Meet US Army Pilot Eric Slover: Shot in Maduro Raid, Honored With Medal of Honor
In a ceremony during the State of the Union address on February 24, 2026, President Donald Trump awarded the Medal of Honor to Chief Warrant Officer 5 Eric Slover for his extraordinary valor during the January 3, 2026, military operation that resulted in the capture of former Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. Slover, a U.S. Army helicopter pilot, sustained multiple gunshot wounds while piloting a CH-47 Chinook helicopter into enemy territory, yet he continued to maneuver the aircraft, neutralize threats, and ensure the mission's success.
According to details provided by President Trump, Slover served as the lead pilot in the operation, descending on a heavily fortified military compound in Caracas under intense enemy fire. As the helicopter approached the landing zone, machine gun fire from Venezuelan defenses struck Slover in the leg and hip, inflicting four severe wounds that shattered his leg. Despite the excruciating pain and significant blood loss, Slover repositioned the aircraft to allow his gunners to eliminate the threats, preventing a potential crash and safeguarding the lives of his fellow service members. The mission, dubbed Operation Absolute Resolve, involved over 200 U.S. special operations forces and led to Maduro's extradition to the United States to face drug trafficking charges.
Lt. Gen. Jonathan Braga, commander of the Joint Special Operations Command, presented the medal to Slover in the House chamber gallery, where Slover appeared in full dress uniform and relied on a walker due to ongoing recovery from his injuries. Accompanied by his wife, Amy, Slover received a standing ovation from lawmakers and attendees. President Trump highlighted that the success of the raid and the safety of the team depended on Slover's resilience, noting that seven U.S. personnel were injured in total during the engagement. Additionally, Trump announced that ten other service members involved in the operation would receive awards in a private White House ceremony.
The raid has elicited mixed international responses. While U.S. allies, including many NATO members, have expressed support for the action, numerous governments, such as those of China, Russia, Colombia, Brazil, and Mexico, have condemned it as a violation of international law and sovereignty. The United Nations has voiced deep concern, describing the intervention as a dangerous precedent. Reports indicate approximately 100 fatalities, including 32 Cuban special forces personnel and at least two civilians, with damage to residential areas in Caracas. Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodríguez has assumed interim leadership, amid ongoing U.S. efforts to influence the country's transition away from ties with adversarial nations.
Slover's recognition underscores the risks undertaken by U.S. forces in high-stakes operations. The National Medal of Honor Museum has committed to preserving his story to inspire future generations. This award marks a significant moment in recent U.S. military history, highlighting both individual heroism and the broader geopolitical implications of the intervention.
