Donald Trump Awards Medal Of Honor To Two Heroes During State Of Union

President Donald Trump awarded the Medal of Honor to two service members during his State of the Union address Tuesday.

Trump announced that Army Chief Warrant Officer Eric Slover would receive America’s highest decoration for valor for his actions during the capture of Venezuelan dictator Nicolás Maduro in January. He also announced that Navy Capt. Royce Williams, 100, would receive the award for downing four enemy fighters during a dogfight during the Korean War. (RELATED: ‘Total Disgrace’: Karoline Leavitt Tears At CNN & MSNOW For Not Airing Angel Families Event)

“As he prepared to land, enemy machine guns fired from all angles, and Eric was hit very badly in the leg and hip, one bullet after another,” Trump described Slover’s action during the January 3 operation in which Maduro was arrested. “He absorbed four agonizing shots, shredding his leg into numerous pieces, and yet, despite the fact that using his legs was vital to a successful helicopter flight, the legs being the most important part of piloting a helicopter to deliver the many commandos who would capture and detain Maduro was all Eric thought about.”

“Then, even as blood was gushing, running down the aisle, the helicopter landed at a steep angle, the machine gun was standing right in front of it, there was right in front of them, two machine gunners who escaped the wrath of the previous planes,” Trump added.

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“Eric maneuvered his helicopter with all those lives and souls to face the enemy and let his gunners eliminate the threat, turned around so the gunners could mind their business, saving the lives of his fellow warriors from what could have been a catastrophic accident deep in enemy territory,” the president said. “Only after we landed the helicopter safely with all the warriors on board in the right place, which was vital to the mission, would we probably have had to abort the mission if that hadn’t happened, Eric told his co-pilot, also injured, but not as seriously, to ‘Take over, I’m about to pass out.'”

After a long ovation for Slover, who was standing with the help of a walker, Trump continued his speech.

“In recognition of Eric’s actions above and beyond the call of duty, I would now like to ask General Jonathan Braga to present Chief Warrant Officer Slover with our nation’s highest military honor, the Congressional Medal of Honor,” the President said.

Before presenting Williams with the Medal of Honor, Trump said ten other service members would receive awards at the White House on Wednesday. (RELATED: Trump Teases Next Potential Target for Military Intervention After Capture of Venezuelan Dictator)

“Royce led the takedown of four enemy planes and nearly destroyed the others, defeating his opponents while carrying 263 rounds to his own plane and being seriously injured,” Trump said. “His story was kept secret for over 50 years. He wouldn’t even tell his wife, but the legend continued to grow. But tonight, at 100 years old, this courageous Navy captain finally gets the recognition he deserves. He was a legend long before tonight.”

“Royce, please stand, and I will ask the First Lady of the United States to present Captain Royce Williams with his Congressional Medal of Honor,” Trump said, moments before First Lady Melania Trump placed the bravery award around Williams’ neck.

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