Story perspectives

Trump Honors Heroes: Slover's Valor in Maduro Raid

2/27/2026

Summary

Trump Honors Heroes

On February 24, 2026, at the State of the Union, U.S. President Donald Trump awarded the Medal of Honor to Army Chief Warrant Officer Eric Slover for his actions in the raid capturing Nicolás Maduro.
Slover piloted the Chinook helicopter and was wounded.
Trump also honored 100-year-old retired Navy Captain E. Royce Williams for valor in a Korean War dogfight.
The State of the Union timing drew mixed veteran reactions.

Summary

Trump Awards Medal

President Trump awarded the Medal of Honor to retired Navy Capt. E. Royce Williams during the State of the Union on February 24, 2026, marking the first such presentation in this setting.
At 100 years old, Williams was recognized for his actions in a classified 1952 dogfight against seven Soviet MiG-15s, where he downed four enemy aircraft despite severe damage to his plane.
The award followed decades of advocacy by Rep. Darrell Issa and The American Legion, which helped remove time restrictions on Medal of Honor eligibility.
The ceremony coincided with the anniversary of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, adding geopolitical significance to the event.

History

Historical Context

In 1952, U.S. Navy Captain E. Royce Williams shot down four Soviet MiG-15s during a fierce dogfight, exemplifying Cold War tensions. His actions occurred amidst military confrontations and proxy wars between the U.S. and the Soviet Union. The 2026 Medal of Honor award to Williams highlights ongoing recognition of military valor and the enduring impact of Cold War legacies on U.S. foreign policy.

1 of 3

Trump Honors Heroes

On February 24, 2026, at the State of the Union, U.S. President Donald Trump awarded the Medal of Honor to Army Chief Warrant Officer Eric Slover for his actions in the raid capturing Nicolás Maduro.
Slover piloted the Chinook helicopter and was wounded.
Trump also honored 100-year-old retired Navy Captain E. Royce Williams for valor in a Korean War dogfight.
The State of the Union timing drew mixed veteran reactions.

1 / 3