President Trump Awards Congressional Medal of Honor
During his State of the Union address on February 24, 2026, President Donald Trump honored Army Chief Warrant Officer Eric Slover with the Congressional Medal of Honor, the highest military award in the United States. Slover, who was injured while piloting a helicopter in the raid to capture former Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, received this recognition for his bravery.
Trump remarked that Slover was at the helm of the first CH-47 Chinook helicopter that attempted to land on a heavily fortified military site during what was called “Operation Absolute Resolve.” The situation was perilous; as Slover prepared to touch down, enemy machine gun fire erupted from multiple directions.
“While preparing to land, enemy machine guns opened fire from all angles, and Eric received severe blows to his legs and hips from one bullet after another,” Trump recounted. He further described how Slover “absorbed four painful bullets, slicing his leg into countless pieces.”
Using a walker, Slover appeared on the House floor alongside his wife, Amy. Trump noted that he blessed the dog tags Slover wore with holy water before his mission.
Trump praised Slover’s actions that night, stating, “The actions of one warrior that night will forever live on in the eternal record of military valor.” He detailed the extent of Slover’s injuries, mentioning “blood gushing out” as he navigated a challenging landing.
It was only after ensuring the helicopter was safely on the ground with all personnel accounted for that Slover requested his co-pilot take over, admitting he was “almost losing consciousness.” Fortunately, while his co-pilot sustained some injuries, they were not serious. The mission succeeded, with no U.S. service members killed, though several did suffer injuries from gunfire and shrapnel.
“The success of the entire mission and the lives of his fellow warriors depended on Eric being able to endure the searing pain,” Trump emphasized, adding, “What happened to his leg was incredible.”
“While Warrant Officer Slover is still recovering from a serious injury, I’m happy to say he’s here tonight with his wife, Amy,” Trump noted, as the couple was invited to join him in the auditorium.
The medal was presented by Lt. Gen. Jonathan Braga, commander of Joint Special Operations Command. As Slover, who stood in uniform with a brace supporting his left leg, received the medal, the audience chanted, “America! America! America!”
Additionally, President Trump announced plans for a private ceremony at the White House to honor ten other military members who participated in the same operation.
The president also awarded the Medal of Honor to retired Col. E. Royce Williams, a Navy pilot distinguished for shooting down a Soviet jet during the Korean War. Upholding Williams’ legacy, Trump referred to him as “one of the last living legends.”
