Honoring Pilot Eric Slover at the 2026 State of the Union
During his 2026 State of the Union address, President Trump solemnly presented the Congressional Medal of Honor to Master Sergeant Eric Slover. This is the highest recognition for his valor during the raid to apprehend Nicolás Maduro in Venezuela last January.
Mr. Slover, a U.S. Army helicopter pilot, was at the controls of the MH-47 Chinook that led the assault formation into a heavily fortified compound. As the flight team approached the target where Maduro was reportedly hiding, Venezuelan defense systems unleashed fierce fire upon U.S. forces.
Sacrifice and Courage on the Brink of Life and Death
According to President Trump, pilot Slover sustained severe gunshot wounds to his leg and hip just as he was preparing to land. Despite his grave injuries, he steadfastly maintained control of the aircraft, ensuring the assault team was delivered safely to their position to carry out the mission.
“The success of the entire mission and the lives of his fellow servicemen depended entirely on Eric’s ability to endure unimaginable pain,” President Trump declared emotionally before Congress.
This special operation resulted in approximately half a dozen U.S. servicemen being wounded, and Mr. Slover is currently still recovering. When he appeared in the chamber with his wife, Amy, members of Congress unanimously rose to their feet, applauding enthusiastically and chanting “USA, USA, USA” to honor the hero.
The Medal of Honor is the highest military decoration in the United States, reserved for extraordinary acts of valor in combat. President Trump also stated that other service members involved in the operation would be honored at a separate ceremony at the White House in the near future.
