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Williams, Elmer Royce. Interview, 2024-11-08

 File
Identifier: SC027-074

Scope and Contents

Elmer Williams is a retired US Naval Aviator who served during the Korean War. During the conflict Williams conducted a solo dogfight against seven soviet pilots and was awarded the Navy Cross for his actions.

Dates

  • Creation: 2024-11-08

Creator

Conditions Governing Access

This collection is partially processed. Processed components of the collection (those listed in this inventory) are open for research. Unprocessed additions may contain restricted materials. Please contact Special Collections in advance to request access.

Select items have been reformatted and have digital preservation copies. Access to original recordings is restricted; researchers may request listening/viewing copies. Due to original media format, it may not be possible in some cases to create use copies.

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Conditions Governing Use

Property rights reside with Elmer Williams. Copyrights are retained by the creators of the records and their heirs. For permission to reproduce or to publish, please contact archives@csusm.edu. Permission to examine Library materials is not authorization to publish or to reproduce the examined material in whole, or in part. Persons wishing to quote, publish, perform, reproduce, or otherwise make use of an item in the library’s collections must assume all responsibility for identifying and satisfying any claimants of the copyright holder. The researcher assumes full responsibility for use of the material and agrees to hold harmless the University Library, and California State University, against all claims, demands, costs, and expenses incurred by copyright infringement or any other legal or regulatory cause of action arising from the use of the library's materials. In assuming full responsibility for use of the material, the researcher also understands that the materials they examine may contain Social Security numbers, other personal identifiers, and/or sensitive material on potentially living and identifiable individuals (e.g., medical, evaluative, or personally invasive information). The researcher agrees not to record, reproduce, or disclose any Social Security number or other information of a highly personal nature that may be found.

Biographical / Historical

Elmer Royce Williams is a retired United States naval aviator, nationally lauded for his solo dogfight against seven Soviet pilots during the Korean War. Since his time in service, he has been increasingly recognized for his achievements. He was awarded the Navy Cross in 2023 and has been nominated for the Medal of Honor. In his 2024 interview, Williams described that transformative moment in his life and how it affected the Korean War. He also discussed his childhood, military enlistment, and military training. Approaching 100 years old at the time, Williams reflected on how religion, family, community, civilian work, and veterans' organizations shaped his life after service.

Partial Extent

From the Collection: 256 Gigabytes

Partial Extent

From the Collection: 29 Cassettes

Language of Materials

English

Statement on Harmful Language and Content in our Records and Resources

Language of Materials

English

Repository Details

Part of the CSUSM Special Collections Repository

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