Medal of Honor: Eric A. Slover – Operation Absolute Resolve – January 3, 2026

Name: Eric A. Slover

Rank: Chief Warrant Officer Five

Branch: United States Army

Conflict: Operation Absolute Resolve (Venezuela)

Unit: 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (Airborne)

Date of Action: January 3, 2026

Location: Caracas, Venezuela

Summary of Action

For more than four decades, the aviators of the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment—the famed Night Stalkers—have operated in the shadows of America's conflicts. Flying at night, at extremely low altitudes, and in some of the most heavily defended environments on Earth, their mission has remained unchanged: get America's warriors to the fight and bring them home.

On January 3, 2026, Chief Warrant Officer Five Eric A. Slover was serving as the lead pilot of an MH-47 Chinook helicopter tasked with leading a highly complex infiltration mission during Operation Absolute Resolve in Venezuela.

The operation required his helicopter formation to penetrate hostile integrated air defense systems while navigating through mountainous jungle terrain in marginal weather conditions. Flying low through dense valleys and avoiding enemy surface-to-air threats, Slover skillfully guided his aircraft and the remainder of the helicopter force toward their objective.

The most dangerous part of the mission, however, still lay ahead.

Upon arriving at the designated landing zone, Chief Warrant Officer Five Slover brought his MH-47 to the ground. Almost immediately, enemy forces opened fire from multiple machine-gun positions at extremely close range.

The cockpit was torn apart by armor-piercing rounds.

Fifteen enemy rounds penetrated the aircraft, four of which struck Slover in the leg, inflicting severe and potentially life-threatening wounds.

Despite suffering multiple gunshot wounds and being subjected to intense enemy fire, Chief Warrant Officer Five Slover maintained complete control of his aircraft and remained fully focused on the mission.

Rather than maneuvering away from the kill zone, he deliberately held his aircraft in position—directly in the enemy's line of fire—to ensure that every member of the assault force could safely disembark and reach the battlefield.

His decision placed himself and his crew in even greater danger, but abandoning the landing zone prematurely would have jeopardized the lives of the soldiers depending upon him.

Once the assault force had safely exited the aircraft, Slover continued fighting.

Despite his injuries, he quickly identified enemy heavy machine-gun positions that were firing not only upon his helicopter but also upon the friendly forces now operating on the ground.

Demonstrating extraordinary situational awareness under unimaginable circumstances, he maneuvered the massive MH-47 into position, enabling his door gunner to effectively engage and destroy the hostile machine-gun emplacements.

The enemy positions were neutralized, eliminating the immediate threat to both the helicopter force and the soldiers below.

Chief Warrant Officer Five Slover's actions ensured the complete success of the infiltration mission and undoubtedly saved the lives of numerous American service members.

His heroism exemplifies the Night Stalker creed that has defined special operations aviation for generations:

"Night Stalkers Don't Quit."

On that day in Venezuela, Eric Slover proved those words were far more than a motto—they were a promise.

Medal of Honor Citation

ERIC A. SLOVER

Rank and organization: Chief Warrant Officer Five, United States Army.

Unit: 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (Airborne).

Place and date: Caracas, Venezuela, January 3, 2026.

Citation:

Chief Warrant Officer Five Eric A. 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.

Chief Warrant Officer Five Slover piloted his MH-47 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, Chief Warrant Officer Five Slover's 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 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, Chief Warrant Officer Five 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.

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