Delaware Helicopter Pilot Receives Medal of Honor for Venezuela Mission

Army Chief Warrant Officer 5 Eric Slover was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor during President Trump's State of the Union address for his heroic actions during the raid that captured Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro. Despite suffering multiple gunshot wounds to his leg and hip, Slover successfully piloted his helicopter through intense enemy fire to complete the mission.

WASHINGTON — During Tuesday night’s State of the Union address, President Donald Trump awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor to an Army helicopter pilot who sustained severe injuries while leading the military operation that resulted in the capture of former Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro.

Army Chief Warrant Officer 5 Eric Slover, who walked with assistance from a mobility device, served as the primary pilot for the lead CH-47 Chinook helicopter that approached what Trump described as a “heavily protected military fortress” where Maduro was located. The successful mission resulted in gunshot and shrapnel injuries to seven American military personnel.

“While preparing to land, enemy machine guns fired from every angle, and Eric was hit very badly in the leg and hip, one bullet after another,” Trump stated during his remarks, explaining that Slover “absorbed four agonizing shots, shredding his leg into numerous pieces.”

The daring military action followed extensive covert preparation and resulted in the South American nation’s capital losing power as forces entered Maduro’s residence and transported him to America to face narcotics trafficking allegations.

Trump’s account of Slover’s performance during the operation provided previously undisclosed details about the military mission, which has remained largely classified since its execution in the early morning hours of January 3.

During the landing approach, Slover encountered “two machine gunners who escaped the wrath of the previous planes,” Trump explained.

“Eric maneuvered his helicopter with all of those lives and souls to face the enemy and let his gunners eliminate the threat,” Trump declared, “saving the lives of his fellow warriors from what could have been a catastrophic crash deep in enemy territory.”

The president emphasized that “the success of the entire mission and the lives of his fellow warriors hinged on Eric’s ability to take searing pain.”

Lt. Gen. Jonathan Braga, who leads Joint Special Operations Command, formally presented the Medal of Honor to Slover in the gallery above the House chamber.

Appearing in his military dress uniform and relying on a walker for support, Slover continues his recovery from the injuries sustained during the operation, Trump noted.

The president also announced that ten additional service members who participated in the Venezuela mission will receive recognition during an upcoming private White House ceremony.

Trump also honored retired Navy Captain E. Royce Williams with the Medal of Honor, upgrading his previous Navy Cross award for shooting down several Soviet aircraft during the Korean War.

The president praised the 100-year-old former aviator as “one of the last living legends.”