В Пенсаколе почтили 101-летнего ветерана Корейской войны, получившего медаль «За храбрость»

Oldest living Korean War veteran and Medal of Honor recipient honored in Pensacola PENSACOLA, Fla. -- An opportunity arose Wednesday in Pensacola to meet one of America's greatest living war heroes. Medal of Honor recipient and Retired U.S. Navy Captain Elmer Royce Williams was the guest of honor Wednesday at Seville Quarter for a meet-and-greet. The Marine Corps League of Pensacola named the Korean War veteran an honorary member of their group. After receiving the highest military decoration awarded by the U.S. government this year, and dozens of prestigious awards through his life. Williams is still humble and sharp as ever. At 101-years-old, Captain Williams remains a symbol of courage and humility. - WEAR: "I would like to know, after more than 70 years, what does it mean to finally receive the Medal of Honor?" "Absolutely unbelievable. I don't know if anybody really deserves...well, people jump on hand grenades," Williams said. "That's nasty business. I performed my normal duty, but things turned out well. Here I am." Captain Williams was a Navy fighter pilot during the Korean War. This year, he earned the medal of honor for his bravery on Nov. 18, 1952. He battled seven soviet fighter jets for 35-minutes -- the longest dogfight in naval history. "I was given opportunities when they made mistakes and i was very careful not to pull the trigger if I didn't have the solution," said "I didn't waste ammunition. when they made a mistake I jumped on it." Williams shot down four enemy jets. His plane sustained 260 bullet holes during the fight. Miraculously, he managed to land it perfectly. Afterwards, for more than half a century, the U.S. Navy ordered Williams to keep the engagement a secret. "The way I avoided was I just stay away from conversations about it," said Williams. "I'd be tempted to say something, I'm sure, but I was pledged to keep it quiet." Williams is now the last living Korean War Medal of Honor recipient. President Donald Trump bestowed the honor upon him in February at his "State of the Union Address." Williams added yet another mark of recognition to his repertoire. The Pensacola Marine Corps League made Williams an honorary member. "...And I thank God, we're able to celebrate this 250th birthday with gentlemen like him, who to me are the inspiration," said Retired Marine Master Gunnery Sergeant Roberto Rivera with Pensacola Marine Corps League. "...I'm blessed and I'm grateful, just to be standing next to someone like him," he said. The honors don't stop there. This Friday, Captain Williams will be participating in the "Veterans Flight" during the Pensacola Beach Air Show, where he'll take to the skies once again. Watch the full interview with Captain Williams below: