First lady Melania Trump presents the Congressional Medal of Honor to World War II Navy pilot Capt. Royce Williams as President Donald Trump delivers the State of the Union address to a joint session of Congress in the House chamber at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2026. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)

This was written by staff at the nonprofit newsroom CalMatters. It was republished by The Mendocino Voice in partnership with CalMatters to bring relevant nonpartisan news to Mendocino County readers. Learn more about CalMatters here.

SAN DIEGO CO., 3/14/26 — In 1952 Navy pilot Royce Williams flew into a 35 minute dogfight against seven enemy planes during the Korean War, shooting down four before landing his badly damaged plane on the USS Oriskany.

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