Medal of Honor Awarded to Two Heroes During State of the Union
WASHINGTON – President Donald J. Trump awarded the Medal of Honor, the nation’s highest award for valor, to two American heroes during his State of the Union address on February 25, 2026. Army Chief Warrant Officer 5 Eric Slover and retired Navy Capt. Royce Williams were recognized for their extraordinary courage and service.
Valor in Venezuela: Chief Warrant Officer 5 Eric Slover
Chief Warrant Officer 5 Eric Slover received the Medal of Honor for his actions during the January mission that led to the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores [1, 2]. Slover served as the flight lead in a CH-47 Chinook helicopter during the operation in Caracas.
As the helicopter descended towards Maduro’s heavily guarded presidential palace, it came under intense enemy fire. Slover was struck by four bullets, severely wounding his leg and hip [3]. Despite his injuries, Slover maintained control of the aircraft, delivering commandos to the drop zone and enabling the successful capture of Maduro and Flores. He then maneuvered the helicopter to allow gunners to suppress enemy fire, protecting the lives of his fellow warriors [4].
Both Maduro and Flores have pleaded not guilty to federal drug trafficking charges [3].
A Korean War Legend: Retired Navy Capt. Royce Williams
Retired Navy Capt. Royce Williams, now 100 years vintage, was awarded the Medal of Honor for his extraordinary heroism during the Korean War in 1952 [1]. Flying in blizzard conditions, Williams’ squadron was ambushed by seven Soviet fighter planes.
Despite being heavily outnumbered and outgunned, Williams led the defense, successfully shooting down four enemy jets and damaging others [4]. His actions were kept secret for over 50 years and he did not even disclose them to his wife.
Other Honors Presented
During the State of the Union address, President Trump also presented the Legion of Merit to Coast Guard Petty Officer 2nd Class Scott Ruskan for rescuing 165 people from a girls’ summer camp during floods in Texas [3]. Army Specialist Sarah Beckstrom and Air Force Staff Sergeant Andrew Wolfe, both of the West Virginia National Guard, were awarded the Purple Heart for wounds sustained while serving in Washington, D.C. In November. Beckstrom received the award posthumously [3].
President Trump stated, “It’s an honor to be in the same room with you,” after presenting the Medals of Honor [1].