Democrats Mock Honoring 100-Year-Old Hero, Veterans Outraged Over Insensitivity

A moment intended to unite the country instead ignited controversy this week after several Democratic commentators appeared to mock the honoring of a 100-year-old war hero during President Donald Trump’s 2026 State of the Union address.

During Tuesday night’s speech, President Trump awarded the Medal of Honor — the nation’s highest military decoration — to retired Navy Capt. E. Royce Williams, a Korean War veteran whose heroic actions had remained classified for decades.

Williams, a South Dakota native who now resides in San Diego, was recognized for an extraordinary aerial battle on November 18, 1952. Flying an F9F-5 Panther off the USS Oriskany, Williams became separated from his wingman and found himself alone against seven Soviet MiG-15 fighter jets.

Over the course of approximately 35 minutes — an unusually long dogfight by military standards — Williams shot down four enemy aircraft despite sustaining severe damage to his own plane. He successfully returned to his carrier, landing a heavily battered jet.

For years, the mission remained classified due to Cold War tensions, and even Williams’ family was unaware of the full details. He was awarded the Silver Star in 1953 and, decades later, received the Navy Cross in 2023. After sustained advocacy by lawmakers and veterans’ groups, Congress removed time limits on Medal of Honor eligibility for certain historic acts of valor, clearing the path for his ultimate recognition.

At the State of the Union ceremony, Williams sat beside First Lady Melania Trump, who placed the medal around his neck as members of Congress rose for a prolonged standing ovation. The moment was widely described as one of the most powerful segments of the evening.

MUST WATCH: At @POTUS‘ direction, @FLOTUS bestows 100-year-old Navy Fighter Pilot Royce Williams with the Congressional Medal of Honor for his actions during a secret 1952 mission in Korea, in which he downed four enemy jets while taking on tremendous fire ❤️🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/ZnTewnCMfj

— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) February 25, 2026

However, shortly after the ceremony, a video clip circulated online showing several Democratic commentators discussing the moment in a dismissive tone. In the clip, one participant compared the ceremony to “an award show,” joking, “You get a medal, you get a medal.” Another reportedly described the event as “as horrific as I thought it would be” and said, “I left.”

The remarks quickly drew backlash from veterans’ groups and military families, who viewed the comments as disrespectful to Williams and to service members more broadly.

The incident illuminates how intertwined politics and patriotism have become, leading to conversations that detract from the original intent of these ceremonies—to honor genuine acts of service and heroism. Veterans and their advocates hope that focusing on respectful discourse will help preserve the sanctity of recognizing those who have served.

For many Americans, the focus remained on Williams’ long-delayed honor. After more than seven decades, one of the most remarkable dogfights in U.S. military history was finally acknowledged on the nation’s biggest political stage.

Regardless of the political fallout, Williams’ record stands on its own: outnumbered, outgunned, and flying a damaged aircraft, he prevailed in a battle that few believed survivable. And at 100 years old, he lived to see the country formally recognize his courage.