Trump Awards Medal Of Honor To Pilot Wounded In Maduro Raid During State Of The Union

President Donald Trump awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor to Chief Warrant Officer Eric Slover during his 2026 State of the Union address, honoring the Army helicopter pilot for his actions in the raid that captured Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro.

Slover and his wife, Amy, were present in the House chamber as the president recounted the events of the January operation. The moment drew a standing ovation from lawmakers and chants of “USA” from the crowd.

According to President Trump’s remarks, Slover was piloting a twin rotor MH 47 Chinook helicopter as the lead aircraft tasked with inserting the assault team into a heavily fortified compound where Maduro was believed to be located. As the helicopters approached the target, Venezuelan defense systems opened fire.

Slover was struck multiple times in the leg and hip while preparing to land. Despite his injuries, the president said, he maintained control of the aircraft and completed the mission, actions that were critical to the success of the operation and the safety of his fellow service members.

President Trump noted that Slover is still recovering from his wounds. Several other American soldiers were injured during the raid, which the administration has described as a precision operation carried out without loss of American life.

The president said additional service members involved in the mission will be honored at the White House at a later date, calling their actions a testament to American courage and military excellence.