FOLEY – A Navy veteran who once flew in Foley’s historic N3N aircraft will receive the nation’s highest military honor more than 70 years after his actions in combat.
Capt. Royce Williams, now 100 years old, will receive the Medal of Honor from President Donald Trump for his bravery during a 1952 dogfight in which he singlehandedly engaged seven enemy MiG-15 fighters. Williams shot down at least four of the aircraft and is believed to have damaged two others in a remarkable aerial battle.
The engagement remained classified for decades because the enemy aircraft were believed to have been flown by Soviet pilots, whose involvement in the conflict was not publicly acknowledged at the time. The secrecy prevented Williams from receiving full recognition until recent years.
Connection to Foley’s historic aircraft
Williams has a direct connection to Foley’s World War II aviation heritage. After receiving his Navy flight training in Pensacola in 1945, Williams returned to the Gulf Coast in 2025 to participate in the Veterans Flight program.
During that visit, retired Navy aviator Phil Webb flew Williams in Foley’s restored 1941 N3N biplane.
“He enjoyed the flight immensely — as did I,” Webb said. “It was a true honor getting to fly with him as I had heard about his exploits in 1952.”
Williams signed one of the wheel hubcaps on Foley’s N3N, and his name is now displayed on the aircraft to commemorate the historic flight. Webb said the experience was among the most meaningful of his aviation career.
“It was the supreme honor of my flying career,” Webb said. “His dogfight against seven MiGs is nothing short of miraculous.”
Williams specifically requested to fly in the N3N during his visit. The aircraft was the same model used to train Navy aviators, including Williams, during World War II.
Legendary dogfight over North Korea
On Nov. 18, 1952, Williams was flying a combat air patrol mission from the aircraft carrier USS Oriskany when he was attacked by seven MiG-15 fighters.
During the 35-minute battle, Williams fought the attackers until he ran out of ammunition. Despite overwhelming odds, he managed to shoot down multiple aircraft and safely return to his carrier. When his Panther jet landed, crew members counted 263 bullet holes in the aircraft.
Williams survived the encounter without injury.
His actions were initially recognized with the Silver Star, which was later upgraded to the Navy Cross. In February 2026, it was announced that Williams would receive the Medal of Honor in recognition of his extraordinary courage.
Foley’s role in Navy aviation history
Foley acquired its N3N aircraft in 2024 as part of the city’s commemoration of being named an American World War II Heritage City by the National Park Service. The aircraft helps educate residents and visitors about the city’s important role in training Navy aviators.
In 1942, the Navy established a flight training center at Barin Field in Foley. More than 5,700 aviation cadets trained at the facility during its first two years of operation.
Today, Foley is building a museum to preserve and share that history, highlighting the thousands of aviators who began their careers on the Gulf Coast — including heroes like Royce Williams.
Williams’ Medal of Honor recognition stands as a powerful reminder of the courage, skill and sacrifice of the Navy pilots trained in the region and of Foley’s lasting connection to that legacy.