In Washington, a helicopter pilot injured during the mission that resulted in the capture of former Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor. This recognition took place during President Donald Trump’s State of the Union address on Tuesday evening.
President Trump introduced Army Chief Warrant Officer 5 Eric Slover, who appeared with the aid of a walker. Slover was the pilot of the lead CH-47 Chinook helicopter during the daring raid on Maduro’s “heavily protected military fortress,” which, despite its success, left seven U.S. service members with injuries from gunfire and shrapnel.
Trump recounted the intense situation Slover faced, noting that as the helicopter prepared to land, it came under heavy machine-gun fire. Slover sustained severe injuries, being struck in the leg and hip multiple times. Trump described the harrowing ordeal, stating that Slover “absorbed four agonizing shots, shredding his leg into numerous pieces.”
The operation, which involved months of secret planning, dramatically unfolded as U.S. troops plunged the Venezuelan capital into darkness, capturing Maduro and bringing him to the United States to face drug trafficking charges.
Trump’s recounting of Slover’s bravery during that night offers a rare glimpse into the military operation, which has remained largely classified since its execution in the early hours of January 3rd.
As Slover maneuvered his helicopter towards its landing, he encountered “two machine gunners who had escaped the wrath of the previous planes,” as described by Trump.
“Eric maneuvered his helicopter with all of those lives and souls to face the enemy and let his gunners eliminate the threat,” Trump said, “saving the lives of his fellow warriors from what could have been a catastrophic crash deep in enemy territory.”
The president said “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, commander of Joint Special Operations Command, presented Slover with the Medal of Honor in the gallery overlooking the House chamber.
Slover was in his dress uniform and used a walker to steady himself. Trump said the soldier was still recovering from his wounds.
Trump also said 10 other service members who took part in the operation will be receiving medals at a private ceremony soon to be held at the White House.
In addition to Slover, Trump also presented the Medal of Honor to retired Capt. E. Royce Williams, a Navy pilot who shot down multiple Soviet jets during the Korean War, upgrading his existing award of a Navy Cross.
Trump called the 100-year-old former fighter pilot “one of the last living legends.”
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