President Donald Trump used his State of the Union address Tuesday to honor two military servicemembers with the nation’s highest award for valor. U.S. Army Chief Warrant Officer Eric Slover and retired Navy Captain E. Royce Williams received the Medal of Honor in ceremonies attended by lawmakers and guests.
Trump recounted a January raid targeting Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro, describing Slover’s role in piloting a Chinook helicopter into heavily fortified territory under cover of darkness. The president said the aircraft came under intense machine gun fire as it approached the target. “There were many heroes on that January raid to capture Maduro. Really great heroes. It was very dangerous,” Trump said.
He detailed Slover being shot four times, with his leg shattered during the mission. Trump said Slover’s ability to keep flying was crucial to the success of the operation and the safety of his fellow soldiers. Slover, who is still recovering, attended the address with his wife, Amy, to receive the medal.
The president also awarded the Medal of Honor to Williams, a 100-year-old Korean War veteran and retired Navy captain, for his actions in a classified 1952 aerial dogfight over the Sea of Japan. Flying an F9F Panther jet from the USS Oriskany, Williams shot down four Soviet MiG-15 fighters during a 35-minute battle. The encounter was kept secret at the time to avoid escalation with the Soviet Union.
Decades later, after declassification, Williams’ heroism was recognized with the Medal of Honor. The ceremonies marked a notable moment in the address, emphasizing the administration’s focus on military service and heroism, drawing sustained applause from those in attendance.
Jon Ross Myers is the executive editor and publisher of the Mississippi News Network, Mississippi's largest digital only media company. He can be reached at editor@tippahnews.com
