Chief Warrant Officer Eric Slover receives the Congressional Medal of Honor throughout U.S. President Donald Trump’s State of the Union tackle within the Home Chamber of the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., U.S., on February 24, 2026.
| Picture Credit score: Reuters
A helicopter pilot wounded within the raid that captured then-Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro acquired the Congressional Medal of Honour throughout President Donald Trump’s State of the Union tackle on Tuesday night (February 24, 2026).
Mr. Trump mentioned Military Chief Warrant Officer 5 Eric Slover, who appeared utilizing a walker, was the pilot of the lead CH-47 Chinook helicopter that descended on the “closely protected navy fortress” that held Mr. Maduro throughout a raid that, whereas profitable, left seven US service members with gunshot wounds and shrapnel-related accidents.
“Whereas getting ready to land, enemy machine weapons fired from each angle, and Eric was hit very badly within the leg and hip, one bullet after one other,” Mr. Trump mentioned, including that Mr. Slover “absorbed 4 agonising photographs, shredding his leg into quite a few items.”
Months of covert planning led to the brazen operation that plunged the South American nation’s capital into darkness as troops infiltrated Mr. Maduro’s dwelling and whisked him to the US to face drug trafficking fees.
Mr. Trump’s description of Mr. Slover’s actions that evening provides a brand new, detailed glimpse into the navy motion that has been largely shrouded in secrecy because it was carried out within the early hours of Jan. 3.
As Mr. Slover ready to land his helicopter, he was confronted with “two machine gunners who escaped the wrath of the earlier planes,” in line with Mr. Trump.
“Eric manoeuvred his helicopter with all of these lives and souls to face the enemy and let his gunners eradicate the risk,” Mr. Trump mentioned, “saving the lives of his fellow warriors from what may have been a catastrophic crash deep in enemy territory.”
The President mentioned, “The success of the whole mission and the lives of his fellow warriors hinged on Eric’s skill to take searing ache.”
Lt. Gen. Jonathan Braga, commander of Joint Particular Operations Command, introduced Mr. Slover with the Medal of Honour within the gallery overlooking the Home chamber.
Mr. Slover was in his gown uniform and used a walker to regular himself. Mr. Trump mentioned the soldier was nonetheless recovering from his wounds.
Mr. Trump additionally mentioned 10 different service members who took half within the operation will probably be receiving medals at a personal ceremony quickly to be held on the White Home.
Along with Mr. Slover, Mr. Trump additionally introduced the Medal of Honour to retired Capt. E. Royce Williams, a Navy pilot who shot down a number of Soviet jets in the course of the Korean Warfare, upgraded his present award of a Navy Cross.
Mr. Trump referred to as the 100-year-old former fighter pilot “one of many final dwelling legends.”
Printed – February 25, 2026 12:05 pm IST