MSgt Donald G. 908885 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Unarmed US service members take down Kalashnikov-wielding gunman onboard a high-speed train between Amsterdam and Paris.<br /><br />--<br />A group of unarmed US service members on board a high-speed train between Amsterdam and Paris foiled a terrorist attack after a gunman opened fire with an assault rifle, wounding three people. <br /><br />The 26-year-old Moroccan national, who was known to security services, came out of the toilet brandishing the gun and opened fire. Fortunately, two US service members were nearby and overpowered him before he could massacre passengers.<br /><br />The suspected terrorist had at least nine full magazines of ammunition holding almost 200 rounds. He was also carrying a knife.<br /><br />Unfortunately, one of the service members was shot and is believed to be in a critical condition. <br /><br />Speaking in Arras, French Interior Minister Bernard Cazeneuve praised the service members for their timely intervention. <br /><br />He said: &#39;Thanks to them we have averted a drama.<br /><br />&#39;(The Americans were) particularly courageous and showed extreme bravery in extremely difficult circumstances.&#39;<br /><br />The man was arrested by police near the town of Arras in northern France. <br /><br />Train company Thalys confirmed the incident happened. A spokesman said: &#39;The situation is under control, the travellers are safe. The train stopped and the emergency services are on site.&#39;<br /><br />No one at the SNCF French railways was immediately available to comment on the report.<br />A report on Twitter said that three US service members detained the gunman until emergency services arrived. <br /><br />The incident happened at approximately 6pm local time. <br /><br />French newspaper Le Monde is reporting that one Briton may be among the injured. <br /><br />The motives behind the attack were not immediately known, although a spokesman for the interior minister said: &#39;It is too early to speak of a terrorist link&#39;.<br /><br />The incident happened approximately 115 miles north of Paris near the town of Arras <br /><br />Investigators from France&#39;s special anti-terror police are leading the investigation, a spokeswoman for the Paris prosecutor&#39;s office said.<br /><br />Two of the victims are in a critical condition. The suspect is a 26-year-old Moroccan, said Sliman Hamzi, an official with police union Alliance. <br /><br />A spokesman for the French state rail company SNCF said that the assailant was armed with guns and knives but gave no further details about the attack. <br /><br />An American and a Briton were reportedly among those injured.<br /><br />The gunman was arrested after the train pulled into the station in the northern French town of Arras, the SNCF spokesman told AFP. <br /><br />French Interior Minister Bernard Cazeneuve arrived at the scene in Arras in the wake of the incident, which occurred shortly after 6pm local time.<br /><br />His spokesman Pierre-Henry Brandet confirmed to AFP that a man had opened fire on the train but said that at this stage &quot;we do not know his motives&quot;. <br /><br />The French actor Jean-Hugues Anglade, who appeared in the 1986 cult film &#39;Betty Blue&#39; staring Beatrice Dalle, was lightly injured. It is understood he cut his hand while breaking the glass on the emergency alarm. <br /><br />Anglade also played the hard-nosed cop Eddy Caplan in the gritty French crime drama Braquo. <br />Thalys said on its website that several trains had been delayed after the &#39;intervention of security forces at Arras station&#39;.<br /><br />&#39;The train is at the station and emergency services are at the scene,&#39; said Thalys, which is jointly owned by the national rail companies of Belgium, France and Germany.<br /><br />France remains on edge after Islamic extremists attacked the satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo and a Jewish supermarket in Paris in January.<br /><br />In June, a man beheaded his boss and tried to blow up a gas plant in southern France in what prosecutors say was an attack inspired by ISIS. <br /><br />A Foreign Office spokeswoman said: &#39;We are aware of reports of shots being fired on a train in France.<br /><br />&#39;The French authorities have responded, we are in contact with them and are urgently seeking more information.&#39;<br /><br />Interior ministry spokesman Pierre Henry Brandet said: ‘A man opened fire on this Thalys train between Amsterdam and Paris, one person was very seriously injured. Talking about a terrorist motive would be premature at the moment.’<br /><br />Francois Hollande, the French president, has said: ‘I express my solidarity with the wounded from the attack on the train from Amsterdam to Paris. Everything is being done to shed light on this tragedy.’<br /><br /><br /><a target="_blank" href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3206426/U-S-Marines-armed-gunman-onboard-high-speed-train-Amsterdam-Paris.html">http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3206426/U-S-Marines-armed-gunman-onboard-high-speed-train-Amsterdam-Paris.html</a> <div class="pta-link-card answers-template-image type-default"> <div class="pta-link-card-picture"> <img src="https://d26horl2n8pviu.cloudfront.net/link_data_pictures/images/000/020/488/qrc/2B93E70800000578-0-image-a-67_1440257240200.jpg?1443052210"> </div> <div class="pta-link-card-content"> <p class="pta-link-card-title"> <a target="blank" href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3206426/U-S-Marines-armed-gunman-onboard-high-speed-train-Amsterdam-Paris.html">PICTURED: Hero US airman and friends who disarmed Moroccan terrorist</a> </p> <p class="pta-link-card-description">Spencer Stone, who is part of the U.S. Air Force, spotted the 26-year-old Moroccan acting suspiciously and took him down with the help of two friends before he could inflict more damage.</p> </div> <div class="clearfix"></div> </div> What do you think about members of our military thwarting a terrorist attack and apprehending lone gunman in France? 2015-08-21T16:12:25-04:00 MSgt Donald G. 908885 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Unarmed US service members take down Kalashnikov-wielding gunman onboard a high-speed train between Amsterdam and Paris.<br /><br />--<br />A group of unarmed US service members on board a high-speed train between Amsterdam and Paris foiled a terrorist attack after a gunman opened fire with an assault rifle, wounding three people. <br /><br />The 26-year-old Moroccan national, who was known to security services, came out of the toilet brandishing the gun and opened fire. Fortunately, two US service members were nearby and overpowered him before he could massacre passengers.<br /><br />The suspected terrorist had at least nine full magazines of ammunition holding almost 200 rounds. He was also carrying a knife.<br /><br />Unfortunately, one of the service members was shot and is believed to be in a critical condition. <br /><br />Speaking in Arras, French Interior Minister Bernard Cazeneuve praised the service members for their timely intervention. <br /><br />He said: &#39;Thanks to them we have averted a drama.<br /><br />&#39;(The Americans were) particularly courageous and showed extreme bravery in extremely difficult circumstances.&#39;<br /><br />The man was arrested by police near the town of Arras in northern France. <br /><br />Train company Thalys confirmed the incident happened. A spokesman said: &#39;The situation is under control, the travellers are safe. The train stopped and the emergency services are on site.&#39;<br /><br />No one at the SNCF French railways was immediately available to comment on the report.<br />A report on Twitter said that three US service members detained the gunman until emergency services arrived. <br /><br />The incident happened at approximately 6pm local time. <br /><br />French newspaper Le Monde is reporting that one Briton may be among the injured. <br /><br />The motives behind the attack were not immediately known, although a spokesman for the interior minister said: &#39;It is too early to speak of a terrorist link&#39;.<br /><br />The incident happened approximately 115 miles north of Paris near the town of Arras <br /><br />Investigators from France&#39;s special anti-terror police are leading the investigation, a spokeswoman for the Paris prosecutor&#39;s office said.<br /><br />Two of the victims are in a critical condition. The suspect is a 26-year-old Moroccan, said Sliman Hamzi, an official with police union Alliance. <br /><br />A spokesman for the French state rail company SNCF said that the assailant was armed with guns and knives but gave no further details about the attack. <br /><br />An American and a Briton were reportedly among those injured.<br /><br />The gunman was arrested after the train pulled into the station in the northern French town of Arras, the SNCF spokesman told AFP. <br /><br />French Interior Minister Bernard Cazeneuve arrived at the scene in Arras in the wake of the incident, which occurred shortly after 6pm local time.<br /><br />His spokesman Pierre-Henry Brandet confirmed to AFP that a man had opened fire on the train but said that at this stage &quot;we do not know his motives&quot;. <br /><br />The French actor Jean-Hugues Anglade, who appeared in the 1986 cult film &#39;Betty Blue&#39; staring Beatrice Dalle, was lightly injured. It is understood he cut his hand while breaking the glass on the emergency alarm. <br /><br />Anglade also played the hard-nosed cop Eddy Caplan in the gritty French crime drama Braquo. <br />Thalys said on its website that several trains had been delayed after the &#39;intervention of security forces at Arras station&#39;.<br /><br />&#39;The train is at the station and emergency services are at the scene,&#39; said Thalys, which is jointly owned by the national rail companies of Belgium, France and Germany.<br /><br />France remains on edge after Islamic extremists attacked the satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo and a Jewish supermarket in Paris in January.<br /><br />In June, a man beheaded his boss and tried to blow up a gas plant in southern France in what prosecutors say was an attack inspired by ISIS. <br /><br />A Foreign Office spokeswoman said: &#39;We are aware of reports of shots being fired on a train in France.<br /><br />&#39;The French authorities have responded, we are in contact with them and are urgently seeking more information.&#39;<br /><br />Interior ministry spokesman Pierre Henry Brandet said: ‘A man opened fire on this Thalys train between Amsterdam and Paris, one person was very seriously injured. Talking about a terrorist motive would be premature at the moment.’<br /><br />Francois Hollande, the French president, has said: ‘I express my solidarity with the wounded from the attack on the train from Amsterdam to Paris. Everything is being done to shed light on this tragedy.’<br /><br /><br /><a target="_blank" href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3206426/U-S-Marines-armed-gunman-onboard-high-speed-train-Amsterdam-Paris.html">http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3206426/U-S-Marines-armed-gunman-onboard-high-speed-train-Amsterdam-Paris.html</a> <div class="pta-link-card answers-template-image type-default"> <div class="pta-link-card-picture"> <img src="https://d26horl2n8pviu.cloudfront.net/link_data_pictures/images/000/020/488/qrc/2B93E70800000578-0-image-a-67_1440257240200.jpg?1443052210"> </div> <div class="pta-link-card-content"> <p class="pta-link-card-title"> <a target="blank" href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3206426/U-S-Marines-armed-gunman-onboard-high-speed-train-Amsterdam-Paris.html">PICTURED: Hero US airman and friends who disarmed Moroccan terrorist</a> </p> <p class="pta-link-card-description">Spencer Stone, who is part of the U.S. Air Force, spotted the 26-year-old Moroccan acting suspiciously and took him down with the help of two friends before he could inflict more damage.</p> </div> <div class="clearfix"></div> </div> What do you think about members of our military thwarting a terrorist attack and apprehending lone gunman in France? 2015-08-21T16:12:25-04:00 2015-08-21T16:12:25-04:00 SSgt Alex Robinson 908887 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Gotta love US Marines Response by SSgt Alex Robinson made Aug 21 at 2015 4:13 PM 2015-08-21T16:13:06-04:00 2015-08-21T16:13:06-04:00 LCDR Private RallyPoint Member 908890 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Semper Fidelis!<br /><br />Well done Marines! Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 21 at 2015 4:14 PM 2015-08-21T16:14:25-04:00 2015-08-21T16:14:25-04:00 Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS 908891 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>There&#39;s no such thing as unarmed US Marines. Just Marines without T/O weapons. Response by Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS made Aug 21 at 2015 4:14 PM 2015-08-21T16:14:46-04:00 2015-08-21T16:14:46-04:00 CPT Chris Loomis 908894 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Gol' damn it!! I love Marines!!! ORAAH!!!! Response by CPT Chris Loomis made Aug 21 at 2015 4:15 PM 2015-08-21T16:15:48-04:00 2015-08-21T16:15:48-04:00 COL Mikel J. Burroughs 908896 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div><a class="dark-link bold-link" role="profile-hover" data-qtip-container="body" data-id="290726" data-source-page-controller="question_response_contents" href="/profiles/290726-1n0x1-operations-intelligence">MSgt Donald G.</a> Way to go Marines! How about a big shout out to all our Marines on RP! Response by COL Mikel J. Burroughs made Aug 21 at 2015 4:16 PM 2015-08-21T16:16:49-04:00 2015-08-21T16:16:49-04:00 MAJ Ken Landgren 908901 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>With all the craziness he will be charged with assault. Good job! Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Aug 21 at 2015 4:18 PM 2015-08-21T16:18:44-04:00 2015-08-21T16:18:44-04:00 SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL 908907 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Nice to hear, good Samaritans are out there. Response by SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL made Aug 21 at 2015 4:21 PM 2015-08-21T16:21:06-04:00 2015-08-21T16:21:06-04:00 SGT Jeremiah B. 908915 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I like the Canadian in the comments &quot;Sometimes you just need an American or 3 around.&quot; hahah Response by SGT Jeremiah B. made Aug 21 at 2015 4:24 PM 2015-08-21T16:24:30-04:00 2015-08-21T16:24:30-04:00 SGT Bryon Sergent 908916 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>MSgt Donald Gresham- I had just posted this, ya beat me Master Sergeant. LOL <br /><br />But have this to say, although I am not a Marine. Semper Fi! Response by SGT Bryon Sergent made Aug 21 at 2015 4:24 PM 2015-08-21T16:24:31-04:00 2015-08-21T16:24:31-04:00 SFC Mark Merino 908931 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>In this crazy world, the Marines will be charged with assault w/ enhanced hate crime. Regardless of the man being armed and shooting, the town will riot and burn down their town and start looting because they are oppressed. Response by SFC Mark Merino made Aug 21 at 2015 4:29 PM 2015-08-21T16:29:41-04:00 2015-08-21T16:29:41-04:00 PO2 Corey Ferretti 908942 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Way to go Marines. I see Navy/Marine Corps Medal ceremony in the near future Response by PO2 Corey Ferretti made Aug 21 at 2015 4:33 PM 2015-08-21T16:33:32-04:00 2015-08-21T16:33:32-04:00 SPC(P) Mark Newman 908990 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Love our Marine Corps cousins!<br /><br />I always wonder why, on a bus/train/plane people don't tackle a hijacker rather than let one man take over. Does it surprise me that it was U .S. Marines who took the initiative and the risk to bum rush this dickhead? Not at all. <br /><br />All the details aren't in yet but I'm following the story closely (I'm a journalist and we have the Associated Press wire streaming into our newsroom) but whatever it turns out happened, I'm proud of ALL our Marines. <br /><br />BTW, a Reuter's (I believe) article used "marines" for Marines, but maybe worse is that it claimed they were "unarmed." An unarmed Marine? Come on! Response by SPC(P) Mark Newman made Aug 21 at 2015 4:54 PM 2015-08-21T16:54:09-04:00 2015-08-21T16:54:09-04:00 CPT Private RallyPoint Member 908999 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Semper Fi. Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 21 at 2015 4:58 PM 2015-08-21T16:58:03-04:00 2015-08-21T16:58:03-04:00 CSM Michael J. Uhlig 909017 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Allowed him to board the train with an AK47 by the French Police but was stopped by American Marines! Luckily for those on the train these professionals were there to stop the terrorist attack.<br /><br />My prayers go out to the Marine and his family for a fast and full recovery! Response by CSM Michael J. Uhlig made Aug 21 at 2015 5:04 PM 2015-08-21T17:04:52-04:00 2015-08-21T17:04:52-04:00 Sgt Tom Cunnally 909052 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>One Airman was injured but not life threatening. But they did prevent a massacre aboard this French train... Response by Sgt Tom Cunnally made Aug 21 at 2015 5:20 PM 2015-08-21T17:20:36-04:00 2015-08-21T17:20:36-04:00 Capt Mark Strobl 909068 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Only three Marines? Poor gunman was outnumbered by two. Bravo-Zulu, lads! Response by Capt Mark Strobl made Aug 21 at 2015 5:29 PM 2015-08-21T17:29:02-04:00 2015-08-21T17:29:02-04:00 SN Greg Wright 909130 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Outfuckingstanding, Marines! Response by SN Greg Wright made Aug 21 at 2015 5:55 PM 2015-08-21T17:55:13-04:00 2015-08-21T17:55:13-04:00 CPO Jon Campbell 909140 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I have a great book called 'Effective Phrases for Performance Appraisals' that I would gladly loan the French. The AP article read: "without their sangfroid we could have been confronted with a terrible drama." Are you kidding me?! Response by CPO Jon Campbell made Aug 21 at 2015 5:57 PM 2015-08-21T17:57:26-04:00 2015-08-21T17:57:26-04:00 SSgt Private RallyPoint Member 909161 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Extremely proud of our Marines! Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 21 at 2015 6:04 PM 2015-08-21T18:04:14-04:00 2015-08-21T18:04:14-04:00 Maj Mike Sciales 909215 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Uh rah! Training teamwork and confidence! Outstanding Marines! Response by Maj Mike Sciales made Aug 21 at 2015 6:24 PM 2015-08-21T18:24:37-04:00 2015-08-21T18:24:37-04:00 Capt Richard I P. 909267 <div class="images-v2-count-2"><div class="content-picture image-v2-number-1" id="image-57027"> <div class="social_icons social-buttons-on-image"> <a href='https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.rallypoint.com%2Fanswers%2Fwhat-do-you-think-about-members-of-our-military-thwarting-a-terrorist-attack-and-apprehending-lone-gunman-in-france%3Futm_source%3DFacebook%26utm_medium%3Dorganic%26utm_campaign%3DShare%20to%20facebook' target="_blank" class='social-share-button facebook-share-button'><i class="fa fa-facebook-f"></i></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?text=What+do+you+think+about+members+of+our+military+thwarting+a+terrorist+attack+and+apprehending+lone+gunman+in+France%3F&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.rallypoint.com%2Fanswers%2Fwhat-do-you-think-about-members-of-our-military-thwarting-a-terrorist-attack-and-apprehending-lone-gunman-in-france&amp;via=RallyPoint" target="_blank" class="social-share-button twitter-custom-share-button"><i class="fa fa-twitter"></i></a> <a href="mailto:?subject=Check this out on RallyPoint!&body=Hi, I thought you would find this interesting:%0D%0AWhat do you think about members of our military thwarting a terrorist attack and apprehending lone gunman in France?%0D%0A %0D%0AHere is the link: https://www.rallypoint.com/answers/what-do-you-think-about-members-of-our-military-thwarting-a-terrorist-attack-and-apprehending-lone-gunman-in-france" target="_blank" class="social-share-button email-share-button"><i class="fa fa-envelope"></i></a> </div> <a class="fancybox" rel="e62a0ca1d901c3da79a07dd882f1a031" href="https://d1ndsj6b8hkqu9.cloudfront.net/pictures/images/000/057/027/for_gallery_v2/ef32959e.jpg"><img src="https://d1ndsj6b8hkqu9.cloudfront.net/pictures/images/000/057/027/large_v3/ef32959e.jpg" alt="Ef32959e" /></a></div><div class="content-picture image-v2-number-2" id="image-57028"><a class="fancybox" rel="e62a0ca1d901c3da79a07dd882f1a031" href="https://d1ndsj6b8hkqu9.cloudfront.net/pictures/images/000/057/028/for_gallery_v2/8e3ccc75.jpg"><img src="https://d1ndsj6b8hkqu9.cloudfront.net/pictures/images/000/057/028/thumb_v2/8e3ccc75.jpg" alt="8e3ccc75" /></a></div></div>Semper Fidelis Airman, Soldier and civilian, well done! I wish them all speedy recovery and appropriate medals for their valor and wounds.<br /><br />The Airman and National Guardsman in particular need real medals out of this. Response by Capt Richard I P. made Aug 21 at 2015 6:46 PM 2015-08-21T18:46:11-04:00 2015-08-21T18:46:11-04:00 Capt Richard I P. 909269 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>&quot;You&#39;re Welcome France....Again....&quot;<br />-The Marine Corps Response by Capt Richard I P. made Aug 21 at 2015 6:47 PM 2015-08-21T18:47:09-04:00 2015-08-21T18:47:09-04:00 CW4 Private RallyPoint Member 909338 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div><a class="dark-link bold-link" role="profile-hover" data-qtip-container="body" data-id="290726" data-source-page-controller="question_response_contents" href="/profiles/290726-1n0x1-operations-intelligence">MSgt Donald G.</a>, we need more stories like this. Response by CW4 Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 21 at 2015 7:17 PM 2015-08-21T19:17:46-04:00 2015-08-21T19:17:46-04:00 SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL 909421 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div><a class="dark-link bold-link" role="profile-hover" data-qtip-container="body" data-id="97607" data-source-page-controller="question_response_contents" href="/profiles/97607-sra-charles-d-wilson">A1C Charles D Wilson</a> Sweet, great act of courage and bravery. Response by SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL made Aug 21 at 2015 7:52 PM 2015-08-21T19:52:15-04:00 2015-08-21T19:52:15-04:00 SSgt Alex Robinson 909435 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Brave, courageous men. Semper Fi Response by SSgt Alex Robinson made Aug 21 at 2015 7:58 PM 2015-08-21T19:58:44-04:00 2015-08-21T19:58:44-04:00 PVT Robert Gresham 909438 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>A courageous act by one of our troops overseas. Hopefully he will also be recognized for his actions by the French Government. Response by PVT Robert Gresham made Aug 21 at 2015 7:59 PM 2015-08-21T19:59:58-04:00 2015-08-21T19:59:58-04:00 LTC John Shaw 909449 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div><a class="dark-link bold-link" role="profile-hover" data-qtip-container="body" data-id="97607" data-source-page-controller="question_response_contents" href="/profiles/97607-sra-charles-d-wilson">A1C Charles D Wilson</a> Awesome! Marine&#39;s taking action! Hoo-rah! Response by LTC John Shaw made Aug 21 at 2015 8:04 PM 2015-08-21T20:04:52-04:00 2015-08-21T20:04:52-04:00 LTC Jason Bartlett 909467 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Worthy of a valorous award ? I think so. Great job Marines. Response by LTC Jason Bartlett made Aug 21 at 2015 8:13 PM 2015-08-21T20:13:04-04:00 2015-08-21T20:13:04-04:00 A1C Charles D Wilson 909470 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Sorry sir. I did not know you had started a subject on this. These guys are great. Response by A1C Charles D Wilson made Aug 21 at 2015 8:14 PM 2015-08-21T20:14:24-04:00 2015-08-21T20:14:24-04:00 CPT Private RallyPoint Member 909565 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I hope the Marine who was &quot;shot in the neck&quot; makes a full recovery. Thankfully these men were able to stop this person from his desire to kill innocent civilians. Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 21 at 2015 9:02 PM 2015-08-21T21:02:49-04:00 2015-08-21T21:02:49-04:00 SSG (ret) William Martin 909584 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>That is what you call selfless service. Good job Marines! Response by SSG (ret) William Martin made Aug 21 at 2015 9:10 PM 2015-08-21T21:10:07-04:00 2015-08-21T21:10:07-04:00 CMSgt James Nolan 909649 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>&quot;The only thing necessary for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing&quot; Sir Edmund Burke. Unfortunately the Marines also heard that speech! Semper Fi Response by CMSgt James Nolan made Aug 21 at 2015 9:40 PM 2015-08-21T21:40:15-04:00 2015-08-21T21:40:15-04:00 SFC Mark Merino 909655 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>If it weren&#39;t for those USMC studs, France would have surrendered. (minus the Foreign Legion guys) Response by SFC Mark Merino made Aug 21 at 2015 9:42 PM 2015-08-21T21:42:20-04:00 2015-08-21T21:42:20-04:00 SP5 Michael Rathbun 909665 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Just Wow. Imagine: we could slightly augment the DoD budget with an international "Lease A US Marine" enterprise, targeted at public transportation everywhere. <br /><br />Semper ever-lovin FI, Mac. Response by SP5 Michael Rathbun made Aug 21 at 2015 9:46 PM 2015-08-21T21:46:24-04:00 2015-08-21T21:46:24-04:00 SFC Mark Merino 909694 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Breaking News....French citizens demand off duty Marines wear warning labels written in 20 different languages. Response by SFC Mark Merino made Aug 21 at 2015 9:54 PM 2015-08-21T21:54:36-04:00 2015-08-21T21:54:36-04:00 SFC Mark Merino 909700 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Thank God they weren&#39;t Soldiers or Airmen coming to the rescue. I didn&#39;t see a single reflective belt. Response by SFC Mark Merino made Aug 21 at 2015 9:55 PM 2015-08-21T21:55:52-04:00 2015-08-21T21:55:52-04:00 SN Greg Wright 909741 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div><a class="dark-link bold-link" role="profile-hover" data-qtip-container="body" data-id="290726" data-source-page-controller="question_response_contents" href="/profiles/290726-1n0x1-operations-intelligence">MSgt Donald G.</a> Now they're saying an Airman was involved.<br /><br /><a target="_blank" href="http://www.armytimes.com/story/military/2015/08/21/us-airman-wounded-when-troops-reportedly-subdue-gunman/32148689/">http://www.armytimes.com/story/military/2015/08/21/us-airman-wounded-when-troops-reportedly-subdue-gunman/32148689/</a> <div class="pta-link-card answers-template-image type-default"> <div class="pta-link-card-picture"> <img src="https://d26horl2n8pviu.cloudfront.net/link_data_pictures/images/000/020/507/qrc/635757689353602372-GettyImages-484776788.jpg?1443052251"> </div> <div class="pta-link-card-content"> <p class="pta-link-card-title"> <a target="blank" href="http://www.armytimes.com/story/military/2015/08/21/us-airman-wounded-when-troops-reportedly-subdue-gunman/32148689/">U.S. airman wounded when troops reportedly subdue gunman</a> </p> <p class="pta-link-card-description">UPDATE:3 Americans praised for subduing gunman on European train</p> </div> <div class="clearfix"></div> </div> Response by SN Greg Wright made Aug 21 at 2015 10:12 PM 2015-08-21T22:12:47-04:00 2015-08-21T22:12:47-04:00 MAJ Keira Brennan 909780 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>WELL DONE!!!! Response by MAJ Keira Brennan made Aug 21 at 2015 10:22 PM 2015-08-21T22:22:59-04:00 2015-08-21T22:22:59-04:00 CW3 Craig Linghor 909841 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Nothing more badass than a pissed off Marine except for two pissed off Marines. Response by CW3 Craig Linghor made Aug 21 at 2015 10:52 PM 2015-08-21T22:52:24-04:00 2015-08-21T22:52:24-04:00 CPT Private RallyPoint Member 909844 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Semper Fi! Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 21 at 2015 10:55 PM 2015-08-21T22:55:02-04:00 2015-08-21T22:55:02-04:00 SN Greg Wright 909967 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>New information (and not at ALL intended to take anything away from Marines. This is a developing story and new info is coming fast and furious):<br /><br />"The three men -- a member of the Air Force, an inactive National Guard member and a civilian -- responded quickly, possibly preventing a deadly attack on the high-speed Thalys train."<br /><br /><a target="_blank" href="http://www.cnn.com/2015/08/21/europe/france-train-shooting/index.html">http://www.cnn.com/2015/08/21/europe/france-train-shooting/index.html</a> <div class="pta-link-card answers-template-image type-default"> <div class="pta-link-card-picture"> <img src="https://d26horl2n8pviu.cloudfront.net/link_data_pictures/images/000/020/512/qrc/150821151651-gunman-opens-fire-on-french-train-bitterman-cnni-00012724-large-169.jpg?1443052257"> </div> <div class="pta-link-card-content"> <p class="pta-link-card-title"> <a target="blank" href="http://www.cnn.com/2015/08/21/europe/france-train-shooting/index.html">2 U.S. service members overpower attacker on train in Belgium - CNN.com</a> </p> <p class="pta-link-card-description">A massacre on a train in Belgium was prevented Friday when two members of the U.S. miliary surprised an Islamist militant, a European official said.</p> </div> <div class="clearfix"></div> </div> Response by SN Greg Wright made Aug 22 at 2015 12:50 AM 2015-08-22T00:50:11-04:00 2015-08-22T00:50:11-04:00 SN Greg Wright 909974 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div><a class="dark-link bold-link" role="profile-hover" data-qtip-container="body" data-id="290726" data-source-page-controller="question_response_contents" href="/profiles/290726-1n0x1-operations-intelligence">MSgt Donald G.</a> Msgt, in the interest of updated info, and with NO intention to thread-crap on you, here is the latest info:<br /><br /><a target="_blank" href="http://www.cnn.com/2015/08/21/europe/france-train-shooting/index.html">http://www.cnn.com/2015/08/21/europe/france-train-shooting/index.html</a> <div class="pta-link-card answers-template-image type-default"> <div class="pta-link-card-picture"> <img src="https://d26horl2n8pviu.cloudfront.net/link_data_pictures/images/000/020/513/qrc/150821151651-gunman-opens-fire-on-french-train-bitterman-cnni-00012724-large-169.jpg?1443052258"> </div> <div class="pta-link-card-content"> <p class="pta-link-card-title"> <a target="blank" href="http://www.cnn.com/2015/08/21/europe/france-train-shooting/index.html">2 U.S. service members overpower attacker on train in Belgium - CNN.com</a> </p> <p class="pta-link-card-description">A massacre on a train in Belgium was prevented Friday when two members of the U.S. miliary surprised an Islamist militant, a European official said.</p> </div> <div class="clearfix"></div> </div> Response by SN Greg Wright made Aug 22 at 2015 1:00 AM 2015-08-22T01:00:18-04:00 2015-08-22T01:00:18-04:00 Cpl Tou Lee Yang 909976 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I see Letter of Appreciation from a General in their future. Response by Cpl Tou Lee Yang made Aug 22 at 2015 1:03 AM 2015-08-22T01:03:31-04:00 2015-08-22T01:03:31-04:00 1SG Private RallyPoint Member 910039 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Just saw this on the news. This is how we set an example to the world. Great job to these Service members. Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 22 at 2015 2:18 AM 2015-08-22T02:18:15-04:00 2015-08-22T02:18:15-04:00 Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS 910142 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Update:<br /><br />The &quot;Marines&quot; were:<br /><br />Airman Spencer Stone from Carmichael, California (injured with boxcutter)<br /><br />&amp; National Guardsman Alek Skarlatos, from Roseburg, Oregon (childhood friend).<br /><br />The initial reporting seems to have assumed guys anyone crazy enough to do this is a Marine. I think we need to send a letter to the Commandant and request Honorary Marine status for them, because frankly... they tackled a terrorist on a train, and as the saying go &quot;finest traditions of the United States Naval Service.&quot;<br /> Response by Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS made Aug 22 at 2015 6:47 AM 2015-08-22T06:47:14-04:00 2015-08-22T06:47:14-04:00 SPC William Hajnos 910154 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Word is coming out that it was an Oregon National Guard soldier and an airman along with a college student that saved the day either way good job to those guys no matter what walk of life they are in. Response by SPC William Hajnos made Aug 22 at 2015 7:17 AM 2015-08-22T07:17:38-04:00 2015-08-22T07:17:38-04:00 SSgt David Swart 910360 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Way to go young men! Hope you recover soon, Air Force airman Spencer Stone who was cut with a box cutter in the melee, The other two men were Anthony Sadler, a senior at Sacramento State University, was traveling with childhood friends Stone, of Carmichael, Calif., and Alek Skarlatos, a National Guardsman from Roseburg, Ore., when they heard a gunshot and breaking glass. Sadler told the AP that they saw a train employee sprint down the aisle followed by a gunman with an automatic rifle.<br /><br />"As he was cocking it to shoot it, Alek just yells, 'Spencer, go!' And Spencer runs down the aisle," Sadler said. "Spencer makes first contact, he tackles the guy, Alek wrestles the gun away from him, and the gunman pulls out a boxcutter and slices Spencer a few times. And the three of us beat him until he was unconscious." I love that they beat him until he was unconscious!! Response by SSgt David Swart made Aug 22 at 2015 10:53 AM 2015-08-22T10:53:43-04:00 2015-08-22T10:53:43-04:00 PO2 Private RallyPoint Member 910392 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Wrong! One Air Force guy one National Guard and One Local National.. Get your facts straight or just say two U.S. Military members.. Response by PO2 Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 22 at 2015 11:20 AM 2015-08-22T11:20:03-04:00 2015-08-22T11:20:03-04:00 SPC Tony Tarone 910407 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I give my Marine friends a lot of inter-service crap, but when shit gets real those are the guys you want there. Damn fine job Marines. Hope the wounded Marine pulls through. He's in our thoughts. Response by SPC Tony Tarone made Aug 22 at 2015 11:29 AM 2015-08-22T11:29:28-04:00 2015-08-22T11:29:28-04:00 Col Private RallyPoint Member 910430 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Heroes! Response by Col Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 22 at 2015 11:40 AM 2015-08-22T11:40:57-04:00 2015-08-22T11:40:57-04:00 Capt Private RallyPoint Member 910479 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>What counts most is no one was shot. Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 22 at 2015 12:08 PM 2015-08-22T12:08:05-04:00 2015-08-22T12:08:05-04:00 SN Greg Wright 910514 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>A fellow Oregonian, to boot! Way to go, gentlemen. Response by SN Greg Wright made Aug 22 at 2015 12:24 PM 2015-08-22T12:24:58-04:00 2015-08-22T12:24:58-04:00 CPT Private RallyPoint Member 910531 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Thanks for the update! Kudos to them! Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 22 at 2015 12:30 PM 2015-08-22T12:30:28-04:00 2015-08-22T12:30:28-04:00 MSgt Curtis Ellis 910585 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>AIR POWER!!! :D Response by MSgt Curtis Ellis made Aug 22 at 2015 12:56 PM 2015-08-22T12:56:44-04:00 2015-08-22T12:56:44-04:00 Cpl Private RallyPoint Member 910647 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Regardless the branch, it looks like the American military has saved the French again. Response by Cpl Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 22 at 2015 1:40 PM 2015-08-22T13:40:49-04:00 2015-08-22T13:40:49-04:00 SrA Private RallyPoint Member 910679 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Regardless of branch of service, their bravery in what was surely to be a tragic situation is outstanding!<br /><br />Well done men! Response by SrA Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 22 at 2015 1:58 PM 2015-08-22T13:58:58-04:00 2015-08-22T13:58:58-04:00 MSG Floyd Williams 910687 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Thank God our military personnel was there at the right time and location very commendable, now this is proof that we aren't cowboys to those who look at us this way. But, regardless of what positive comes out of Americans actions, there will always be ungrateful countries no matter what spiting out hate and begging for aid at the same time. Response by MSG Floyd Williams made Aug 22 at 2015 2:06 PM 2015-08-22T14:06:53-04:00 2015-08-22T14:06:53-04:00 SSG Ricardo Marcial 910695 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Has any group claimed responsibility, or are they in a &quot;DAMN AMERICANS&quot; mode and don&#39;t want to claim it because it failed. As they say....Inshallah. <br /><br />Courage, Sacrifice and the willingness to give some....or all. These brave men have proven that people are not backing down to the threats by these groups. I salute them, now break out the tequila. Response by SSG Ricardo Marcial made Aug 22 at 2015 2:10 PM 2015-08-22T14:10:49-04:00 2015-08-22T14:10:49-04:00 MAJ Ken Landgren 910754 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Maybe they will have an appreciation for Americans and gain some humility. Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Aug 22 at 2015 2:47 PM 2015-08-22T14:47:54-04:00 2015-08-22T14:47:54-04:00 SFC Mark Merino 910801 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>It appears we have another case of bad reporting. Not to take anything away from our beloved devil dogs, but they are now reporting it was not the Marines, but the Air Force leading the charge. Regardless, it shows that if our military is in the area, they run towards the danger and show what our military is all about. Let&#39;s hope they didn&#39;t have an Ashley Madison account and don&#39;t get reamed for not wearing their reflective belts. Response by SFC Mark Merino made Aug 22 at 2015 3:19 PM 2015-08-22T15:19:33-04:00 2015-08-22T15:19:33-04:00 TSgt Joshua Copeland 910948 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Glad to see the right people getting credit for their actions. It always sucks when you do the right thing and someone else gets the credit even when you did it because it was the right thing to do and not to get credit. Response by TSgt Joshua Copeland made Aug 22 at 2015 4:32 PM 2015-08-22T16:32:18-04:00 2015-08-22T16:32:18-04:00 Cpl Arwen Bernard 911021 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I say good job to the Marines that risked their lives to help they didn&#39;t know to save them. Marines selfless to the end. Semper Fi Response by Cpl Arwen Bernard made Aug 22 at 2015 5:33 PM 2015-08-22T17:33:13-04:00 2015-08-22T17:33:13-04:00 SSG Private RallyPoint Member 911052 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I love how the news always get the 9 mm pistols, automatic so right, all the time Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 22 at 2015 5:52 PM 2015-08-22T17:52:52-04:00 2015-08-22T17:52:52-04:00 SSG Private RallyPoint Member 911056 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div><a class="dark-link bold-link" role="profile-hover" data-qtip-container="body" data-id="181746" data-source-page-controller="question_response_contents" href="/profiles/181746-csm-michael-j-uhlig">CSM Michael J. Uhlig</a> don't get me wrong, I am proud to serve with soldiers like them. Believe it or not, last year when I went to Paris, most French were more amicable to us, US service members there, kind of breaking the mold. They, overall, across Europe, have a big problem. I hope you are safe there CSM. God bless, and godspeed. Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 22 at 2015 5:55 PM 2015-08-22T17:55:47-04:00 2015-08-22T17:55:47-04:00 SSG(P) D. Wright Downs 911152 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I was in Europe tor 2 tours during the Cold War. Terrorists were everywhere, everywhere, everywhere. These men just did their job. So, they get a call from the prez for doing what they are trained to do. big deal. What is the attention all about? It used to all in a days work and was classified. Response by SSG(P) D. Wright Downs made Aug 22 at 2015 7:07 PM 2015-08-22T19:07:13-04:00 2015-08-22T19:07:13-04:00 SFC Private RallyPoint Member 911257 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>More proof that Guardsmen (Army &amp; Air) are more than up to the task. Great work gentleman!!! Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 22 at 2015 8:11 PM 2015-08-22T20:11:33-04:00 2015-08-22T20:11:33-04:00 SSgt Donnavon Smith 911292 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>During the GWOT, could this act possibly rate a Silver Star? Response by SSgt Donnavon Smith made Aug 22 at 2015 8:38 PM 2015-08-22T20:38:42-04:00 2015-08-22T20:38:42-04:00 SFC Maury Gonzalez 911298 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>One of the soldiers said on a tv interview how they beat his ass after disarming the Moroccan, lol Response by SFC Maury Gonzalez made Aug 22 at 2015 8:44 PM 2015-08-22T20:44:26-04:00 2015-08-22T20:44:26-04:00 SGT Charlie Steward 911339 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>An Airman, a National Guardsman, and a local national, walked into a train. A Terrorist walked onto the same train with death on his mind, he didn&#39;t walk off..... Way to go, gentlemen! Response by SGT Charlie Steward made Aug 22 at 2015 9:09 PM 2015-08-22T21:09:47-04:00 2015-08-22T21:09:47-04:00 Cpl James Waycasie 911378 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I applaud and thank our service men for an outstanding job, but the Article said it was an Airman and a National Guardsman. I didn't see any mention of any US Marine. I guess Europe countries think all US Servicemen are Marines? Or did I miss something in the article? Response by Cpl James Waycasie made Aug 22 at 2015 9:32 PM 2015-08-22T21:32:59-04:00 2015-08-22T21:32:59-04:00 Lt Col Stephen Petzold 911410 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Like any situation initial reports are often wrong. Hoping it prompts the USAF to be more like the Marines and have a culture that encourages Airmen to move out and take action in situations like this, rather than to take cover and wait for help. Response by Lt Col Stephen Petzold made Aug 22 at 2015 9:51 PM 2015-08-22T21:51:55-04:00 2015-08-22T21:51:55-04:00 COL Charles Williams 911583 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div><a class="dark-link bold-link" role="profile-hover" data-qtip-container="body" data-id="181746" data-source-page-controller="question_response_contents" href="/profiles/181746-csm-michael-j-uhlig">CSM Michael J. Uhlig</a> Thanks for sharing. This is what we hope, all of us would do under these circumstances. Response by COL Charles Williams made Aug 22 at 2015 11:34 PM 2015-08-22T23:34:59-04:00 2015-08-22T23:34:59-04:00 LTC John Shaw 911598 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div><a class="dark-link bold-link" role="profile-hover" data-qtip-container="body" data-id="181746" data-source-page-controller="question_response_contents" href="/profiles/181746-csm-michael-j-uhlig">CSM Michael J. Uhlig</a> Outstanding! Glad to see these heroes stepped up when needed. Response by LTC John Shaw made Aug 22 at 2015 11:46 PM 2015-08-22T23:46:44-04:00 2015-08-22T23:46:44-04:00 LCDR Private RallyPoint Member 911614 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>This will sound a little weird, but this is VERY good for the US&#39;s international image, and specifically good for our service members&#39; image. We sometimes come off as... well arrogant bastards... to other nations. This is something that will help that image for a while. Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 22 at 2015 11:55 PM 2015-08-22T23:55:21-04:00 2015-08-22T23:55:21-04:00 SFC Joseph Weber 911699 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Aim High! Response by SFC Joseph Weber made Aug 23 at 2015 12:54 AM 2015-08-23T00:54:54-04:00 2015-08-23T00:54:54-04:00 SSgt Stephen Gallaher 911812 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Great respect to the USAF Airman and Oregon National Guardsman who took this guy down. I hope if faced with the same situation, I too would have the courage to do what they did. Response by SSgt Stephen Gallaher made Aug 23 at 2015 4:12 AM 2015-08-23T04:12:16-04:00 2015-08-23T04:12:16-04:00 Capt Lance Gallardo 912167 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>An Oregon National Gaurd infantry soldier, and an AD Airman, and their civilian friend took direct action when faced with an AK-47 and 9 MM pistol and box cutter armed terrorist was about to unleash hell on a bunch of civilian passengers on a high speed commuter train between Paris and Amsterdam. The Airman was serious wounded during the struggle to disarm and subdue the terrorist who had known links to ISIS sympathizers and Muslim Radicals in France and Spain, and he might have traveled to Syria to receive training. It was time to &quot;let&#39;s roll,&quot; as one of the passengers (Todd M Beamer) on the doomed United Airlines flight 93 during 9/11 told a Customer Service Supervisor. This offensive attitude of &quot;Let&#39;s Roll&quot; has obviously infused many Americans who refuse to be passive participants in their own murders when faced with a potential terrorist attack on a plane, boat, train or Bus. I am so proud to be a Citizen of the United States that still produces this kind of warrior! God Bless these young Americans and the country that helped make these young Americans. Response by Capt Lance Gallardo made Aug 23 at 2015 11:45 AM 2015-08-23T11:45:50-04:00 2015-08-23T11:45:50-04:00 Capt Lance Gallardo 912175 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>An Oregon National Gaurd infantry soldier, and an AD Airman, and their civilian friend took direct action when faced with an AK-47 and 9 MM pistol and box cutter armed terrorist was about to unleash hell on a bunch of civilian passengers on a high speed commuter train between Paris and Amsterdam. The Airman was serious wounded during the struggle to disarm and subdue the terrorist who had known links to ISIS sympathizers and Muslim Radicals in France and Spain, and he might have traveled to Syria to receive training. It was time to &quot;let&#39;s roll,&quot; as one of the passengers (Todd M Beamer) on the doomed United Airlines flight 93 during 9/11 told a Customer Service Supervisor in his last phone call. This offensive attitude of &quot;Let&#39;s Roll&quot; has obviously infused many Americans who refuse to be passive participants in their own murders when faced with a potential terrorist attack on a plane, boat, train or Bus. I am so proud to be a Citizen of the United States that still produces this kind of warrior! God Bless these young Americans and the country that helped make these young Americans. Response by Capt Lance Gallardo made Aug 23 at 2015 11:51 AM 2015-08-23T11:51:00-04:00 2015-08-23T11:51:00-04:00 SFC Dr. Joseph Finck, BS, MA, DSS 912252 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div><a class="dark-link bold-link" role="profile-hover" data-qtip-container="body" data-id="290726" data-source-page-controller="question_response_contents" href="/profiles/290726-1n0x1-operations-intelligence">MSgt Donald G.</a> I think this is great! In Europe, in France no less, and thwarted a terrorist attack. To paraphrase President Theodore Roosevelt, Decorate them, decorate them all. Response by SFC Dr. Joseph Finck, BS, MA, DSS made Aug 23 at 2015 12:32 PM 2015-08-23T12:32:58-04:00 2015-08-23T12:32:58-04:00 Sgt Tom Cunnally 912299 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I just watched their press conference with the US Ambassador to France &amp; I am very proud of these three young men... But I get the feeling they are very uncomfortable with all of this attention &amp; they just want to get on with their vacation. Sometimes it takes several days before an event like they went through to sink in.. They make America Proud &amp; I wish them well. Americans will now thank them for their heroic actions.. I can only imagine what the Islamic Terrorist would have done with all of those AK-47 Magazines and pistol... Response by Sgt Tom Cunnally made Aug 23 at 2015 1:02 PM 2015-08-23T13:02:55-04:00 2015-08-23T13:02:55-04:00 MAJ Ken Landgren 912401 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Bold, decisive, and brave. Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Aug 23 at 2015 2:23 PM 2015-08-23T14:23:39-04:00 2015-08-23T14:23:39-04:00 SGT Private RallyPoint Member 913140 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>This is from a blog in "This Ain't Hell". It's well written and conveys how I think all of us feel about those brave men.<br />American exceptionalism<br />Jonn Lilyea | August 23, 2015 <br />The world seems to be in awe of the three Americans who tackled Moroccan Ayoub el-Khazzani on a train the other day and beat him to within an inch of his life in order to subdue the heavily armed, but poorly trained, terrorist. People in this country are rightly proud of U.S. Airman Spencer Stone and National Guardsman Alek Skarlatos and their friend, Anthony Sadler, a student who answered the call to action in order to protect hundreds of people they didn’t know.<br /><br />The whole incident is a metaphor for the war against terror. Government does it’s best to protect the people from the animals with gun-control laws, no-travel lists, and general law enforcement, but the war against terror is actually fought in the streets, in strip malls, in the delis, in the train cars around the world by common citizenry – the targets of terrorism. Laws don’t hinder the lawless.<br /><br />We’re constantly told how American gun laws aren’t consistent with the laws of the rest of the “civilized world” – that here are too many privately-owned weapons in the hands of citizens. However, the “civilized world” is the major target of the creatures who flaunt laws to spread their terror. Much the way that the terrorists who do succeed to terrorize us in this country target “gun free zones”, our mini-civilized areas.<br /><br />I lived in Europe for nine years in the 80s, and I got the feeling that Europeans accepted terrorism as a part of their life. In Paris, when we visited, the tour guide warned us that ten bombs went off in the city every day, on the average. We went in a department store and had to go through metal detectors and have our packages searched, you know like we do now in our government buildings these days.<br /><br />The Europeans stood by wringing their hands in the 90s when the Serbs were murdering Bosnians and Kosovars waiting for the Americans to take the lead. This administration stepped aside to give the Europeans a chance to lead in Libya and Syria in this decade – to tragic results.<br /><br />Those same Europeans were expecting their governments to protect them on that train the other day, too, but somehow, law enforcement failed. El-Khazzani circumvented several laws written to protect the law-abiding people to smuggle those weapons on a train. He was also on 3 government “watch lists” but he wasn’t being watched. He had recently traveled to Syria for training, but he had apparently slept through the classes on weapon maintenance and his immediate action drills. Luckily.<br /><br />Americans are criticized for being cowboys, but it’s always Americans who step into the breach. While I agree that we shouldn’t have to be the policemen of the world, but, in the words of Ronald Reagan, if not us, who? Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 23 at 2015 10:23 PM 2015-08-23T22:23:45-04:00 2015-08-23T22:23:45-04:00 SGT Bryon Sergent 913804 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Good Job. The initial reports where that they where Marines. Doesn&#39;t matter. Between the National Guard and the Air Force we still done what we where trained to do! HOOAH!<br /><br />There was one in the video was talking about a hand gun. So where was it and why didn&#39;t the news say anything about it! Response by SGT Bryon Sergent made Aug 24 at 2015 9:27 AM 2015-08-24T09:27:33-04:00 2015-08-24T09:27:33-04:00 PV2 Private RallyPoint Member 913877 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>With all due respect to my Marine friends, let&#39;s get this clear, it was an Airman, an Army National Guard soldier and a civllian. Let&#39;s give proper credit where it&#39;s due please. <br /><br />I think they did a hell of a job and I&#39;m proud of them for standing up and doing the right thing.<br /><br /><a class="dark-link bold-link" role="profile-hover" data-qtip-container="body" data-id="1186" data-source-page-controller="question_response_contents" href="/profiles/1186-tsgt-joshua-copeland">TSgt Joshua Copeland</a>, <a class="dark-link bold-link" role="profile-hover" data-qtip-container="body" data-id="137225" data-source-page-controller="question_response_contents" href="/profiles/137225-255a-information-services-technician-354th-ca-bde-352nd-cacom">CW3 Private RallyPoint Member</a>, SSG James J. Palmer IV aka &quot;JP4&quot; Response by PV2 Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 24 at 2015 10:00 AM 2015-08-24T10:00:09-04:00 2015-08-24T10:00:09-04:00 MSG D. Layne-Sheffield 913910 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Great job!!! Response by MSG D. Layne-Sheffield made Aug 24 at 2015 10:09 AM 2015-08-24T10:09:19-04:00 2015-08-24T10:09:19-04:00 LCDR Private RallyPoint Member 913927 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I've read several of the articles running the headlines this a.m., and all I can say, is that is some true-blue, John Wayne style, heroism on the part of these Americans! I am wondering if anyone can add some clarity to the question of who these personnel were; I've read it was an Airman, Guardsman and a university student, but have also heard that a Brit and Marines were involved. Hope that whomever and wherever they were from, these guys get the credit they deserve. Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 24 at 2015 10:13 AM 2015-08-24T10:13:58-04:00 2015-08-24T10:13:58-04:00 SFC Private RallyPoint Member 914636 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Its pretty freakin&#39; awesome! I couldn&#39;t be prouder if they were my own soldiers! The British gentleman summed it up rather nicely......&quot;I would rather die fighting against a terrorist than being shot while sitting in a corner.&quot; Just awesome. Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 24 at 2015 2:15 PM 2015-08-24T14:15:30-04:00 2015-08-24T14:15:30-04:00 SPC Luis Mendez 914699 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Really! One was a NG the other an Airman with their CIVILIAN friend and a senior British man, there was also a French Citizen. So why on earth the Marines are having wet dreams about them being marines? Weird! This sort of things have happen thousands of times with no Military persons involved at all. Is a sign of a childish an immature mentality to assume their actions and courage have anything to do with two of the 5 people involved being military. Police and other civilians non-military are doing heroic things daily. Even women and children in places where war and disasters are happening are behaving heroically. You need to get off you little white pony show. Response by SPC Luis Mendez made Aug 24 at 2015 2:31 PM 2015-08-24T14:31:52-04:00 2015-08-24T14:31:52-04:00 CPL David Martin 914814 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Well done guys!!! God knows how many innicents you saved with your heroic actions. Response by CPL David Martin made Aug 24 at 2015 2:56 PM 2015-08-24T14:56:38-04:00 2015-08-24T14:56:38-04:00 SGT Jlee Malina 914909 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Awesome Response by SGT Jlee Malina made Aug 24 at 2015 3:31 PM 2015-08-24T15:31:27-04:00 2015-08-24T15:31:27-04:00 SPC Private RallyPoint Member 915223 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>It's wasn't two marines. It was a soldier and a airman. Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 24 at 2015 5:42 PM 2015-08-24T17:42:50-04:00 2015-08-24T17:42:50-04:00 1LT Private RallyPoint Member 915258 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Someone should invite these fine young men to the rose garden . . . pin a medal on them . . . say a few words about valor of defending so many unsuspecting others . . . at the risk of grave injury and death . . , in the highest traditions of the all volunteer military service. SO VERY WELL DONE ! ! ! Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 24 at 2015 6:00 PM 2015-08-24T18:00:33-04:00 2015-08-24T18:00:33-04:00 CPT Pedro Meza 916664 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>It was two American civilians and two American military men. The first Civilian snatched the AK from the shooter, but was shot by the shooter who also had a handgun, his actions made it possible for the other three to take the shooter down. Response by CPT Pedro Meza made Aug 25 at 2015 10:54 AM 2015-08-25T10:54:23-04:00 2015-08-25T10:54:23-04:00 TSgt Ryan Lee 917244 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Well as for our "Airman" and National Guard member that did this, all I have to say is...Great job, proud of you! Chuck Norris would be proud! Response by TSgt Ryan Lee made Aug 25 at 2015 2:27 PM 2015-08-25T14:27:20-04:00 2015-08-25T14:27:20-04:00 Capt Lance Gallardo 917433 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>There were six persons directly involved or physically engaging the terrorist, four were civilians, only two were US Service Members Airman Stone, USAF-AD, who apparently is in a medical MOS of some type, and Oregon National Guardsman Infantry MOS Specialist Alek Skarlatos. One of the four civilians is still an unidentified French Citizen who is still in the hospital recovering from his injuries, and has apparently asked to be kept anonymous. The only other civilian wounded during the attack and the subduing of the terrorist is a dual-national US Citizen at birth, and French Citizen, College Professor Mark Moogalian. Please pray for him. He took a 9mm bullet in the neck, and is still in the hospital fighting to live. Last night he was reported to have worsened in condition, today a little better. He was the downed civilian that Airman Stone gave first aid to to stop the bleeding from his neck, despite his own serious injuries. He is probably fighting septicemia (blood poisoning) from his wound with Anti-biotics, or organ failure, after having loss so much blood. Mark Moogolian (who CNN says was the first to grapple with the Terrorist) and the as yet unnamed French Civilian were the first two passengers to grapple with the Terrorist and gave the three Americans and the British Citizen Chris Norman the time and space they needed to make their move. BTW the French Prosecutor has opened a preliminary terrorism investigation into the attack. I wonder if that meets the requirement for a Terrorist incident that would qualify the two US Service Members for a US Military Heroism Award, like the Silver Star, Distinguished Service Cross or Purple Heart in Airman Stone's situation? Response by Capt Lance Gallardo made Aug 25 at 2015 3:34 PM 2015-08-25T15:34:26-04:00 2015-08-25T15:34:26-04:00 SSgt Private RallyPoint Member 917580 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>If they wouldve been Starfleet personnel the attack wouldve never been happened Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 25 at 2015 4:31 PM 2015-08-25T16:31:07-04:00 2015-08-25T16:31:07-04:00 SFC William Farrell 918538 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>They are heroes and were recognized as such by the French government although I think they should have been given a higher class of the Legion of Honor. I also believe Dod should recognize them with an appropriate award. Response by SFC William Farrell made Aug 26 at 2015 12:05 AM 2015-08-26T00:05:45-04:00 2015-08-26T00:05:45-04:00 MSG Private RallyPoint Member 918767 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>The soldier should face UCMJ action for having a beard while on leave. JK LOL Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 26 at 2015 4:41 AM 2015-08-26T04:41:48-04:00 2015-08-26T04:41:48-04:00 SFC Terry Fortune 919212 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Yes, they did the right thing. By doing so they save many lives. Also there training kick in. Response by SFC Terry Fortune made Aug 26 at 2015 10:36 AM 2015-08-26T10:36:55-04:00 2015-08-26T10:36:55-04:00 CPO Andy Carrillo, MS 920319 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>It was a matter of survival, and our military are trained and prepared to do just that--destroy the threat. They noticed that the AK had jammed and the terrorist was having difficulty clearing the jam--so a window of opportunity opened and they took it, thereby saving many lives including their own. I am glad the AK wasn't the "jam-proof" weapon then that many claim it to be; otherwise, we would be mourning 3 more of our own, plus many civilians given France's non-existent security program, e.g., Charlie Hebdo massacre, et. al. Response by CPO Andy Carrillo, MS made Aug 26 at 2015 6:43 PM 2015-08-26T18:43:24-04:00 2015-08-26T18:43:24-04:00 1LT Private RallyPoint Member 924404 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>The (not so) funny thing is that, since the terror attacks in January, France has been put in Vigipirate Alerte Attentat (~DEFCON 2; military is deployed within cities to protect religious facilities, newsrooms, etc..) to prevent another drama. However, the leak came from out-of-state, since the TGV (high-speed train) was coming from Amsterdam. <br /><br />And even worse, the perpetrator was known by French Homeland security (DGSI), like most of previous terrorists that had committed terror attacks within the l last couple years.<br /><br />French soldiers doing guard duties felt they were pretty useless, I am wondering what's their opinion now.. <br /><br />Anyway, glad Americans had enough courage to handle the situation, while train workers ran their way inside the safe room.. Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 28 at 2015 10:48 AM 2015-08-28T10:48:48-04:00 2015-08-28T10:48:48-04:00 2015-08-21T16:12:25-04:00