Washington– A helicopter pilot injured in the raid that captured then-Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor during President Donald Trump’s State of the Union address Tuesday night.
Trump said Army No. 5 Eric Slover, shown using a walker, was the pilot of the lead CH-47 Chinook helicopter that landed on the “highly protected military fortress” holding Maduro during a raid that, although successful, left seven U.S. service members with gunshot and shrapnel-related injuries.
“As he prepared to land, enemy machine guns fired from every angle, and Eric was severely wounded in his leg and hip, bullet after bullet,” Trump said, adding that Slover “absorbed four painful shots, tearing his leg into numerous pieces.”
Months of secret planning led to the brazen operation that plunged the South American country’s capital into darkness when troops infiltrated Maduro’s home and transported him to the United States to face drug trafficking charges.
Trump’s description of Slover’s actions that night offers a new and detailed glimpse into the military action that has been largely shrouded in secrecy since it was carried out in the early hours of January 3.
As Slover prepared to land his helicopter, he encountered “two machine gunners fleeing the wrath of the previous planes,” according to Trump.
“Eric maneuvered his helicopter with all those lives and souls to confront the enemy and allow his artillery to eliminate the threat, saving the lives of his fellow warriors from what could have been a catastrophic crash deep into enemy territory,” Trump said.
“The success of the entire mission and the lives of his fellow warriors depend on Eric’s ability to endure extreme pain,” the president said.
Lt. Gen. Jonathan Braga, commander of Joint Special Operations Command, presented Slover with the Medal of Honor in the gallery overlooking the House chamber.
Slover was wearing his uniform and using a walker to steady himself. Trump said the soldier was still recovering from his wounds.
Trump also said that 10 other service members who participated in the operation will receive medals at a special ceremony soon to be held at the White House.
In addition to Slover, Trump also presented the Medal of Honor to retired Capt. Royce Williams, a Navy aviator who shot down several Soviet planes during the Korean War, upgrading his current award, the Navy Cross.
Trump described the 100-year-old former fighter pilot as “one of the last living legends.”
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