President Donald Trump awarded the Medal of Honor to two U.S. service members Tuesday night during his State of the Union address, honoring acts of extraordinary valor spanning two different wars and generations.
Trump announced that Army Chief Warrant Officer Five Eric Slover would receive America’s highest military decoration for his actions during the January operation that led to the capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro. He also revealed that Navy Captain Royce Williams, now 100 years old, would be awarded the Medal of Honor for his heroism in aerial combat during the Korean War.
Describing Slover’s actions, Trump said the helicopter pilot was gravely wounded while under intense enemy fire.
“While preparing to land, enemy machine guns fired from every angle, and Eric was hit very badly in the leg and hip, one bullet after another,” Trump said. “He absorbed four agonizing shots, shredding his leg into numerous pieces, and yet the only thing he was thinking about was delivering the commandos who would capture and detain Maduro.”
Trump continued that despite losing massive amounts of blood, Slover maneuvered his helicopter to face enemy fire so onboard gunners could neutralize the threat.
“He turned the helicopter so the gunners could take care of business, saving the lives of his fellow warriors from what could have been a catastrophic crash deep in enemy territory,” Trump said. “Only after safely landing the helicopter in the exact right spot did Eric tell his co-pilot, ‘Take over, I’m about ready to pass out.’”
Following a lengthy standing ovation, Slover rose with the assistance of a walker as Trump formally announced the award.
“In recognition of Eric’s actions above and beyond the call of duty, I now ask General Jonathan Braga to present Chief Warrant Officer Slover with our nation’s highest military award, the Congressional Medal of Honor,” the president said.
Trump then turned to Captain Royce Williams, a decorated Navy aviator whose heroic actions had remained classified for decades.
“Royce led the takedown of four enemy jets and nearly destroyed the others, vanquishing his adversaries while taking 263 bullets to his own plane and being seriously hurt,” Trump said. “His story was secret for over 50 years. He didn’t even tell his wife. But tonight, at 100 years old, this brave Navy captain is finally getting the recognition he deserves.”
Trump invited Williams to stand before calling on First Lady Melania Trump to present the medal.
“Royce, please stand up,” Trump said. “I will ask the First Lady of the United States to present Captain Royce Williams with his Congressional Medal of Honor.”
As Melania Trump placed the medal around Williams’ neck, the chamber erupted in applause, marking one of the most emotional moments of the night and underscoring the administration’s focus on honoring military service and sacrifice.
