Here’s an inside look at the unforgettable moment from President Trump’s State of the Union speech when two remarkable Americans — Chief Warrant Officer Eric Slover and Captain Royce Williams — were awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor, the nation’s highest military honor. Their stories of courage grabbed headlines and became one of the most talked-about parts of the address.
The Historic Tribute: A First in State of the Union History
At the conclusion of the 2026 State of the Union address, President Trump broke with tradition by presenting not one, but two Medals of Honor right on the Capitol floor. This dual honor — rare in itself — spotlighted stories of bravery from different eras of American history.
The Medal of Honor state of the union segment instantly trended across social media and news networks, with viewers searching for terms like “eric slover medal of honor,” “royce williams medal of honor,” and “congressional medal of honor recipients.”
Hero #1: Chief Warrant Officer Eric Slover — Vietnam-Era Courage Reborn
Chief Warrant Officer 5 Eric Slover earned his Medal of Honor for extraordinary bravery during a daring January military operation aimed at capturing Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro.
Key Highlights:
- Slover was the flight lead in a CH-47 Chinook helicopter mission deep into hostile territory.
- Despite being struck multiple times by machine-gun fire to his leg and hip, he maintained control of the aircraft — ensuring his crew’s safety and a successful mission.
- Injured and still recovering, Slover stood with pride as he received the nation’s highest military honor during the trump state of union address.
His heroism instantly became a defining story of the evening, with online searches spiking for “chief warrant officer eric slover,” “eric congressional medal of honor,” and “eric medal of honor.”
Hero #2: Captain Royce Williams — A Legend Rewrites History
Also honored was retired Navy Captain Elmer Royce Williams, whose daring Korean War combat exploits had been classified for decades.
Williams’ Extraordinary Feat:
- In November 1952, flying a jet over Korea, Capt. Williams faced seven Soviet MiG-15 aircraft in a brutal dogfight.
- Against daunting odds, he downed four enemy jets — a feat later described as one of aviation’s greatest acts of bravery.
- His heroism was not publicly recognized until 2026, when President Trump awarded him the Congressional Medal of Honor in front of a national audience during the trump speech.
At 100 years old, Williams became one of the oldest living recipients of the award, prompting terms like “royce williams,” “capt royce williams,” “royce williams medal of honor,” and “congressional medal of honor eric” across search engines.
A Powerful Symbol of American Valor
Both Slover and Williams represent the courage and sacrifice woven throughout U.S. military history — from the jungles of modern combat to the skies over Korea more than 70 years ago. Their recognition during President Trump’s State of the Union not only honored individual bravery but also reminded the nation of the sacrifices behind every ribbon and medal.
From airborne rescue missions to dogfights that could have changed the course of history, these two heroes stood shoulder-to-shoulder on a night when America paused to honor its bravest.
Why This Matters
The dual Medal of Honor tribute turned a key moment in the State of the Union address into a broader conversation about service, sacrifice, and recognition — and it’s sparking renewed interest in military history and valor across the country. Searches and discussions continue around:
- Eric Slover’s heroic actions aboard the Chinook helicopter
- The legacy of Captain Royce Williams in American military history
- How the Congressional Medal of Honor is awarded and what it represents
Their stories will likely be remembered far beyond the applause in the Capitol Chamber — a powerful reminder that bravery transcends time.
