President Trump honored two storied army veterans throughout his State of the Union deal with, together with 100-year-old veteran Royce Williams of Escondido, who survived what’s believed to be the longest canine battle in army historical past.
The previous Navy fighter pilot, who was seated subsequent to First Girl Melania Trump within the Capitol through the president’s deal with Tuesday night time, flew greater than 220 missions in World Conflict II in addition to the wars in Korea and Vietnam.
Trump referred to as Williams “a dwelling legend” earlier than describing his war-time heroics.
“Within the skies over Korea in 1952, Royce was within the dogfight of a lifetime, a legendary dogfight,” Trump stated. “Flying by means of blizzard situations, his squadron was ambushed by seven Soviet fighter planes.”
Regardless of being outnumbered, Williams took down 4 of the jet fighters as his aircraft was hit greater than 260 instances and he was severely injured.
The incident was saved confidential as a result of the Soviet Union was not formally a combatant within the Korean battle, and American officers feared that if the air battle grew to become recognized, it might compel the Soviets to formally enter the struggle.
Williams didn’t converse concerning the particulars of the encounter — even with relations — till information concerning the dogfight have been declassified in 2002.
“His story was secret for over 50 years. He didn’t even need to inform his spouse, however the legend grew and grew,” Trump stated. “Tonight, at 100 years outdated, this courageous Navy captain is lastly getting the popularity he deserves.”
Trump then introduced that Williams would obtain the Medal of Honor, the nation’s highest army ornament. Melania Trump positioned the blue-ribboned medal round his neck.
Williams was the visitor of Rep. Darrell Issa (R-Bonsall), a fellow veteran.
“My buddy, constituent, and lifelong hero Royce Williams is a High Gun pilot like no different, an American hero all the time, and now, a recipient of the very best honor within the land,” Issa stated in a press release. “It was a few years within the making, however it’s my honor to have fought all these years for Royce to realize a recognition that he has not sought, however so richly deserves.”
Trump additionally introduced that the Medal of Honor can be awarded to Chief Warrant Officer Eric Slover, an Military helicopter pilot who was gravely wounded within the 2026 raid that captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro.
“Whereas making ready to land, enemy machine weapons fired from each angle, and Eric was hit very badly within the leg and hip. One bullet after one other, he noticed 4 agonizing photographs shredding his leg into quite a few items,” Trump stated.
Regardless of the gunshot wounds to his legs, with blood flowing by means of the helicopter he was piloting, “Eric maneuvered his helicopter with all of these lives and souls to face the enemy and let his gunners remove the risk, flip the helicopter round so the gunners might maintain enterprise, saving the lives of his fellow warriors from what might have been a catastrophic crash deep in enemy territory,” Trump stated.
Trump added, “Chief Warrant Officer Slover continues to be recovering from his critical wounds, however I’m thrilled to say that he’s right here tonight together with his spouse, Amy. Eric and Amy, come on in.”
Slover, with the help of a walker, entered the gallery. “In recognition of Eric’s actions above and past the decision of responsibility,” Trump stated, “I might now wish to ask Gen. Jonathan Braga to current Chief Warrant Officer Slover with our nation’s highest army award.”
Trump added that he too hopes to in the future obtain a Medal of Honor.
“However I used to be knowledgeable I’m not allowed to present it to myself,” Trump stated. “But when they ever open up that regulation, I can be there with you sometime.”
