A 100-year-old MOAA member whose 35-minute dogfight in the skies over Korea remained largely unheralded for more than half a century could soon receive the nation’s highest award for valor.

The FY 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) would clear the way for the president to award the Medal of Honor to Capt. Royce Williams, USN (Ret), for his actions Nov. 18, 1952, when Williams’ F9F-5 Panther engaged seven Soviet MiG-15s in a then-classified encounter. His Silver Star citation from 1953 gave him credit for shooting down one enemy aircraft (the nation of origin wasn’t listed) and possibly a second; follow-up reports say Williams shot down four fighters, and only one of the seven returned from the mission.

Language in the NDAA removes time limitations that prevent Williams from receiving the honor. 

[RELATED: What’s In the FY 2026 NDAA ... and What’s Next]

Williams recounted the mission for MOAA in 2023, from a harrowing engagement in blizzard conditions to running out of ammunition to an improbable return to USS Oriskany (CVA-34), complete with perfect landing.

“It was difficult and probably almost unimaginable, but I did it,” he said.

[VIDEO: The Forgotten Fighter Ace of the Korean War]

“He’s over the moon about this,” said Steve Lewandowski, a former Navy lieutenant who in recent years has led Operation Just Reward – the push to ensure Williams receives the Medal of Honor.

The operation continues the efforts of Rear Adm. Don Shelton, USN (Ret), who worked toward a military-led reconsideration of Williams’ heroism; Shelton died in 2021. Recent work has focused on legislation, with multiple attempts at NDAA inclusion.

Williams spoke with Rep. Darrel Issa (R-Calif.), a longtime supporter of the pilot’s cause, shortly after the Dec. 7 release of the NDAA, said Lewandowski, who also chatted with the heroic aviator after the news became official.

“He’s sharp – he’s really sharp,” Lewandowski said in a Dec. 9 call with MOAA. “He’s quite pleased, and he’s ready, willing, and able to go to D.C. for a ceremony, and possible another one around here in San Diego.”

Williams received the Navy Cross (an upgrade to his Silver Star) in San Diego nearly three years ago, raising the profile of the Medal of Honor push that already had support from about 120 flag officers. The ceremony included a video message from Top Gun star Tom Cruise:

“What Royce did is — still to this day — the most unique U.S.-Soviet aerial combat dogfight in the history of the Cold War, and one in which Royce Williams demonstrated indomitable courage of the highest skill under incalculable duress,” Issa said in a press release. “It is my honor to have fought all these years for Royce to gain a recognition that he has not sought, but so richly deserves.”

Should the NDAA become law and the award be finalized, Lewandowski said a January ceremony is under consideration. Williams would be the only Medal of Honor recipient to receive the award in conjunction with the legislation.

[FROM 2023: Larry Taylor, Former Army Captain and MOAA Member, Receives Medal of Honor]