Disneyland Resort recently welcomed retired U.S. Navy Capt. E. Royce Williams for a special day celebrating his military service and extraordinary role in American history. At 101 years old, Williams is the oldest living Medal of Honor recipient from the Korean War.
The visit included a rare honorary citizenship recognition at Sleeping Beauty Castle, a special flag ceremony on Main Street, U.S.A., and a ride on Soarin’ Across America at Disney California Adventure. The celebration highlighted Williams’ decades of service and his place in one of the most remarkable aerial combat stories in U.S. military history.
A Historic Dogfight During the Korean War
Williams’ military career included service during World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War. He began his Navy aviation service in 1943 and went on to complete more than 220 combat missions.
One of his most notable missions took place on Nov. 18, 1952, during the Korean War. Flying from the USS Oriskany, Williams engaged seven Soviet MiG-15 fighter jets in an aerial battle that has been described as the longest dogfight in U.S. military history…