Elmer Williams initially was awarded the Silver Star for the longest dogfight in Navy history during which he became the only man to shoot down four MiG jets in a single engagement. In 2023 his Silver Star was upgraded to the Navy Cross.
Sponsored by:
Elmer
Royce
Williams
Born:
Wilmot
,
North Dakota
Home:
Wilmot
,
North Dakota
Awards Received
-
Distinguished Flying Cross
-
Navy Cross
-
Distinguished Flying Cross
Citation Courtesy of the Distinguished Flying Cross Society – www.dfcsociety.orgThe President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Commander Elmer Royce Williams, United States Navy, for heroism and extraordinary achievement in action while serving as Commander Attack Carrier Air Wing ELEVEN embarked in USS KITTY HAWK (CVA 63). On 17 April 1966, he personally planned and led a highly successful aerial strike against a key enemy installation in North Vietnam. The target was in a heavily defended complex, protected by intense and accurate anti-aircraft artillery, surface-to-air guided missiles and enemy aircraft. Commander WILLIAMS planned and coordinated an exceptionally effective attack and then provided an inspiring example of resolute courage and skilled airmanship by flying in the van of the attacking force, notwithstanding the intense barrage of anti-aircraft fire which opposed him, and personally silenced a portion of the numerous gun batteries which defended the target and its approaches. As a result of his carefully and thoroughly professional preparation and his exemplary daring and skill in the face of great personal danger, the attacking force destroyed the key target, silenced virtually all of the anti-aircraft batteries defending it, and returned to their ship without loss. By his skillful planning, professional airmanship, and courageous leadership in the face of great personal danger, Commander WILLIAMS upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
-
Navy Cross
Service:
United States NavyRank:
LieutenantBatallion:
Fighter Squadron 781 (VF-781)Division:
U.S.S. Oriskany (CVA-34)Action Date:
November 18, 1952
Commander 7th Fleet: Serial 835 (May 7, 1953)The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant Elmer Royce Williams (NSN: 0-463056), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in action while leading in aerial flight a division of three jet fighter planes attached to Fighter Squadron SEVEN HUNDRED EIGHTY-ONE (VF-781), embarked in the U.S.S. ORISKANY (CVA-34), in Korea, on 18 November 1952. While flying a combat patrol mission over Task Force 77 in the northeastern coastal waters of enemy-held North Korea, Lieutenant Williams demonstrated outstanding courage by placing himself and his accompanying planes between the Task Force and an attacking group of seven enemy MiG-15 aircraft, thereby protecting the Task Force from enemy attack. Having repelled the initial attack of enemy aircraft, he skillfully maneuvered his plane into position where he was able to make two firing passes on one of the enemy fighters. Breaking away after the second pass, he saw the enemy aircraft spiral into the sea. On a subsequent run he inflicted heavy damage to another enemy aircraft which was seen to smoke badly and retire immediately from action. Although his own plane was severely damaged by a direct 23-mm. hit from one enemy MiG-15 aircraft, he maneuvered to escape yet continued his direction of the engagement until he reached cloud cover in which he dodged the enemy and returned his almost uncontrollable aircraft on board the parent carrier. This skill and daring exhibited by Lieutenant Williams and his completer disregard for his own personal safety materially aided the accomplishment of the mission of the Task Force. His courageous actions were at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.