Lajes Field Airman, fellow travelers stop attack on French train

  • Published
  • Release Number: 022215
RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany --  A 65th Air Base Group Airman, along with two other friends traveling on personal leave, took immediate action to stop an attack and subdue an armed gunman on board a train in Northern France, Aug. 21, 2015.

Airman First Class Spencer Stone, 65th Air Base Group, Lajes Air Base, Azores, saw an emergency situation arise and took immediate action to subdue an armed gunman before he could engage his automatic weapon on the train.

"According to reports, after subduing the gunman Stone provided medical aid to a fellow traveler," said Col. Richard C. Sheffe, 65th Air Base Group commander. "These are the actions of a dedicated Airman who answered the call and did what was needed to be done and made a difference. We wish Airman Stone and all others a fast recovery and thank them for their actions."

Brig. Gen. Jon T. Thomas, 86th Airlift Wing commander, Ramstein Air Base, Germany, echoed Sheffe's comments.

"We are truly grateful for the quick reaction and response of Airman Stone and others who stopped this attack," said Thomas. "Incidents like these are why we commit to keeping Airmen across all units highly trained, alert and ready to answer their nation's call, anytime and anywhere. The 86th Airlift Wing is proud of our courageous 65th Air Base Group Airman and wish the injured a full and speedy recovery."

Gen. Frank Gorenc, U.S. Air Forces in Europe and Air Forces Africa ommander, also commented on the incident.

"I continue to learn more about the heroic actions of three brave young men on a train headed from Amsterdam to Paris. As an Airman, I also feel a sense of deep pride in the selfless response shown by all three; Airman 1st Class Spencer Stone and his friends, Oregon Guardsman Specialist Alek Skarlatos and Mr. Anthony Sadler. All three courageously stepped into a dangerous situation, and their gallant actions saved the lives of countless innocent civilians from the hands of an armed assailant. I am deeply thankful these men took action and averted tragedy, and I wish a speedy recovery to all those who were impacted by this event."

Stone is currently being treated in a French medical facility with non-life threatening injuries.

More information will be released as it becomes available.