Eric Slover
Eric A.
Eric A. Slover is a United States Army chief warrant officer 5 and MH-47 Chinook pilot who served in the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment. According to reports, he received the Medal of Honor for his actions during Operation Absolute Resolve, becoming the first and only chief warrant officer 5 to receive the award.
Military career
Slover joined the U.S. Army in 2005 and rose to the rank of chief warrant officer 5. He served as a pilot in the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (Airborne), also known as the Night Stalkers, and flew MH-47 Chinook helicopters in special operations missions.
Medal of Honor
Slover was presented the Medal of Honor by President Donald Trump during the 2026 State of the Union address. The award was given for his conduct during Operation Absolute Resolve. Reports indicate he was wounded while continuing to operate under fire to complete the mission. He is described as the first and only chief warrant officer 5 to receive the Medal of Honor.
Operation Absolute Resolve
Operation Absolute Resolve is described as a U.S. special operations mission in Venezuela that led to the capture of President Nicolás Maduro. Slover reportedly flew the lead helicopter and continued flying after being wounded.
Recognition and awards
In addition to the Medal of Honor, Slover's reported awards include the Distinguished Service Cross, Distinguished Flying Cross, Purple Heart, Bronze Star, and Air Medal. Some sources also note his connection to the National Medal of Honor Museum and Norwich University.
Key facts
- Served as a pilot in the U.S. Army’s 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (Airborne), known as the Night Stalkers.
- Identified as a Chief Warrant Officer 5 and MH-47 Chinook pilot.
- Received the Medal of Honor during the 2026 State of the Union address.
- First and only CW5 in history to receive the Medal of Honor.
- Wounded during a mission associated with the capture of Venezuelan president Nicolás Maduro.
Frequently asked questions
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References
- Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eric_SloverSupports: Service branch, rank, unit, service years, Medal of Honor claim, and other listed awards.
- Military Times — https://www.militarytimes.com/news/pentagon-congress/2026/02/25/army-helicopter-pilot-wounded-during-maduro-raid-receives-medal-of-honor-during-state-of-the-union/Supports: Medal of Honor presentation, rank, mission context, and award list.
- Bloomberg — https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2026-03-01/medal-of-honor-pilot-took-4-armor-piercing-rounds-in-maduro-raidSupports: Mission context, injury details, and Medal of Honor presentation.
- NBC News — https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/white-house/pilot-helped-capture-maduro-honored-trump-camera-ready-moment-rcna260669Supports: Role in the Venezuela operation, injury details, and presentation at the State of the Union.
- Norwich University — https://www.norwich.edu/news/warrior-scholar-cw5-eric-slovers-medal-honor-embodies-norwich-spiritSupports: University affiliation and mention of Medal of Honor recognition.
- Military Officers Association of America — https://www.moaa.org/content/publications-and-media/news-articles/2026-news-articles/spotlight/moaa-life-member-awarded-medal-of-honor-during-state-of-the-union-address/Supports: Medal of Honor presentation and note that he received the award while recovering from injuries.