Obama to meet Americans who thwarted French train attack

by Jordan Fabian - 09/16/15 7:38 PM ET

President Obama on Thursday will meet with the three Americans who foiled an attack on a Paris-bound train last month.

During the Oval Office meeting, Obama will “express his gratitude for the selfless actions and extraordinary bravery” of Airman 1st Class Spencer Stone, Army Specialist Alek Skarlatos and student Anthony Sadler, the White House said.

{mosads}The incident drew international headlines last month after the three subdued an armed gunman who opened fire on the train.

The three childhood friends were aboard a high-speed train from Amsterdam to Paris when they heard a gunshot and the sound of breaking glass.

Led by Stone, 23, the trio leapt from their seats and tackled the suspected gunman, 25-year-old Moroccan citizen Ayoub el-Khazzani. They were aided by British businessman Chris Norman.

French authorities have called the incident a “terrorism-related event.”

Stone, who suffered non-life threatening wounds, will be awarded the Purple Heart and the Airman’s Medal on Thursday, the Air Force announced this week. Skarlatos, 22, will receive the Solider’s Medal and Sadler, 23, will receive a civilian award from the Defense Department for helping thwart the attack.

Obama phoned all three in late August to thank them for their actions.

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