Chief Warrant Officer Five Eric Slover, a MH-47G Chinook pilot with the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (Airborne), who was wounded in the raid that captured the then Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro has received the Congressional Medal of Honor.

The citation states that “CWO 5 Slover distinguished himself by conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity, above and beyond the call of duty, on January 3, 2026, during a mission in Venezuela, in support of Operation Absolute Resolve.”

Slover was tasked with inserting a Delta Force assault team into the heavily fortified compound and he piloted his MH-47G as the lead aircraft of the operation, tasked with executing a highly complex infiltration through hostile Integrated Air Defense Systems to safely deliver military forces. During ingress, Chief Warrant Officer Five Slover skillfully led the helicopter force through a dense jungle valley in a mountainous region, navigating marginal weather conditions, numerous topographical hazards and near insurmountable surface to air threats.

Upon touching down at the designated landing zone his aircraft was immediately engaged by multiple machine gun positions at close range. The hostile fire resulted in 15 armor piercing rounds entering his cockpit, with four rounds striking his leg. Despite the intense and effective enemy fire and at great personal risk, Chief Warrant Officer Five Slover maintained his situational awareness and the aircraft’s position in the line of fire to ensure the safe infiltration of the military forces.

After the force disembarked and despite suffering significant life-threatening injuries, CWO 5 Slover identified hostile heavy machine gun positions that were engaging his aircraft and targeting the ground forces. He maneuvered his aircraft to enable his door gunner to deliver effective fire, successfully neutralizing the threats.

Chief Warrant Officer Five Slover’s heroic actions undoubtedly saved countless American lives and ensured the complete and overwhelming success of the mission. His gallantry under fire and extraordinary valor are in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.

In addition to the Medal of Honor his awards also include: the Distinguished Flying Cross with V Device, the Purple Heart, the Bronze Star with one oak leaf cluster, the Meritorious Service Medal with one oak leaf cluster, the Air Medal with C Device, the Air Medal with numeral 3, the Army Commendation Medal with one oak leaf cluster, the Army Achievement Medal with three oak leaf clusters, the Combat Action Badge, the Senior Army Aviator Badge, the Master Aviator Badge, the Parachutist Badge, the Air Assault Badge and the Army Service Ribbon.

Lt. Gen. Jonathan Braga, commander of Joint Special Operations Command, presented the Medal of Honor.