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Alek Skarlatos: Oregon Hero To Receive Soldiers Medal For Helping Thwart Train Attack

By Lindsay McCane
Published on: 03:50 PST, Aug 26, 2015

Alek Skarlatos, 22, the man, who is being called a hero for helping thwart the France train attack, will be receiving the Soldier’s Medal for his bravery.

The U.S. Army announced Tuesday that Oregon National Guardsman Spc. Alek Skarlatos will be awarded with the medal after he, along with two other Americans, helped disarm a suspected Islamist militant, identified as Ayoub el-Khazzani, while riding a train headed from France to Amsterdam.

Skarlatos was the first to rush the alleged gun-toting terrorist, taking his gun and knocking him unconscious with it while the other man, U.S. Air Force Airman Spencer Stone, struggled with the suspect on the floor, according to a report by KATU. The Soldier’s Medal is the “United States Army’s highest award for acts of heroism not involving actual conflict with an enemy.”

“Spec. Skarlatos’ actions that day epitomize what we mean by a soldier of character — one who lives by a personal code where dedication to duty and taking care of others is sacred,” Secretary of the Army John McHugh said. “His actions, and those of his fellow serviceman and passengers, exemplify the highest standards of selfless service. We are proud to count him in our ranks.”

“On behalf of our Army, I commend Specialist Aleksander Skarlatos for his heroic actions Friday that saved hundreds of lives by awarding him the Soldier’s Medal,” Gen. Mark A. Milley, Chief of Staff of the Army, added. “His extraordinarily heroic effort, at the risk to his own life, truly exemplifies our Army Values. I am are proud to call you a hero and a soldier.”

Alek Skarlatos, Anthony Sadler, and Spencer Stone, all Americans, received the Legion of Honor award on Monday, August 24, which is France’s highest recognition, during a ceremony at the presidential Elysée Palace.

“These men are true heroes. The Oregon National Guard is very proud of Specialist Skarlatos. His quick reaction, his courage, and his bravery undoubtedly saved many lives, for which we are thankful beyond words. He is a true citizen soldier who displayed the courage each of us would hope to find in ourselves,” Brig. Gen. Michael E. Stencel, acting adjutant general, Oregon, said.

“Specialist Skarlatos is a model citizen soldier.” said Lt. Gen. Timothy Kadavy, director, Army National Guard. “His willingness to risk himself to save others represents the very best of the Army National Guard.”

Sacramento Mayor Kevin Johnson said that all three men, who grew up together in Sacramento, will receive a “heroes’ welcome and a parade in their hometown,” according to Reuters, reported via Yahoo News.

[Photo by Aurelien Meunier / Getty Images]

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