President Donald Trump, during the State of the Union address, presented the Congressional Medal of Honor to Eric Slover, the Army pilot who was wounded while carrying out the mission to capture Nicolas Maduro.
Trump awarded the nation’s highest military award to Slover for his heroic efforts during Operation Absolute Resolve and going “above and beyond the call of duty.”
Glover, the president said, planned the mission and was the flight lead in the cockpit of the first helicopter.
He steered the massive Chinook under the cover of night and descended swiftly on Maduro’s highly-protected fortress, Trump explained, adding the aircraft was carrying many of his fellow soldiers.
“While preparing to land, enemy machine guns fired from every angle, Eric was hit very badly in the leg and hip, one bullet after another. He absorbed four agonizing shots, shredding his leg into numerous pieces.”
Despite his injuries, Slover transported his comrades to safety and completed the high-risk military operation.
"The success of the entire mission and the lives of his fellow warriors hinged on Eric's ability to take the searing pain, that was unbelievable what happened to his legs,” Trump said.
After successfully landing the helicopter in the right location so the mission could continue, Slover told his copilot, also wounded but not as badly, to take over because he was “about to pass out,” the president said.
Rep. Scott Perry (R-Calif.) said it was incredible to witness the moment first-hand.
Slover is still recovering from serious wounds sustained during the mission.
Both Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores de Maduro, were captured by U.S. military forces during that raid on Jan. 2.
Retired Navy Capt. Royce Williams was also awarded the Medal of Honor. Williams served in World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War, according to Trump. His combat actions in Korea earned him the nation’s highest military award.
A private ceremony to honor both Williams and Slover will soon be held at the White House, Trump said.