When three childhood friends from California boarded their train from Amsterdam to Paris on August 21, 2015 they never could have imagined what would take place in the next few hours. U.S. Airman Spencer Stone, Oregon National Guardsman Alek Skarlatos and Anthony Sadler were on a European adventure for three weeks.

The trio was awoken from a nap when a gunman charged into the car opening fire on the passengers. They leapt to action, they charged, tackled and subdued him. In the scuffle, Spencer was slashed several times.

Spencer, Alek and Anthony have received praise around the world for their actions. They were presented the Legion of Honor, France’s highest honor, by President Francois Hollande. Spencer will receive a Purple Heart for helping to foil the terror attack.

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