Airman wounded in train attack being treated in Germany

“Their fearlessness, courage and selflessness should inspire all of us”, Secretary of the US Air Force Deborah Lee James said, as she announced that Stone’s unit was nominating him for the Airman’s Medal.

Because Stone’s bravery is not considered a combat action, he is not eligible for other U.S. military valor awards, such as the Bronze Star with “V” device and Silver Star, Chief of Staff Gen. Mark Welsh said at Monday’s briefing.

Two American servicemen who helped foil an attack on a train in Europe traveled to Germany on Monday, where one will receive additional medical care for injuries suffered in a tussle with the gunman, the Pentagon said.

“What the gunman didn’t expect; however, was a confrontation with our very ‘Captain America, ‘ and believe it or not, that is what Airman Stone’s friends nicknamed him during Air Force technical training”.

Stone, U.S. Military Spec. Alek Skarlatos, and good friend Anthony Sadler all jumped on the gunman as he moved via the practice with an assault rifle strapped to his chest.

On Monday morning, French President Francois Hollande presented the four who helped subdue the gunman with the Legion d’Honneur, France’s highest honor.

“He seemed like he was ready to fight to the end”, said Stone.

The suspect, identified as 26-year-old Moroccan Ayoub El-Khazzani, is thought to have boarded the Amsterdam-to-Paris train on Friday at a Brussels station.

Stone, 23, said he was awakened from a deep sleep, and turned around to see a man holding an assault rifle and that it “looked like it was jammed and it wasn’t working”.

Authorities in Spain said El-Khazzani had lived in the country until past year and had a police record for drug-dealing.

“Your heroism must be an example for many and a source of inspiration”, Hollande said, according to the article.

Stone, who was injured in the attack, had his arm in a sling at today’s ceremony, and his eye was bruised.

It’s not yet clear when Stone will be transferred back to the United States.

Under questioning, El-Khazzani said he had no terrorism plans and had found a bag of weapons the night before in a Brussels park and planned to use them to rob passengers, according to Molins.