Eric Slover awarded Medal of Honor at SOTU 2026 after daring Venezuela raid under fire
U.S. Army Chief Warrant Officer 5 Eric Slover receives a Medal of Honor during President Donald Trump’s State of the Union address at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, Feb. 24, 2026. Image Credit: Alex Brandon/AP
In one of the most striking moments of the 2026 State of the Union address, Chief Warrant Officer 5 Eric Slover, a U.S. Army special operations pilot, was awarded the nation’s highest military decoration, the Medal of Honor, for extraordinary bravery during a high-risk raid in Venezuela earlier this year.
The presentation, delivered by President , brought rare public attention to one of the military’s most secretive aviation units: the , widely known as the “Night Stalkers.”
Slover’s actions during the January operation, conducted under intense enemy fire, have since become a defining example of aviation heroism under combat conditions.
What Happened During the Venezuela Raid?
According to official accounts cited during the address, Slover was piloting the lead MH-47 Chinook helicopter during a mission known as Operation Absolute Resolve. The objective: insert assault forces into a heavily fortified area as part of a raid that resulted in the capture of Venezuelan leader .
As the aircraft approached the objective, it came under heavy defensive fire. Slover sustained multiple gunshot wounds to his leg and hip when hostile rounds struck the helicopter.
Despite serious injuries, he maintained control of the aircraft, completed the troop insertion, and ensured the safety of both crew members and ground forces. Officials said the success of the operation depended heavily on his ability to continue flying under extreme physical distress.
Who Are the Night Stalkers?
The 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (Airborne) was created in the aftermath of the failed 1980 Operation Eagle Claw rescue attempt in Iran. The mission exposed critical gaps in aviation support for special operations forces, prompting the formation of a dedicated unit capable of executing complex nighttime and high-risk insertions.
Known for their motto, “Night Stalkers Don’t Quit,” the regiment supports Army Special Forces, Navy SEALs, Rangers, and Joint Special Operations Command units. Their fleet includes modified MH-47 Chinook, MH-60 Black Hawk, and MH-6 Little Bird helicopters.
Night Stalkers pilots are trained to fly at extremely low altitudes in hostile airspace, often without lights and in degraded visibility conditions. Missions typically involve rapid insertions and extractions in contested environments.
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The Rigorous Path to Becoming a Flight Lead
Joining the 160th SOAR requires completion of an intensive selection and training process known as “Green Platoon.” Candidates must demonstrate exceptional combat skills, aviation precision, and the ability to perform under pressure.
Pilots enter as Basic Mission Qualified and undergo years of evaluation before earning Fully Mission Qualified status. Only a select few are designated flight leads, trusted to command aircraft formations in the most complex operations.
Slover’s role as the lead pilot during the Venezuela mission underscored both his experience and the high level of trust placed in him by military leadership.
Why the Medal of Honor Presentation Matters
Public recognition of the 160th SOAR is rare due to the classified nature of many of its missions. Awarding the Medal of Honor during a nationally televised State of the Union address marked a significant moment of visibility for the regiment.
The administration’s decision to highlight Slover’s actions on such a prominent stage introduced millions of Americans to a unit that typically operates in the shadows.
Military analysts note that the honor not only recognizes Slover’s individual courage but also underscores the strategic importance of aviation precision in modern special operations.
Broader Significance in 2026
The presentation occurred during a politically charged evening in Washington, drawing bipartisan applause inside the House chamber. While much of the State of the Union focused on domestic and foreign policy priorities, the recognition of a wounded special operations pilot stood out as a moment of national unity.
For the Night Stalkers, whose missions span decades of counterterrorism and high-risk engagements worldwide, the spotlight was brief but historic.
Slover’s Medal of Honor now joins a distinguished lineage of military valor, representing not only personal sacrifice but the evolving role of aviation in complex global operations.
FAQ
Who is Eric Slover?
Eric Slover is a Chief Warrant Officer 5 in the U.S. Army and a member of the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment, also known as the Night Stalkers. He was awarded the Medal of Honor in 2026 for extraordinary heroism during a combat mission in Venezuela.
Why did Eric Slover receive the Medal of Honor?
He received the Medal of Honor for piloting a lead MH-47 Chinook helicopter during a high-risk raid in Venezuela while under heavy enemy fire. Despite sustaining multiple gunshot wounds, he maintained control of the aircraft and successfully completed the troop insertion.
What are the Night Stalkers?
The Night Stalkers are an elite U.S. Army aviation unit specializing in supporting special operations forces. Officially known as the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (Airborne), they conduct high-risk missions including nighttime insertions and extractions.
What was Operation Absolute Resolve?
Operation Absolute Resolve was the January 2026 mission referenced during the State of the Union address. It involved a raid in Venezuela that led to the capture of Nicolás Maduro.
What aircraft was involved in the mission?
The aircraft flown by Slover was an MH-47 Chinook, a modified heavy-lift helicopter used extensively by the Night Stalkers for special operations missions.
How rare is it for special operations units to receive public recognition?
It is uncommon for members of classified special operations units to be publicly recognized due to operational secrecy. The State of the Union presentation marked a rare public acknowledgement of the regiment’s work.
What makes the 160th SOAR unique?
The unit is specifically trained for complex aviation missions in hostile and low-visibility environments. Their pilots undergo years of evaluation before leading critical operations.