Foley, Ala. — (OBA) — A 100-year-old Navy veteran with ties to Foley’s historic N3N aircraft will soon receive the nation’s highest military honor. Captain Royce Williams is being recognized for bravery during the Korean War. His actions were kept secret for decades. Now, more than 70 years later, his story is fully told.

Williams will receive the Medal of Honor from President Donald Trump. The award honors his actions during a fierce dogfight over North Korea on Nov. 18, 1952. In February 2026, officials announced that his Navy Cross would be upgraded to the Medal of Honor.

During the 1952 mission, Williams was flying a combat air patrol when seven MiG-15 fighters attacked him. In a 35-minute battle, he shot down at least four enemy planes and probably damaged two others. He kept fighting until only one MiG was left, then returned to his carrier after running out of ammunition.

Williams was not injured in the fight. When he landed on the USS Oriskany, crew members counted 263 bullet holes in his Panther jet. The military believed the MiGs were flown by Soviet pilots, though the Soviet Union was not officially part of the Korean Conflict.

As a result, the mission remained classified for decades. Officials feared that public knowledge could escalate tensions with the Soviet Union. Williams was initially awarded the Silver Star, which was later upgraded to the Navy Cross. That recognition has now been further elevated.

Williams has a deep connection to the Gulf Coast. He trained as a Navy pilot in Pensacola in 1945. In 2025, he came back to participate in the annual Veterans Flight.

On July 11, 2025, pilot Phil Webb flew Williams in Foley’s 1941 N3N biplane as part of the event. Williams started his aviation training in an N3N during World War II. He also signed one of the wheel hubcaps on the Foley aircraft.

“He enjoyed the flight immensely - as did I! It was a true honor getting to fly with him as I had heard about his exploits in 1952,” Webb said.

Webb, a retired Navy aviator, called the experience the highlight of his flying career. “It's about time! And so well worth it and deserved,” Webb said. “His dogfight against seven Russian MiGs is nothing short of miraculous! That he is even here to tell the story is a testament to his skill and abilities as a fighter pilot of the first magnitude.”

“It was the supreme honor of my flying career,” Webb added. “I cannot emphasize that enough! A true honor to be able to fly with him!”

Today, Williams’ name is displayed on the side of the Foley N3N to honor his flight. Several vintage military aircraft joined the Veterans Flight. Webb said Williams specifically requested to fly in the N3N.

Foley acquired the aircraft in 2024 after being named an American World War II Heritage City by the National Park Service. Only one city in each state or territory receives this honor.

The City of Foley is constructing a museum to commemorate its involvement in World War II and Navy aviation. In 1942, the Navy established a training center at Barin Field in Foley. Over 5,700 aviation cadets were trained there during its first two years.