Rohrabacher Pledges to Honor Yank Heroes on French Train

Statement

Rep. Dana Rohrabacher on Tuesday said he will urge his legislative colleagues to bestow highest possible congressional honors on three Americans who wrestled an armed terrorist to a train car floor last weekend in France. He suggested President Obama also honor the trio.

The Congressional Gold Medal is considered the highest honor Congress can award.

"The three boyhood friends from California," said Rohrabacher, "acted on their best impulses and training. When alerted to the gunman's presence and deadly intention, they sprang -- without overthinking the situation -- to subdue the presumed jihadist. That action, saving scores of passengers, makes them true American heroes."

The high-speed train was traveling Friday from Amsterdam to Paris when a French passenger spotted the gunman brandishing an AK-47 and carrying other weapons. U.S. Airman Spencer Stone, National Guardsman Alek Skarlatos and their friend Anthony Sadler raced to the opposite end of the car and subdued him. With the help of the French passenger and a British co-traveler, they hogtied him until French police could take him into custody.

French President Francois Hollande on Monday presented the country's highest medal, the Legion of Honor, to each of the five heroic passengers in a ceremony at the presidential palace.

"When we return in September from our summer recess," said the California Republican, "Congress should find a way to show these exemplary young Americans our deep appreciation for their bravery. I hope the president is right now scheduling a special Rose Garden ceremony for them as well."

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