Chief Warrant Officer Eric Slover already proved his mettle in the skies over Afghanistan, receiving the Distinguished Flying Cross for actions during a rescue mission that turned into an intense firefight.
In January 2026, his proven abilities were required once again, this time over Caracas, as part of Operation Absolute Resolve, the daring raid to capture dictator Nicolás Maduro.
Slover, then with the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment, planned the mission and was at the controls of the lead aircraft, an MH-47 Chinook. He was tasked with inserting a Delta Force assault team into the heavily fortified compound where Maduro was believed to be hiding. There was no margin for error, and no room for hesitation.
As his helicopter approached the target area, Venezuelan defense systems opened fire, and Slover was struck three times in the leg. The Chinook was also hit, but still flyable.
So he kept flying.
“The success of the entire mission and the lives of his fellow warriors hinged on Eric’s ability to take searing pain,” President Donald Trump said during his 2026 State of the Union address. He then surprised Slover and his wife, Amy, with the nation’s highest military honor before a joint session of Congress.
The chamber erupted in applause.
Slover maintained control of the aircraft despite his wounds, executed the insertion, and ensured his crew successfully executed their objectives. He then piloted the aircraft back to the USS Iwo Jima. Within three hours, another team of helicopters would exfiltrate the assault team.
Slover is still recovering from his wounds and was standing with the assistance of a walker when he received the award. A total of seven Americans were wounded in the operation.
His actions were critical to the success of the raid that would ultimately end in Maduro’s capture and incarceration. Trump said other members of the military involved in the mission will be honored at a separate White House ceremony at a later date.
Editor’s Note: This article by Blake Stilwell was originally published by We Are The Mighty.
Feature Image: Chief Warrant Officer Eric Clover receives the Medal of Honor during the president’s State of the Union address. (White House via Fox News)
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