In a powerful and emotional segment of last night’s State of the Union address, President Donald Trump paused his speech to honor two extraordinary American veterans with the Medal of Honor, the highest award for bravery in military service.
The first recipient, Chief Warrant Officer 5 Eric Slover, was recognized for his courage during a high-risk U.S. military operation earlier this year. Despite being seriously wounded when his helicopter came under heavy fire, Slover continued to lead and complete his mission — actions that earned him this prestigious recognition in front of a standing ovation from lawmakers and guests.
WASHINGTON, DC – FEBRUARY 24: Chief Warrant Officer Eric Slover receives the Congressional Medal of Honor during U.S. President Donald Trump’s State of the Union address during a Joint Session of Congress at the U.S. Capitol on February 24, 2026, in Washington, DC.(Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)
The second honoree was retired Navy Captain Royce Williams, a 100-year-old veteran whose heroism dates back to the Korean War. Williams’s extraordinary aerial combat during a long-classified dogfight over the Sea of Japan in 1952 — in which he engaged multiple enemy aircraft under intense conditions — was finally acknowledged with the Medal of Honor decades later. His presence in the House chamber, where First Lady Melania Trump presented the medal, brought a deeply moving moment to the historic evening.
WASHINGTON, DC – FEBRUARY 24: Retired Navy Captain E. Royce Williams acknowledges applause after receiving the Medal of Honor from first lady Melania Trump during U.S. President Trump’s State of the Union address during a Joint Session of Congress at the U.S. Capitol on February 24, 2026, in Washington, DC.(Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)
These presentations were among several honors highlighted during the night that celebrated service and sacrifice. The ceremonies emphasized personal stories of bravery spanning generations of military service, reminding the nation of the remarkable individuals who have put their lives on the line in defense of others.
Whether shared in hushed reverence or met with applause from across the political aisle, these moments stood out as meaningful tributes to two veterans whose courage exemplifies the highest ideals of service.
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