The Warrior Scholar: CW5 Eric Slover’s Medal of Honor Embodies the Norwich Spirit

At the State of the Union address on Feb. 24, Chief Warrant Officer 5 Eric Slover, a graduate of Norwich University’s College of Graduate and Continuing Studies (CGCS), stood in the U.S. Capitol as the nation’s highest military honor — the Medal of Honor — was placed around his neck.

CW5 Slover joins a prestigious alumni community that has been honored with the Medal of Honor. President Donald Trump cited his remarkable heroism during a high-risk military operation in Venezuela which resulted in the capture of Nicolás Maduro, where he sustained serious wounds but continued to lead and fly his CH-47 Chinook under fire to ensure mission success.

“We are immensely proud of Chief Warrant Officer 5 Eric Slover and the extraordinary honor he received in being awarded the Medal of Honor. To have this recognition bestowed during the State of the Union underscores not only the magnitude of his courage and service, but the values he represents. As the 10th Norwich alumni to receive our nation’s highest military decoration, CW5 Slover stands in a long and distinguished line of citizen-soldiers reflecting the enduring Norwich ethos that prepares leaders to serve with honor in the most demanding moments. His actions embody the very best of Norwich — selfless service, moral courage, and leadership under the most challenging circumstances — and his example will inspire generations to come.” — LtGen John J. Broadmeadow, USMC (Ret.), 25th President of Norwich University

For Norwich alumni and students of CGCS, CW5 Slover’s journey resonates far beyond his extraordinary valor. It illustrates the powerful synergy between a belief in service, professional experience, and lifelong learning — a thread that quietly binds Norwich’s diverse community together.

The Medal of Honor itself holds a deep and historic connection to Norwich University, rooted in the institution’s longstanding influence on American military leadership and service. One of the many consequential figures in that legacy is Gideon Welles, Norwich Class of 1826, who served as U.S. Secretary of the Navy under President Abraham Lincoln during the Civil War. Secretary Welles played a critical role in the creation of the Medal of Honor itself, helping establish the nation’s highest military decoration at a moment when courage and sacrifice were reshaping the country. That foundational connection endures today, linking Norwich alumni across generations through a shared tradition of service shaped by the Norwich ethos.

CW 5 Slover, already a seasoned Army warrant officer, pursued advanced degrees through Norwich’s CGCS and earned both a Bachelor of Science in Strategic Studies and Defense Analysis  — only available for those serving in special forces — and Master of Arts in Strategic Studies. These programs are tailored for professionals and service members who seek rigorous academic grounding through the Norwich lens. Through CGCS, students from a wide range of communities engage with complex topics such as national security, strategy, leadership, and ethical decision-making.

The value of such programs is not just in academic credentials, but in the practical tools they provide. Whether flying a Chinook or planning the next steps in government, private industry, or public service, CGCS graduates possess a foundation and perspectives that enrich their service and work. Programs like these train students to evaluate global policy, refine strategic judgement, and communicate with clarity — all competencies that echo in CW5 Slover’s decisive actions during the operation.

Rooted in Norwich’s heritage — the nation’s oldest private military college — CGCS is guided by Captain Alden Partridge’s vision and mission that has been the heartbeat of the institution for more than two centuries. The University’s guiding principles emphasize integrity, leadership, service to others, and perseverance. These are not just words on paper; they are lived through the achievements of alumni like CW5 Slover.

CGCS’s mission underscores this commitment: through relevant academic programs, engaged faculty, and personalized educational experiences, individuals seeking continued education are prepared and empowered to achieve. The curriculum — whether in strategic studies, leadership, management, or defense policy — is built to support the modern learner, particularly those balancing demanding careers with education.

For military personnel in particular, Norwich’s flexible delivery means that earning a master’s degree doesn’t have to be deferred until after deployment or transitioning to civilian life. Courses are designed to fit around active duties and leverage previous experience, allowing service members to immediately apply advanced concepts to real-world challenges, as exemplified by CW5 Slover.

CW5 Slover’s recognition on the national stage marks a profound moment of pride for Norwich University and the alumni community, but beyond the ceremony stands an example of a citizen-soldier whose personal foundation and courage allowed him to not only serve under pressure but succeed in his mission. His actions speak to his extraordinary bravery in the face of physical danger, and his pursuit of advanced education while serving on active duty reflects his personal discipline and mental resolve. CW5 Slover’s story ultimately endures, not only as a historic honor, but as a testament to a life shaped by service, leadership, and an unwavering commitment to excellence.

Title Photo Credit: AP Photo/Alex Brandon