Wilmot native honored for aerial dogfight in Korean War
Local Korean War Hero Lt. Royce Williams, a Wilmot native, is the only American to have single-handedly shot down four Soviet MiG-15s. Above, Williams points to one of 263 holes in his plan. His aerial dogfight with seven Soviet fighter jets during the Korean War could have escalated the war into a World War III, and was kept secret for 50 years. For his actions that day, Williams was awarded the Silver Star, but advocates are now pushing for an upgrade to the Congressional Medal of Honor. ~ Courtesy Photos
Sixty-eight years ago, a Wilmot native encountered seven Soviet MiG-15 fighter jets and single-handedly protected a carrier task force from an incident that could have escalated into World War III. It was during the Korean War, and he is certified to have shot down four MiGs with his inferior F9F-5 Panther, and damaged two more.
Williams kept the 35-minute encounter a secret for 40 years, until the Soviet Union dissolved, and then told only his wife. The story got out to family and friends, but another ten years passed before Williams told the story publicly, upon request, at a military symposium in Pensacola, FL. For more of this story and many more please purchase a copy of this weeks Sisseton Courier on news stands now or a copy of the e-edtion from this website..
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