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Airman on Paris-bound train could get Air Force medal

U.S. National Guardsman from Roseburg, Oregon, Alek Skarlatos , left, waves to the media as he leaves the Elysee Place in Paris, France, with U.S. Airman Spencer Stone, after being awarded with the French Legion of Honor by French President, Francois Hollande, Monday, Aug. 24, 2015. French President Francois Hollande and a bevy of officials are presenting the Americans with the prestigious Legion of Honor on Monday. The three American travelers say they relied on gut instinct and a close bond forged over years of friendship as they took down a heavily armed man on a passenger train speeding through Belgium. (AP Photo/Michel Euler) U.S. National Guardsman from Roseburg, Oregon, Alek Skarlatos , left, waves to the media as he leaves the Elysee Place in Paris, France, with U.S. Airman Spencer Stone, after being awarded with the French Legion of Honor by French President, Francois Hollande, Monday, Aug. 24, 2015. French President Francois Hollande and a bevy of officials are presenting the Americans with the prestigious Legion of Honor on Monday. The three American travelers say they relied on gut instinct and a close bond forged over years of friendship as they took down a heavily armed man on a passenger train speeding through Belgium. (AP Photo/Michel Euler)

By Associated Press August 24, 2015 1 min read

WASHINGTON (AP) – Air Force Secretary Deborah Lee James says Airman 1st Class Spencer Stone’s military unit will nominate him for the prestigious Airman’s Medal in honor of his actions to subdue a heavily armed gunman on the Amsterdam-to-Paris train last Friday.

Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Mark A. Welsh told reporters that if French authorities conclude the attack was a terrorist event, officials may consider awarding Stone the Purple Heart. The Airman’s Medal is the service’s highest non-combat award.

James noted that Stone’s nickname is “Captain America.”

Stone, U.S. Army Spec. Alek Skarlatos, and friend Anthony Sadler all jumped on the gunman as he moved through the train with an assault rifle strapped to his chest. They received France’s highest award, the Legion d’Honneur, on Monday.