Obama praises Americans who disarmed train gunman in France

Obama said he just wanted “a chance to shake their hands in person and to tell them what I think they’ve heard from a lot of people – which is they represent the very best of America, American character”.

“It’s these kinds of young people that make me extraordinarily optimistic and hopeful about our future. Each one important.” Carter said.

Alek Skarlatos, Spencer Stone and Anthony Sadler were honoured by the President during a visit to the White House on Thursday.

While that was happening, Skarlatos said, “Let’s go”, and the three sprinted toward the gunman, who had his weapon pointed at them. Sadler was to receive the Department of Defense Medal for Valor.

Obama had reached out to the men shortly after the attack.

World leaders and citizens have also sent their praise.

Air Force Secretary Deborah Lee James pinned a Purple Heart on the chest of Stone, who last month with his two friends received the Legion of Honor, France’s highest award, from President Francois Hollande.

Well, these three gentlemen really don’t need any introduction. “I’m glad to see their courageous actions recognized today in Washington, D.C”.

Skarlatos, a member of the Oregon National Guard, and Stone, who serves in the Air Force, wore their formal military dress for the presidential encounter.

Afterwards, the soft-spoken men reflected on their experience meeting the president, with Stone describing it as “insane”. Stone was wounded when the man slashed at him with a box cutter.

As reported in CNN, Skarlatos, who is now on this season’s “Dancing With The Stars”, was the first to respond to the sound of gunfire and breaking glass and sensed something was not right.

Three Americans who successfully tackled a gunman on a train bound for Paris last month were honored during a Pentagon ceremony Thursday.