Trump Awards Medal of Honor to Army Pilot Wounded in Venezuela Raid [WATCH]

President Donald J. Trump presented the Congressional Medal of Honor to Army Chief Warrant Officer 5 Eric Slover during his 2026 State of the Union address Tuesday night, recognizing the soldier’s bravery in the January military operation that led to the capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro, as reported by The New York Post.

Slover, a U.S. Army helicopter pilot, entered the House chamber with his wife, Amy, and received a standing ovation and chants of “USA, USA, USA” from lawmakers and attendees.

During the address, President Trump detailed Slover’s actions while piloting the lead MH-47 Chinook helicopter for the raid.

Army pilot wounded in Maduro raid gets Congressional Medal of Honor during Trump’s speech https://t.co/tdFsl1GK0F

— O.C. Register (@ocregister) February 25, 2026

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The operation involved inserting an assault team into a heavily fortified compound where Maduro was believed to be located. Venezuelan defense systems opened fire as the helicopters approached.

Trump recounted that Slover “was hit very badly in the leg and hip” while preparing to land. “The success of the entire mission and the lives of his fellow warriors hinged on Eric’s ability to take searing pain,” the president said.

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According to reports, Slover sustained multiple gunshot wounds in his leg and hip but continued to control the helicopter, allowing his crew to complete their mission and return safely.

Slover is still recovering from his injuries, and the president noted that several other American service members were wounded in the raid.

HISTORIC SOTU MOMENT: President Trump just presented the Congressional Medal of Honor to wounded hero pilot Eric Slover, the brave aviator who risked EVERYTHING carrying out the daring mission to capture Maduro! pic.twitter.com/V7T9SmGdty

— American Patriot (@Theglobalawake5) February 25, 2026

Trump also said additional medals for those involved in the operation will be presented at a later event at the White House.

The January raid, conducted after months of planning, successfully captured Maduro and brought him to the United States to face criminal charges, including drug trafficking.

The mission involved U.S. forces entering Venezuelan territory and overcoming resistance from Maduro’s military defenses.

White House officials said the raid was a key national security operation and symbolized the administration’s broader efforts to counter drug trafficking and authoritarian regimes in the Western Hemisphere.

Slover’s award was one of the highlights of the president’s speech, which also covered economic and domestic policy priorities.

During the address, Trump emphasized the sacrifices of American service members and pledged continued support for U.S. troops. He reiterated the importance of military readiness and recognized additional heroes during the speech.

Slover, wearing his dress uniform and using a walker during the ceremony, stood with other honorees as the nation’s highest military decoration was bestowed on him.

Members of both parties in Congress applauded his actions as an example of courage and self-sacrifice.

As the president moves forward with his agenda, the recognition of military sacrifice and heroism remained a central theme, underscoring the administration’s focus on national security and honoring servicemembers’ contributions.

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