Spencer Stone, 23, a U.S. Air Force Airman First Class, Aleksander "Alex" Skarlatos, 22, an Army National Guard Specialist, and student Anthony Sadler, 23, visited President Barack Obama at the White House on Thursday.
The three childhood friends from Sacremento had taken down a suspected terrorist on a Paris bound train, and subsequently became the unlikely 'train heroes'.
The trio was on board a train from Amsterdam to Paris on Aug. 21 when a gunman emerged from a bathroom wielding a Kalashnikov, commonly known as the AK-47, assault rifle. The gunman was later identified as Ayoub El-Khazzani, 26.
"Spencer got to the guy first and grabbed the guy by the neck. I grabbed the handgun, got that away from the guy and threw it. Then I grabbed the AK-47, which was at his feet, and started muzzle-bumping him in the head with it. Everybody just started beating the guy while Spencer held the chokehold until he went unconscious," said Skarlatos according to The Daily Mail.
"I think all of you are familiar with the incredible story of three high school friends who were getting together - two of whom had served in uniform on behalf of the United States Armed Forces - thinking that they were just going to have a fun reunion in Paris, and ended up engaging a potential catastrophic situation and pinning down someone who clearly was intent on doing a lot of harm to a lot of people, inflicting terror on the French people. Because of their courage, because of their quick thinking, because of their teamwork...a real calamity was averted. They represent the very best of America, American heritage, and it's these kinds of young people who make me extraordinarily optimistic about the future. I thank each and every one of them and wish them well," said Obama while addressing reporters at the White House, according to People.com.
The trio have also been honored in France when French President François Hollande, conferred upon them the Legion of Honor, reports USA Today.
