US pilot shot down four Soviet MiGs in 30 minutes - and kept it a secret for 50 years

A Navy pilot shot down four Soviet jets in 30 minutes - and no one knew for 50 years

The pilot was told to keep the fight quiet to avoid setting off World War III

Escondido aviator who shot down four Soviet MiGs in 'extraordinary' secret dogfight awarded Navy Cross

At the urging of military and political leaders, Royce Williams was given an "upgrade" that many believe better acknowledges the skill and courage in showed in fighting the enemy.

US pilot shot down four Soviet MiGs in 30 minutes - and kept it a secret for 50 years

By Brad Lendon, CNN Royce Williams was a real life “Top Gun” 10 years before Tom Cruise was even born. On a cold November day in 1952, Williams shot down four Soviet fighter jets — and became a legend no one would hear about for more than 50 years. The now 97-year-old former naval aviator

US pilot shot down four Soviet MiGs in 30 minutes -- and kept it a secret for 50 years

Royce Williams was a real-life "Top Gun" 10 years before Tom Cruise was even born.

US pilot shot down four Soviet MiGs in 30 minutes -- and kept it a secret for 50 years

By Brad Lendon, CNN Royce Williams was a real life “Top Gun” 10 years before Tom Cruise was even born. On a cold November day in 1952, Williams shot down four Soviet fighter jets — and became a legend no one would hear about for more than 50 years. The now 97-year-old former naval aviator

US pilot shot down four Soviet MiGs in 30 minutes - and kept it a secret for 50 years

By Brad Lendon, CNN Royce Williams was a real life “Top Gun” 10 years before Tom Cruise was even born. On a cold November day in 1952, Williams shot down four Soviet fighter jets — and became a legend no one would hear about for more than 50 years. The now 97-year-old former naval aviator was presented with the Navy Cross, the service’s second-highest military honor at a ceremony Friday in California. Navy Secretary Carlos Del Toro said on Frida…