In August 2015, then-Airman First Class Spencer John Stone turned a routine train ride from Amsterdam to Paris into a heroic moment in modern history. Along with friends Alek Skarlatos and Anthony Sadler, Stone subdued a heavily armed attacker, saving countless lives and earning international acclaim. Here’s a deep dive into that unforgettable act of bravery—and the life of the man at its center.
🎖️ Who Is Spencer Stone?
- Born: August 13, 1992, in Sacramento, California (en.wikipedia.org)
- Background: Grew up in Carmichael with a strong Christian upbringing; childhood friend of Skarlatos and Sadler
- Military Service: Joined the U.S. Air Force in 2012; trained as a medical technician and stationed at Travis Air Force Base
🚆 The Thalys Train Attack
On August 21, 2015, Stone and his friends were resting on a high-speed Thalys train when a Moroccan man armed with an AK-47 and box cutter launched an attack. When the gun jammed, Stone sprang into action, tackling the assailant despite being slashed in the neck, eyebrow, and nearly losing his thumb. He also tended to a wounded passenger, effectively saving lives.
🏅 Recognition and Honors
After the incident:
- Received France’s Légion d’honneur from President François Hollande
- Awarded the U.S. Airman’s Medal and Purple Heart at the Pentagon
- Welcomed and praised personally by President Barack Obama
💼 Career & Life After the Incident
- Promotions: Rose to Senior Airman and then Staff Sergeant by November 2015
- Leaving the Air Force: Announced departure in 2016 planning to study international relations
- French Citizenship: Became a dual U.S.–French citizen in 2018
🎬 From Hero to Hollywood
Stone, Skarlatos, and Sadler portrayed themselves in Clint Eastwood’s The 15:17 to Paris (2018), highlighting their shared story. Though the film had mixed reviews, it underscored the authenticity of their experience.
🤕 Aftermath and Continued Courage
- Post-attack, Stone survived a separate stabbing in Sacramento in late 2015 while trying to intervene in an altercation—and made a full recovery
- He’s remained dedicated to public service, aiming to become a paramedic-firefighter and continuing advocacy for veterans and survivors
🧭 Final Thoughts
Spencer Stone’s courageous decision to act instinctively, even at great personal risk, transformed him from a serviceman into a global icon of bravery. Though life has brought its share of challenges since, including health scars and public scrutiny, Stone has approached each with humility.
As an Air Force veteran, dual citizen, author, and public speaker, he continues to live by his service-oriented values. Spencer Stone’s journey—from the Thalys train to the halls of international recognition—is a powerful testament to how a split-second decision can change history—and countless lives.