Heroic Army Pilot Honored with Congressional Medal of Honor in Trump’s Address

In a dramatic moment during President Donald Trump’s State of the Union address, a helicopter pilot, who was injured in the mission to capture former Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor. The ceremony took place on Tuesday evening in Washington.

Army Chief Warrant Officer 5 Eric Slover, who appeared on stage with the aid of a walker, piloted the lead CH-47 Chinook helicopter during the daring raid. This operation targeted a “heavily fortified military stronghold” where Maduro was held. Despite the mission’s success, the confrontation resulted in seven U.S. service members sustaining injuries from gunfire and shrapnel.

President Trump recounted how, as they approached their landing, enemy fire from machine guns bombarded the aircraft from multiple directions. Slover was severely injured, suffering multiple gunshot wounds to his leg and hip. “Eric took four excruciating hits,” Trump explained, noting the severe damage that left Slover’s leg in tatters.

This audacious mission was the result of meticulous planning over several months. It culminated in a surprise attack that plunged Venezuela’s capital into chaos as the U.S. forces captured Maduro and transported him to the United States to face charges related to drug trafficking.

Trump’s detailed account of Slover’s bravery shed light on the clandestine operation, which has largely remained a secret since it unfolded in the early hours of January 3rd.

As Slover prepared to land his helicopter, he was confronted with “two machine gunners who escaped the wrath of the previous planes,” according to Trump.

“Eric maneuvered his helicopter with all of those lives and souls to face the enemy and let his gunners eliminate the threat,” Trump said, “saving the lives of his fellow warriors from what could have been a catastrophic crash deep in enemy territory.”

The president said “the success of the entire mission and the lives of his fellow warriors hinged on Eric’s ability to take searing pain.”

Lt. Gen. Jonathan Braga, commander of Joint Special Operations Command, presented Slover with the Medal of Honor in the gallery overlooking the House chamber.

Slover was in his dress uniform and used a walker to steady himself. Trump said the soldier was still recovering from his wounds.

Trump also said 10 other service members who took part in the operation will be receiving medals at a private ceremony soon to be held at the White House.

In addition to Slover, Trump also presented the Medal of Honor to retired Capt. E. Royce Williams, a Navy pilot who shot down multiple Soviet jets during the Korean War, upgrading his existing award of a Navy Cross.

Trump called the 100-year-old former fighter pilot “one of the last living legends.”