Trump Awards Medals to Military, Olympic, and Coast Guard Heroes

President honors pilots, athletes, and first responders during State of the Union address.

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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During his State of the Union address, President Trump presented several prestigious awards to military members, an Olympic athlete, and a Coast Guard officer. The honorees included two Medal of Honor recipients, a Presidential Medal of Freedom recipient, a Legion of Merit recipient, and two Purple Heart recipients.

Why it matters

The awards highlighted the president's continued focus on honoring the service and sacrifice of members of the U.S. armed forces, first responders, and elite athletes. The ceremony was seen as a way to showcase American heroism and patriotism during the State of the Union address.

The details

The president awarded the Medal of Honor, the nation's highest military decoration, to two military pilots - 100-year-old Navy Captain Royce Williams and Chief Warrant Officer Eric Slover, who led a recent operation in Venezuela. Olympic hockey goaltender Connor Hellebuyck received the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation's highest civilian honor. Coast Guard swimmer Scott Ruskan was awarded the Legion of Merit for his heroic rescue of over 150 girls during the Texas floods. The president also presented Purple Heart awards to two National Guard members, one posthumously, who were shot near the White House last year.

  • The State of the Union address took place on Tuesday evening.
  • Captain Royce Williams, age 100, received the Medal of Honor during the address.
  • Chief Warrant Officer Eric Slover received the Medal of Honor for leading a recent military operation in Venezuela.
  • Olympic hockey goaltender Connor Hellebuyck received the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
  • Coast Guard swimmer Scott Ruskan was awarded the Legion of Merit for his heroic rescue during the Texas floods last year.

The players

Royce Williams

A 100-year-old former Navy fighter pilot who was awarded the Medal of Honor for his service in World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War.

Eric Slover

A Chief Warrant Officer in the U.S. military who was awarded the Medal of Honor for leading a recent operation in Venezuela that resulted in the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro.

Connor Hellebuyck

An Olympic hockey goaltender who received the Presidential Medal of Freedom for helping the U.S. team win the gold medal at the Winter Olympics in Milan, Italy.

Scott Ruskan

A Coast Guard swimmer who was awarded the Legion of Merit Medal for his heroic rescue of over 150 girls during the deadly Texas floods last year.

Andrew Wolfe

A National Guard member who was awarded the Purple Heart after being shot near the White House last year and surviving a gunshot wound to the head.

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What they’re saying

“Tonight, at 100 years old, this brave Navy captain is finally getting the recognition he deserves. He was a legend long before this evening.”

— Donald Trump, President of the United States (wgntv.com)

“Congratulations Petty Officer Scott Ruskan on your Legion of Merit award recognizing your heroic service rescuing over 150 young girls during the Kerrville Floods!”

— Chip Roy, Texas Representative (wgntv.com)

“With God's help, Andrew has battled back from the edge of death — and we're talking about the edge of death — on his way to a miraculous recovery.”

— Donald Trump, President of the United States (wgntv.com)

“Sarah Beckstrom died in order to defend our capitol, and we are honored to be joined by her wonderful parents. Gary and Evelea, your daughter was a true American patriot and she will be greatly missed.”

— Donald Trump, President of the United States (wgntv.com)

What’s next

The president's office has not announced any further medal ceremonies or award presentations at this time.

The takeaway

The awards presented during the State of the Union address highlighted the president's continued focus on honoring the service and sacrifice of America's military, first responders, and elite athletes. The ceremony showcased the heroism and patriotism of these individuals, reinforcing the president's message of American strength and resilience.