Spencer Stone: Ex-airforce sergeant who became national hero by averting terrorist act

May 2024 · 7 minute read

“Not all heroes wear capes” is a popular saying, and that rings true for Spencer Stone, a former United States Air Force staff sergeant. Stone’s heroic actions during a terrorist attack on a train travelling from Amsterdam to Paris in 2015 not only saved the lives of many passengers but also earned him and his childhood friends international recognition.

Despite being wounded during the attack, Stone displayed unwavering courage and selflessness, embodying the true essence of a hero.

This article delves into the life of Spencer Stone, from his time in the Air Force to his current pursuits, and celebrates the actions of a true hero who reminds us that not all heroes wear capes.

Table of Content hide 1 Spencer Stone biography 2 Spencer Stone career 3 Train Attack 4 Spencer Stone movies 5 Spencer Stone’s net worth 6 Spencer Stone’s family 7 Spencer Stone’s age 8 Spencer Stone now

Spencer Stone biography

Spencer Stone

Spencer John Stone was born on August 13, 1992, in Sacramento, situated in the U.S. state of California, to Brian Stone and Joyce Eskel. He grew up in Carmichael, California, in a family of five, comprising his parents and two siblings.

He attended Del Campo High School, where he played football, basketball and other contact sports.

During his childhood, Stone – who is a retired staff sergeant of the American Air Force – met Alek Skarlatos and Anthony Sadler while attending the small K-12 Freedom Christian School in Fair Oaks, California, and the three remained close friends into adulthood. All three men have been described as having a deeply religious background and a belief in service to their community, and they identified themselves as Christians.

Stone had a passion for military service and wanted to become a soldier. His mother stated that he would watch countless Navy SEAL videos with him. A teacher and coach who knew Stone described him as always looking out for family and friends, with a blue-collar attitude and a caring nature. Stone was the kind of person who would step up rather than curl into a ball, and was always trying to pick up his teammates and give them a high five.

Stone’s bravery and heroism during the 2015 terrorist attack on a train travelling from Amsterdam to Paris earned him worldwide recognition and numerous awards, including the Purple Heart and the Airman’s Medal, the U.S. Air Force’s highest non-combat award. The then-U.S. President, Barack Obama, and the now former U.S. Ambassador to France, Jane D. Hartley, honoured him for “his actions in saving countless lives” at a ceremony held at The Pentagon.

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Spencer Stone career

Spencer Stone smiling

Stone is a former U.S. Air Force aerospace medical services technician who gained fame for his heroic actions during the 2015 Thalys train attack in France.

After finishing high school, Stone enlisted in the Air Force. He was initially assigned to the 60th Medical Operations Squadron paediatrics flight at Travis Air Force Base in California. He was responsible for screening children who needed medical treatment and received training at the United States Forces Azores. According to his trainer, João Santos, Stone was a polite, well-educated and eager learner.

In January 2015, Stone attended the Airman Leadership School to become a non-commissioned officer. He was promoted to the rank of senior airman at Travis Air Force Base in October 2015, due to his heroic acts in France. In November 2016, Stone was promoted to the rank of staff sergeant by the order of the then-U.S. Air Force Chief of Staff, General Mark A. Welsh III.

Stone voluntarily retired from the Air Force in 2016  to pursue his interest in studying and getting a degree in international relations.

Spencer Stone getting awarded for bravery

Since leaving the air force, Stone has made several public appearances, including being honoured at the 2016 Spike’s Guys’ Choice Awards. Stone, along with his friends Alek Skarlatos and Anthony Sadler, accepted the hero award from actor Clint Eastwood.

Stone, Skarlatos, and Sadler also worked with author Jeffrey E. Stern on a memoir, entitled: The 15:17 to Paris. The book, which was released in August 2016, features the events of the Thalys train attack.

Stone and his friends also appeared on “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire” in October 2016, winning $250,000 as part of a special “Hometown Heroes” week. In July 2017, it was announced that Eastwood would direct a biographical film based on Stone, Skarlatos, and Sadler’s memoir, with the three friends playing themselves and actresses Jenna Fischer and Judy Greer also starring. The film was released in the U.S. on February 9, 2018, receiving mixed reviews from critics.

Train Attack

On August 21, 2015, Stone and his friends, Alek Skarlatos and Anthony Sadler, were on a train travelling from Amsterdam, the Netherlands, to Paris, the French capital. The train was crowded and the trio sat in a compartment with several other passengers. Suddenly, a man appeared in the aisle holding an assault rifle and began firing at the passengers.

Without hesitation, Stone, a trained martial artist and a U.S. Airman, leapt from his seat and charged at the gunman. He tackled him and a struggle ensued. During the altercation, Stone was stabbed repeatedly in the neck and hand by the assailant, who was identified as Ayoub El-Khazzani, a Moroccan national with ties to radical Islamic groups.

Spencer Stone injured

Despite his injuries, Stone managed to subdue the gunman with the help of his friends and other passengers. They tied him up and prevented him from causing further harm.

Stone’s heroic actions on the train made him an overnight sensation, with people around the world hailing him as a hero. He was awarded the Knights of the Legion of Honour, France’s highest award for bravery, by the then-French President, Francois Hollande. He was subsequently invited to meet with the then-U.S. President, Barack Obama, at the White House.

Stone’s quick thinking and bravery on the train that day undoubtedly saved many lives and earned him the admiration of people everywhere.

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Spencer Stone movies

Spencer Stone in 15-17 to Paris

Stone has appeared in several movies, most notably the 2018 film, “The 15:17 to Paris.” In the movie, directed by Clint Eastwood, Stone played himself, recreating the events of the 2015 Thalys train attack, in which he and two of his friends, Anthony Sadler and Alek Skarlatos, thwarted a terrorist attack on a train travelling from Amsterdam to Paris. The movie featured Stone, Sadler, and Skarlatos playing themselves in the lead roles and their heroic actions were recreated in the film.

Stone has also appeared in a few other movies and TV shows. In 2018, he was featured in the movie “Sully”, which was also directed by Clint Eastwood. He has also appeared in the TV series, “Transformers: Robots in Disguise” and “The Rookie”.

Stone, Skarlatos, and Sadler appeared on Who Wants to Be a Millionaire in October 2016 as a part of a special “Hometown Heroes” week. They won $250,000 as they played the game as a team.

Spencer Stone’s net worth

Stone is one of the wealthiest and most well-known United States war heroes in recent times. Stone’s net worth is estimated to be around $5 million, per our analysis of data from multiple online sources.

Spencer Stone’s family

Stone was born to Brian Stone and Joyce Eskel. He has two siblings: an elder sister, Kelly, and an elder brother, Everett, who works for the California Highway Patrol in Redwood City, California.

Spencer Stone’s age

Spencer Stone was born on August 13, 1992. He is currently 30 years old and will celebrate his 31st birthday in 2023.

Spencer Stone now

Spencer Stone now

Stone has continued to pursue a career as a motivational speaker and actor since leaving the military. He has also been involved in various charitable causes, including supporting veterans and promoting education.

Stone has remained an inspiration to many people around the world for his bravery and quick thinking during the 2015 train attack in France. His story has been featured in books, documentaries, and movies, and he continues to be recognised for his heroism and service to his country.

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