 32:24.530 --> 32:27.750 my dad , a warrior from World War One . 32:28.800 --> 32:32.630 Patriotism . Recognition of the country 32:32.630 --> 32:34.930 you are living in is . 32:36.410 --> 32:40.410 Giving To each of us . And 32:40.410 --> 32:42.489 we owe something in return . 32:45.349 --> 32:48.859 I just like any other sailor , I . And 32:48.859 --> 32:52.790 soldier , which I was once . Set 32:52.790 --> 32:56.729 out to . Be good at whatever I 32:56.729 --> 33:00.729 do for my country . And 33:01.609 --> 33:03.979 As events revealed . 33:05.229 --> 33:07.859 I had this opportunity to 33:09.239 --> 33:13.189 Do my best in battle . I did a lot 33:13.189 --> 33:16.800 of other events that were insignificant . 33:17.949 --> 33:21.819 And uh All they say is , God 33:21.819 --> 33:24.890 bless America and all glory to God . 33:25.760 --> 33:26.760 Thank you . 33:35.219 --> 33:37.386 I'll take your hand right here , sir . 33:37.699 --> 33:39.921 I'm gonna head back to your seat , OK ? 34:07.550 --> 34:09.669 Thank you , Captain Williams . Ladies 34:09.669 --> 34:11.836 and gentlemen , please remain standing 34:11.836 --> 34:13.891 for the benediction , the playing of 34:13.891 --> 34:16.113 Anchors Away , and the departure of the 34:16.113 --> 34:17.113 official party . 34:22.219 --> 34:24.386 Here the words of the prophet Isaiah . 34:25.149 --> 34:27.820 Have you not known Have you not heard 34:27.820 --> 34:30.479 the everlasting God the Lord ? The 34:30.479 --> 34:32.423 creator of the ends of the earth , 34:32.510 --> 34:35.259 neither faints nor is weary . His 34:35.259 --> 34:37.779 understanding is unsearchable . He 34:37.779 --> 34:40.138 gives power to the weak , and to those 34:40.138 --> 34:41.971 who have no might , he increases 34:41.971 --> 34:44.948 strength . Even the youths shall faint 34:44.948 --> 34:47.115 and be weary , and the young men shall 34:47.115 --> 34:49.188 utterly fall , but those who wait on 34:49.188 --> 34:51.858 the Lord . shall renew their strength . 34:52.820 --> 34:54.820 They shall mount up with wings like 34:54.820 --> 34:57.290 eagles . They shall run and not weary . 34:58.060 --> 35:00.139 They shall walk and not faint . 35:01.719 --> 35:03.941 Almighty God , we thank you for calling 35:03.941 --> 35:06.600 us to tasks which demand our best 35:06.600 --> 35:09.370 efforts . And lift us to purposes far 35:09.370 --> 35:12.090 greater than ourselves . That calling , 35:12.250 --> 35:15.310 that purpose , that obedience of faith 35:15.810 --> 35:18.449 has been made abundantly clear in the 35:18.449 --> 35:21.810 life , service , and the deeds of 35:21.810 --> 35:25.370 Captain Royce Williams . To Royce 35:26.050 --> 35:29.080 To his family To the nation he loves 35:29.080 --> 35:32.080 and the people he defended . The Lord 35:32.080 --> 35:35.209 bless you and keep you The Lord make 35:35.209 --> 35:37.431 His face shine upon you and be gracious 35:37.431 --> 35:39.939 unto you . The Lord lift up His 35:39.939 --> 35:42.459 countenance upon you and give you peace . 35:43.389 --> 35:45.556 Both now and in the life everlasting . 35:46.370 --> 35:46.929 I'm in . 36:25.120 --> 36:27.287 Again , please remain in place for the 36:27.287 --> 36:29.176 departure of the official party . 36:42.290 --> 36:44.350 4 for 36:51.590 --> 36:53.701 Ladies and gentlemen , this concludes 36:53.701 --> 36:55.534 the ceremony . You are cordially 36:55.534 --> 36:57.646 invited to join us for a reception at 36:57.646 --> 36:59.812 the rear of the Hall of Heroes . Thank 36:59.812 --> 36:59.919 you for attending . Good day .