A South Dakota native received national recognition during Wednesday night’s State of the Union address.
Navy Capt. Royce Williams, a South Dakota-born Korean War veteran, was awarded the Medal of Honor, the nation’s highest military decoration. Williams, now 100 years old, traveled to Washington, D.C., to receive the honor from President Donald Trump.
Williams led two F9F Panther jets on a classified 1952 mission during the Korean War — a story that remained secret for decades. Lawmakers, including Sen. Mike Rounds, have long pushed for his recognition, calling Williams “a real-life Top Gun and a true American hero.”
The tribute brought the chamber to its feet, with a standing ovation lasting nearly three minutes. First Lady Melania Trump placed the Medal of Honor around Williams’ neck as members of Congress applauded his service.
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