Sky-High Valor: Slover Earns Medal of Honor for Venezuela Infiltration Mission
Eric A. Slover, a U.S. Army Chief Warrant Officer Five with the 160th SOAR, earned the Medal of Honor for piloting the MH-47 as lead aircraft in a January 3, 2026 mission in Venezuela to support the capture of Nicolás Maduro. Despite taking 15 armor-piercing rounds (four striking his leg), he maintained control of the aircraft, helped infiltrate the ground forces, and maneuvered to allow his door gunner to neutralize threats, saving American lives and ensuring the mission’s success; his actions were acknowledged during the State of the Union address and celebrated as extraordinary bravery.