Eric Slover Leg Injury During Maduro Raid Leads to Medal of Honor Award
Feb. 24, 2026 — Washington, D.C. Chief Warrant Officer 5 (CW5) Eric Slover, a U.S. Army Chinook helicopter pilot from Delaware who suffered the Eric Slover leg injury during a military raid to capture Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro in early 2026, received the Congressional Medal of Honor from President Donald Trump during the State of the Union address.
Slover, the lead pilot of a CH-47 Chinook helicopter approaching a heavily fortified compound, was struck by multiple bullets—reports indicate three to four—from enemy machine gun fire, shredding his leg and hip but enabling him to complete the mission and save his crew, according to accounts in the New York Post and Chicago Tribune.
The Eric Slover leg injury occurred as Slover piloted the lead Chinook into what was described as a “military fortress,” absorbing shots while ensuring the assault team’s insertion, per ClickOnDetroit and Times Now News.
Trump’s Account of the Eric Slover Leg Injury
During the address, Trump detailed the Eric Slover leg injury:
“While preparing to land, enemy machine guns fired from every angle, and Eric was hit very badly in the leg and hip, one bullet after another.”
Slover, still recovering from the Eric Slover leg injury and using a walker, was present for the ceremony, as reported by multiple outlets including the New York Post and Fine Day Radio.
Mission Context and Additional Casualties
The raid resulted in seven U.S. service members injured overall, with Slover’s actions highlighted as pivotal in supporting Delta Force operators during Maduro’s capture, according to We Are The Mighty and The Hill.
The Eric Slover leg injury underscored his valor, allowing the mission’s success despite intense fire.
