This past week, with the never-ending refugees’ tragedy in Europe and the embarrassing and equally never-ending Trump-led political circus in our country, it is time for an uplifting story.
By now we all know the details of the heroism of three young Americans aboard a speeding train in Europe about three weeks ago.
Almost immediately after the incident, President Francois Hollande presented the Legion of Honor medal to the three Americans and to British businessman Chris Norman. (A French citizen and a Franco-American who were also involved in preventing the attack also received France’s high honor.)
On Thursday the President and the Pentagon bestowed additional honors to the three heroes.
When the trio visited the White House (above), President Obama said:
Well, these three gentlemen really don’t need any introduction. I think all of you are familiar with the incredible story of three high school friends who were getting together, two of whom had served in uniform on behalf of the United States Armed Forces — thinking that they were just going to have a fun reunion up in Paris and ended up engaging a potential catastrophic situation, and pinning down someone who clearly was intent on doing a lot of harm to a lot of people and inflicting terror on the French people.
.
Because of their courage, because of their quick thinking, because of their teamwork, it’s fair to say that a lot of people were saved and a real calamity was averted.
The president also said, “And it’s these kinds of young people who make me extraordinarily optimistic and hopeful about our future,” and concluded “Whatever they do, they’re going to do it well,” and “…we just want to say thank you to them for not only saving so many lives, but also for making America look so good.”
The President concluded, “Thank you. Come on, we’ll get one good picture with everybody.”
I am sure the three heroes will cherish the words of and the photographs with the President of the United States for the rest of their lives, just as they will treasure the awards and decorations they received at a Pentagon ceremony the same day.
At that ceremony, Defense Secretary Ash Carter presented the Soldier’s Medal, Airman’s Medal and Secretary of Defense Medal for Valor, to Skarlatos, Stone and Sadler respectively — the highest commendations for non-combat bravery that the Defense Department can bestow.
Additionally, according to the Defense Department, Stone was awarded a Purple Heart Medal because he suffered multiple lacerations to the face, neck and thumb during the struggle. Carter noted that DoD has determined that since the event was deemed an act of terrorism, the Purple Heart could be awarded.
Note: The three other non-American men who acted heroically during the attack have been mentioned and recognized here.
Here are the photos:
Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Paul Selva takes a few moments to thank Airman 1st Class Spencer Stone, Specialist Alek Skarlatos and civilian Anthony Sadler as Secretary of Defense Ash Carter looks on prior to an awards ceremony Sept. 17, 2015, in the Pentagon’s courtyard honoring them for their heroic actions in stopping a gunman on a Paris-bound train outside of Brussels last month. DoD Photo by Glenn Fawcett
Defense Secretary Ash Carter, left, pins the Airman’s Medal on the lapel of Air Force Airman 1st Class Spencer Stone, center and Air Force Gen. Paul Selva, vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, stands at attention during a ceremony at the Pentagon Sept. 17, 2015, honoring him for his role in stopping a gunman on a Paris-bound train outside of Brussels. DoD Photo by Glenn Fawcett
Secretary of Defense Ash Carter pins the Soldier’s medal on Specialist Alek Skarlatos during a ceremony at the Pentagon Sept. 17, 2015, for his role in stopping a gunman on a Paris-bound train outside of Brussels last month. DoD Photo by Glenn Fawcett
Secretary of Defense Ash Carter gestures toward Anthony Sadler during a Pentagon ceremony honoring him for his role in stopping a gunman on a Paris-bound train outside of Brussels, Sept. 17, 2015. DoD Photo by Glenn Fawcett
Lead photo: President Barack Obama welcomes, from left, Anthony Sadler, U.S. Army Specialist Alek Skarlatos and U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Spencer Stone to the Oval Office while handing them each a Presidential Challenge Coin, Sept. 17, 2015. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)
The author is a retired U.S. Air Force officer and a writer.