Trump Awards Helicopter Pilot and Devout Catholic Highest Medal

Every year, Congress invites the sitting president to deliver the annual State of the Union. Since the Washington presidency, 47 presidents have taken the time to share their past accomplishments while looking ahead to finishing what they have started.

It has been more than thirteen months since Donald Trump took office for his second term. He delivered on many promises to put America first, improving the economy strengthen law enforcement and the military, and even cracking down on those who are not for America.

In addition to the progress he has made so far in his second term, President Trump took the time that evening to honor the heroes of our nation by awarding the Congressional Medal of Honor to two men who went above and beyond.

He awards Retired Navy Captain E. Royce Williams the Medal of Honor. Williams, a lifelong naval aviator, first served in World War II. He would continue his career into the Korean and Vietnam Wars.

During the Korean War, he flew a combat mission that put his heroism to the test. Though he and his squadron were outnumbered, Williams took down four Soviet MIGs. Yet, when interviewed by military officials, he was advised not to share it with anyone. This mission was kept a secret until now.

Another recipient of the medal was part of a dangerous mission to capture Maduro in Venezuela. The success of the mission hinged on a Chinook helicopter that would land in a hot area for Delta Force to land and raid. Piloting the Chinook was Chief Warrant Officer Eric Slover.

Slover, a devout Catholic, was piloting the lead helicopter that carried a squad of operatives. His wife, Amy, blessed his dog tags with holy water before he was deployed. 

Slover sustained four bullet wounds to the leg and hip. Despite the injuries, he still helped complete the success of the mission. Slover’s actions went above and beyond the call of duty that helped the special operatives to succeed in Maduro’s capture. It was divine intervention that helped Slover not only complete the mission but to live to tell the story.

What makes America so great and filled with grit is when ordinary men and women answer the call and go above and beyond. We owe them a debt of gratitude.

To Chief Warrant Officer Eric Slover and Captain E Royce Williams, a grateful nation says thank you and salutes your service to our country.