The American Legion post in Chula Vista was the starting line for a ride to recognize a Korean War veteran for his heroism Saturday.
More than 63 years have gone by for retired U.S. Navy Cpt. E. Royce Williams, but Saturday San Diego veterans showed it's never too late to recognize a military hero.
Saturday the 91-year-old Williams was a passenger on the ride through San Diego County, but on November 18, 1952, he was the pilot in an F9F-5 Panther.
When he took on seven superior MiG-15s in a fierce dogfight lasting roughly 35 minutes Williams single-handedly shot down four Russian fighters.
“It was sort of like God giving David a task of Goliath – only I had seven Goliaths,” Williams told NBC 7.
Williams’ dogfight was a record-breaking feat that many claim should have earned Williams the Navy Cross or Medal of Honor – if only he didn't have to keep the mission top secret for more than 50 years.
Last year Rear Admiral Doniphan B. Shelton (Ret.) initiated a request to have Williams’ achievement re-reviewed through Congressman Duncan Hunter's office along with the endorsements of two four star-admirals, Hays and Hayward.
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“There’s nothing wrong with the Silver Star that they gave him, believe me, that’s a wonderful award, but it’s not what he earned,” Shelton explained.
Shelton said if the proper record was known from the beginning Williams would have received the Navy Cross or Medal of Honor.
The mayors of Chula Vista, Escondido and San Diego each proclaimed a day in 2016 as "Royce Williams Day."
"I can't thank the people enough," Williams said at the end of the ride. "It was all over I thought. Suddenly I'm authorized to say something and look what it's blossomed into. It's amazing."
A recently published online petition is calling for congress and the president to recognize Williams with the highest military honor.
"We need 100,000 signatures in less than 27 days," CJ Machado with Homeland Magazine said. "Will you help us honor our veterans while they're still here with us today? 91 years old Captain Williams. An amazing man. We can make the difference, we can let him know how much we appreciate him just by signing."
