(VIDEO) Two American Heroes Awarded Medal of Honor During Trump’s 2026 State of the Union Address

In a dramatic break from tradition during his 2026 State of the Union address on February 24, President Donald Trump presented the nation’s highest military decoration, the Medal of Honor, to two American service members—one for recent heroism in a covert operation in Venezuela and the other to a 100-year-old Korean War veteran whose valor remained classified for decades.

The awards to Army Chief Warrant Officer 5 Eric Slover and retired Navy Capt. E. Royce Williams marked the first time a president has bestowed the Medal of Honor during a State of the Union speech, drawing bipartisan applause in the House chamber and highlighting themes of military valor amid a lengthy address focused on domestic achievements and foreign policy.

Slover, an active-duty helicopter pilot, received the medal for extraordinary actions during a January 2026 special operations mission that resulted in the capture of former Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. Wounded in the operation, Slover continued to fly his aircraft under heavy fire, ensuring the safe extraction of his team and the successful abduction of the Venezuelan leader. Lt. Gen. Jonathan Braga, commander of U.S. Special Operations Command, placed the medal around Slover’s neck—a departure from the usual presidential presentation—after Trump described the pilot’s courage as “above and beyond the call of duty.”

Williams, now 100 years old and a San Diego resident, was honored for his heroism on November 18, 1952, during the Korean War. Flying an F9F Panther from the USS Oriskany, Williams single-handedly engaged seven Soviet MiG-15s in a dogfight over the Sea of Japan. Despite being outnumbered and sustaining damage to his aircraft, he shot down four enemy planes before safely returning to his carrier. The mission remained classified for nearly 50 years due to Cold War sensitivities involving Soviet involvement. First Lady Melania Trump presented the medal to Williams, who stood to receive a prolonged standing ovation from both sides of the aisle.

Trump praised both men as exemplars of American bravery. “These are true American heroes,” he said, noting Williams’ long wait for recognition. “Tonight, at 100 years old, this brave Navy captain is finally getting the recognition he deserves. He was a legend long before this evening.” The president added a lighthearted remark about the award: “I’ve always wanted the Congressional Medal of Honor, but I was informed I’m not allowed to give it to myself. That’s a big thing.”

The ceremony came amid a broader sequence of honors during the nearly two-hour speech—the longest State of the Union in recent history. Trump also presented Purple Hearts to National Guardsman Andrew Wolfe, who survived a gunshot wound in a 2025 Washington, D.C., attack, and posthumously to Spc. Sarah Beckstrom, who died in the same incident. He awarded the Legion of Merit to a Coast Guard rescue swimmer for flood operations and announced that U.S. men’s hockey goaltender Connor Hellebuyck would receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom for his performance in the recent Olympic gold medal win.

The Medal of Honor recognitions provided rare moments of unity in an otherwise partisan address. Democrats and Republicans alike rose in applause, particularly for the centenarian Williams, whose story bridged generations of service. Williams, who also served in World War II and Vietnam, acknowledged the crowd with a salute, drawing extended cheers.

The awards underscore the administration’s emphasis on military strength and recognition of service members. Slover’s citation highlights ongoing U.S. involvement in Venezuela following Maduro’s ouster, while Williams’ long-delayed honor reflects efforts to declassify and acknowledge Cold War-era actions.

The Medal of Honor, awarded in the name of Congress, is given for conspicuous gallantry at the risk of life above and beyond the call of duty. Fewer than 4,000 have been bestowed since its creation during the Civil War.

As reactions poured in February 25, veterans’ groups and military leaders praised the spotlight on heroism. The Navy highlighted Williams as embodying “the fighting spirit and enduring legacy of the United States Navy.” Slover’s unit and Special Operations community expressed pride in the recognition of recent valor.

The dual presentations added emotional weight to Trump’s address, which also covered economic gains, immigration enforcement, and international developments. While critics noted the speech’s length and award-show style, the Medal of Honor moments stood out as bipartisan tributes to sacrifice and courage.

The recognition of Slover and Williams serves as a reminder of the enduring cost of service and the nation’s commitment to honoring those who go beyond the call of duty—whether in the skies over Korea seven decades ago or in a high-stakes mission last month.