U.S. airman who disarmed train gunman to receive Purple Heart

[Little Tich]

Source: Yahoo! News / Reuters

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - A U.S. airman who helped disarm a gunman on a Paris-bound train last month will receive a Purple Heart medal, the U.S. Air Force leader said on Monday, in an unusual award of the honor to a serviceman wounded while not in a combat zone.

Spencer Stone, 23, will receive the medal, which is given to troops wounded or killed in action against a U.S. enemy, U.S. Air Force Secretary Deborah James said in remarks at the Air Force Association Conference.

Stone, National Guardsman Alek Skarlatos and Anthony Sadler, a civilian, were vacationing in Europe last month when they saw a gunman on board a train from Amsterdam to Paris armed with a box cutter, a pistol, and a Kalashnikov AK-47 assault rifle.

They have said they had no choice but to intervene when the gunman cocked the rifle. Stone, whose thumb was almost severed by the attacker, has been credited with saving the life of another passenger who had been shot.

Read more: http://news.yahoo.com/u-airman-disarmed-train-gunman-receive-purple-heart-204145924.html

[tabasco]

1. I'm onboard with that

He did a great job and could have been killed.

[Kotya]

3. Same here

If terrorists are the enemy, then the definition of "combat zone" needs to evolve.

[7962]

5. Exactly. And in the military, you're never truly "off duty"

[AngryAmish]

2. At the next Santorum rally...

[tabasco]

8. Thanks for reminding us just how depraved and lowly

republicans can be!

[jmowreader]

4. They're also awarding him the Airman's Medal, which he truly deserves

It's the highest non-combat award for bravery the Air Force can issue. This is what it looks like.

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[Old Crow]

6. Good call, USAF! :) (N/T)

[bucolic_frolic]

7. Hopefully

The Republicans will give him some Freedom Fries

for his bravery because it was on French soil

[Lychee2]

9. France should give him a medal.

The government called him a hero and thanked him. They should go whole hog.