President Trump awarded Chief Warrant Officer 5 Eric Slover the Medal of Honor during the State of the Union for his role in an operation the president said captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. Slover, credited with planning the mission and leading the first CH-47 Chinook into the target area, was reportedly struck multiple times in the leg and hip but still returned his aircraft and crew to safety. Lawmakers gave him a standing ovation as he entered the chamber, and the ceremony marked the first time a Medal of Honor was presented during the annual address. Retired Navy Capt. Royce Williams also received the medal that evening.
Wounded Army Helicopter Pilot Eric Slover Receives Medal Of Honor During State Of The Union
U.S. Army Chief Warrant Officer 5 Eric Slover receives a Medal of Honor during President Donald Trump's State of the Union address at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, Feb. 24, 2026. (Alex Brandon/AP)(Alex Brandon)
President Donald Trump presented Chief Warrant Officer 5 Eric Slover, a U.S. Army helicopter pilot wounded during an operation President Trump described as capturing Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, with the Medal of Honor during the State of the Union address.
Ceremony And Recognition
As Slover and his wife entered the chamber, they received a standing ovation and chants of "USA, USA, USA." Lawmakers rose to honor the pilot as the president praised his leadership and bravery.
The Mission, As Described By The President
Mr. Trump credited Slover with helping plan what he called Operation Absolute Resolve and said Slover served as the flight lead aboard the first CH-47 Chinook to approach the heavily fortified compound in Caracas under cover of night. The president described the mission as "very dangerous," saying hostile forces "knew we were coming" and that the compound was defended by thousands of soldiers and protected by Russian and Chinese technology.
"One bullet after another. He absorbed four agonizing shots, shredding his leg into numerous pieces," the president said, adding that despite his wounds Slover piloted the aircraft and returned his team and the helicopter to safety.
Injuries And Recovery
According to Mr. Trump, Slover was hit multiple times in the leg and hip while preparing to land but managed to control the aircraft and ensure the safety of his crew. The president said Slover remains in recovery from those injuries.
Historical Note
The presentation marked the first time a Medal of Honor has been awarded during a State of the Union address. Retired Navy Capt. Royce Williams also received the Medal of Honor that evening for his actions as a fighter pilot during the Korean War.
Note on Attribution: This article reports the details as described by President Trump during the ceremony. Some operational claims—such as the capture of Venezuela's president and the operation name—are presented here as described by the administration and have not been independently verified within this piece.
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