“Hero Pilot Shot Multiple Times in Raid That Captured Maduro Receives Medal of Honor During Trump’s State of the Union”

El suboficial del Ejéricto de Estados Unidos Eric Slover recibe una Medalla de Honor durante el discurso del Estado de la Unión del presidente, Donald Trump, ante una sesión conjunta del Congreso (AP Foto/Alex Brandon)

Hero Pilot Injured in Maduro Capture Receives Medal of Honor During Trump’s Congressional Speech

El suboficial del Ejéricto de

Slover “mientras se preparaba para aterrizar, ametralladoras enemigas dispararon desde todos los ángulos, y Eric fue alcanzado impactos muy graves en la pierna y la cadera, una bala tras otra”. REUTERS/NATHAN HOWARD

El suboficial del Ejéricto de Estados Unidos Eric Slover recibe una Medalla de Honor durante el discurso del Estado de la Unión del presidente, Donald Trump, ante una sesión conjunta del Congreso (AP Foto/Alex Brandon)Washington — Eric Slover, the U.S. pilot who was injured during the daring operation to capture Nicolás Maduro, was awarded the Medal of Honor during a speech by former President Donald Trump in Congress.

Slover was piloting a state-of-the-art CH-47 Chinook helicopter that descended on the heavily fortified military compound where Maduro was located. Trump described the operation as “a precision mission into the heart of enemy territory” and highlighted Slover’s bravery under fire.

According to Trump, Slover sustained injuries during the mission but successfully completed the operation, demonstrating exceptional skill and courage. “He risked everything for our country and our allies,” Trump stated, emphasizing the pilot’s critical role in the operation.

The award ceremony, held during a high-profile address to Congress, underscored the U.S. administration’s focus on honoring military valor and reinforcing America’s commitment to countering threats in the Western Hemisphere.

El suboficial jefe del Ejército de EE. UU., Eric Slover “maniobró su helicóptero con todas esas vidas y almas para enfrentar al enemigo y permitir que sus artilleros eliminaran la amenaza, salvando la vida de sus compañeros de armas". Kenny Holston/Pool vía REUTERS

Experts note that the use of advanced helicopters like the CH-47 Chinook allows rapid insertion into heavily defended areas, a capability that proved decisive during the mission. Slover’s recognition serves not only as a personal commendation but also as a symbol of U.S. military readiness and strategic capability.

While details of the operation remain classified, the acknowledgment of the pilot’s heroism has drawn significant attention from both the media and the public, highlighting the human dimension behind high-stakes international missions.