FOUR Gunshots—Pilot Refuses To Abort Mission

Close-up of a Superman statue wearing a blue costume and red cape

President Trump honored two American heroes with the Medal of Honor during his State of the Union address, recognizing a wounded helicopter pilot from a recent raid that captured a socialist dictator and a 100-year-old Navy veteran whose classified heroism was hidden from the public for over five decades.

Story Highlights

Chief Warrant Officer Eric Slover received the Medal of Honor for piloting the lead helicopter during the January 2026 raid that captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, despite sustaining four gunshot wounds
Retired Navy Captain E. Royce Williams, 100, finally received public recognition for downing four Soviet fighter jets during the Korean War, a classified mission kept secret for more than 50 years
Trump announced 10 additional service members from the Maduro operation will receive medals at a private White House ceremony
Both ceremonies during the State of the Union showcased American military excellence and the administration’s commitment to decisive action against threats to national security

Heroism Under Fire: The Maduro Raid

Chief Warrant Officer Eric Slover piloted the lead CH-47 Chinook helicopter during the January 3, 2026 covert operation that captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro from what Trump described as a heavily protected military fortress. During the mission, Slover sustained four gunshot wounds to his legs and hip area while maintaining control of the aircraft and completing the objective. The operation, which Trump characterized as months of careful planning, successfully extracted Maduro to face drug trafficking charges in the United States. Seven U.S. service members suffered gunshot wounds and shrapnel injuries during the raid, underscoring the dangerous nature of the mission.

Recovery and Recognition

Slover appeared at the State of the Union address using a walker, accompanied by his wife Amy, as he continues recovering from serious wounds. Lt. Gen. Jonathan Braga, Commander of Joint Special Operations Command, presented the Medal of Honor to Slover during the ceremony. Trump praised Slover’s absolute resolve under extreme duress, highlighting the pilot’s ability to complete the mission despite sustaining life-threatening injuries. The president announced that 10 other service members who participated in the operation will receive medals at a forthcoming private White House ceremony, ensuring all heroes from this successful mission receive proper recognition for their sacrifice and bravery.

Declassified Heroism: Williams’s Korean War Dogfight

Captain E. Royce Williams, seated beside First Lady Melania Trump during the address, received an upgrade from his Navy Cross to the Medal of Honor for extraordinary heroism during the Korean War. In 1952, Williams engaged seven Soviet fighter planes in blizzard conditions during what military historians consider the longest dogfight in history. Williams successfully downed four enemy aircraft while his plane absorbed more than 260 bullet strikes. American officials classified the encounter for over 50 years because acknowledging Soviet involvement risked escalating the conflict. Records were finally declassified in 2002, allowing Williams to discuss his service publicly after decades of mandated silence about his remarkable achievement.

Honoring Service Across Generations

Williams’s recognition represents a long-overdue correction of a historical injustice where legitimate heroism was suppressed for geopolitical considerations. Rep. Darrell Issa, who advocated for Williams’s recognition for many years, characterized him as “a Top Gun pilot like no other, an American hero for all time.” Williams flew more than 220 missions across World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War. The dual Medal of Honor presentations during the State of the Union address provided a powerful platform showcasing American military excellence across generations. Trump called Williams “a living legend” and “one of the last living legends,” emphasizing the significance of honoring veterans while they remain alive to receive recognition.

The ceremonies reflect the administration’s commitment to recognizing military sacrifice and taking decisive action against threats to American interests. The successful Maduro raid demonstrates that this administration will not hesitate to conduct necessary operations against hostile foreign leaders who threaten regional stability and American security. Unlike previous administrations that allowed dictators to operate with impunity, Trump’s approach combines operational excellence with proper recognition for those who execute difficult missions. The Medal of Honor presentations remind Americans that true heroism often requires sacrifice, and that our nation’s highest honors should recognize both recent valor and long-classified achievements finally brought to light.