Medal of Honor Recipient Welcomes Newest Naval Aviators

Medal of Honor recipient Royce Williams returns to Pensacola to welcome Navy's newest student naval aviators

Royce is a Wilmot, South Dakota native

Medal of Honor Recipient Welcomes Newest Naval Aviators

JULY 20, 2026 – The oldest living Medal of Honor recipient returned July 15 to the base where he earned his wings of gold, joining Naval Aviation Schools Command (NASC) to congratulate 29 student naval aviators who completed Naval Introductory Flight Evaluation (NIFE) training, the first milestone on the path to those same wings. Retired Capt. E. Royce Williams, 101, enlisted during World War II and earned his wings at Naval Air Station Pensacol…