Heroic Actions of Eric Slover Honored at 2026 State of the Union

Recognition of Valor

During the 2026 State of the Union address, President Donald Trump awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor to Chief Warrant Officer 5 Eric Slover, a distinguished US Army helicopter pilot. Slover was honored for his remarkable bravery during a perilous mission in Venezuela. As Trump recounted Slover's courageous actions, both he and his wife, Amy, received a heartfelt standing ovation from the audience. Slover, who serves with the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (Airborne), known as the Night Stalkers, was injured multiple times during a January operation that resulted in the capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro. Despite sustaining serious injuries, Slover skillfully piloted his MH-47 Chinook helicopter, ensuring the safety of his crew and successfully completing the mission.

Understanding the Night Stalkers

Who Are The Night Stalkers?

The 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment was established following the failed Operation Eagle Claw in 1981, which aimed to rescue American hostages in Iran. This operation highlighted the necessity for a specialized aviation unit to support special operations in challenging environments. Thus, the Night Stalkers were formed to meet this critical need.

Embodying the motto “Night Stalkers Don’t Quit,” this regiment is characterized by a culture of endurance, secrecy, and operational excellence. They provide support to US Army Special Forces, Navy SEALs, Rangers, and Joint Special Operations Command units, utilizing modified aircraft such as the MH-47 Chinook, MH-60 Black Hawk, and MH-6 Little Bird. Night Stalkers pilots are trained to operate in low visibility, mountainous terrains, and heavily defended airspaces, often executing missions that involve inserting and extracting teams from hostile environments without the use of landing lights.

Rigorous Training for Excellence

The Training Pipeline

Joining the Night Stalkers is not guaranteed upon assignment. All soldiers must first complete “Green Platoon,” a demanding assessment and training program that emphasizes advanced combat skills, weapon proficiency, land navigation, emergency response, and teamwork.

Pilots begin as Basic Mission Qualified (BMQ) and must undergo extensive evaluations over several years to achieve Fully Mission Qualified (FMQ) status. Only after passing additional flight tests, leadership assessments, and operational evaluations can a pilot be designated as a flight lead, responsible for commanding complex insertion missions. This rigorous selection process is essential for missions where aviation precision is as crucial as ground assault capabilities.

Eric Slover’s Heroic Actions

Eric Slover’s Role And Recognition

During the January raid that earned him the Medal of Honor, Slover piloted the lead MH-47 Chinook tasked with inserting assault forces into a heavily fortified area. According to President Trump, Slover endured multiple gunshot wounds when enemy fire struck his aircraft during Operation Absolute Resolve.

Despite his serious injuries, he maintained control of the helicopter, completed the troop insertion, and ensured the safety of his crew. The President emphasized that the mission's success hinged on Slover's ability to continue flying under extreme pain and fire. While the Medal of Honor highlights Slover’s individual bravery, military analysts note that it also emphasizes the operational significance of the Night Stalkers as a force multiplier in special operations.

Significance of the Recognition

Why This Matters

Public acknowledgment of the 160th SOAR is uncommon, as many of their missions are classified, and their operators rarely appear in the media. By presenting the Medal of Honor during the State of the Union, the administration effectively introduced the Night Stalkers to millions of Americans who may have been unaware of the unit's existence.

The 160th has been involved in various missions over the decades, from counterterrorism efforts to high-profile hostage rescues. Their aircraft often lead the charge into hostile airspace and are the last to depart. Eric Slover’s Medal of Honor moment at the 2026 State of the Union signifies more than just a personal accolade; it represents one of the rare occasions a covert aviation regiment has been recognized on a national stage during a prime-time presidential address.