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. In 2026 his Navy Cross was upgraded to the Medal of Honor.
Sponsored by:
Elmer
Royce
Williams
Born:
Wilmot
,
North Dakota
Home:
Wilmot
,
North Dakota
Awards Received
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Medal of Honor
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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.
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Medal of Honor
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, in the name of Congress, takes pleasure in presenting the Medal of Honor to Lieutenant Elmer Royce Williams (NSN: 0-463056), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty on 18 November 1952 while leading a division of three jet fighters attached to Fighter Squadron SEVEN HUNDRED EIGHTY-ONE (VF-781) and embarked on the USS ORISKANY. While flying a combat patrol mission over the northeastern coastal waters of enemy-held North Korea, Lieutenant Williams demonstrated extraordinary heroism by intercepting a superior force of attacking enemy MiG-15 fighters in order to protect the ships of Task Force 77. After thwarting the enemy’s initial attack, he maneuvered his aircraft to make two firing passes on one MiG, which then spiraled into the sea. He inflicted heavy damage to a second MiG-15, which started smoking badly and retired from the fight. When his own aircraft was severely damaged by a direct hit from one of the remaining enemy MiG-15s, Lieutenant Williams evaded further enemy attack while continuing to direct the dogfight. He eventually found cover in a cloud bank, broke off the engagement, and miraculously landed his nearly uncontrollable aircraft on the U.S.S. ORISKANY. His exceptional airmanship, coupled with his complete disregard for his own personal safety, resulted in the destruction of three enemy MiG-15s and severe damage to a fourth, and undoubtedly saved the lives of hundreds of Task Force 77 sailors. By his undaunted courage, bold initiative, and total devotion to duty, Lieutenant Williams reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.