F9F-5 Panther

COMING SOON

On December 18, 1952, U.S. Navy Lt. E. Royce Williams launched from the deck of USS Oriskany (CV-34), part of Carrier Task Force 77 in his F9F Panther for what began as a routine combat air patrol over the Sea of Japan. Minutes later, he was engaged by seven Soviet Naval Aviation MiG-15s in one of the most extraordinary jet dogfights of the Korean War.

Flying alone, Williams fought a prolonged 35-minute engagement against numerically superior aircraft with better climb and speed performance. Relying on disciplined energy management, precise gunnery, and calm under pressure, he shot down four MiG-15s before returning to his carrier with a severely damaged aircraft and personal injuries.

The encounter remained classified for decades due to its direct U.S.–Soviet implications.