[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 60 (Thursday, April 3, 2025)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E284]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
HONORING CAPT E. ROYCE WILLIAMS' 100TH BIRTHDAY
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HON. DARRELL ISSA
of california
in the house of representatives
Thursday, April 3, 2025
Mr. ISSA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate my constituent,
Escondido resident, the secret soldier of the Korean War, and America's
true Top Gun hero. I'm talking about the one and only Captain Royce
Williams, who turns 100 tomorrow, on April 4th.
It is difficult to describe what Royce did for more than 30 harrowing
minutes more than 70 years ago in the skies over the North Pacific and
the coast of North Korea.
On that day in 1952, Capt. Williams faced seven Soviet MiG-15s.
Alone. Royce shot down four. Alone.
He survived dozens of bullet holes to his plane, and a 37-millimeter
round to his fuselage. Six inches to the right or left would have meant
certain death.
This was indomitable courage and the demonstration of the highest
skill under incalculable duress. And it was kept secret for 40 years.
We won't stop until Royce Williams receives the recognition he
doesn't seek but richly deserves.
I wish a Happy Birthday to Royce. Next stop: The Congressional Medal
of Honor.
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