Pentagon honors Paris train heroes

But the men seemed oblivious to the pomp and circumstance, checking out each other’s medals and clapping each other on the back in authentic acts that showed that while the nation views them as heroes, they still just see each other as childhood friends.

“Having all these people show up has just been absolutely fantastic,” Oregon National Guard Spc. Alek Skarlatos told reporters of their welcome to D.C.

Skarlatos, together with Airman 1st Class Spencer Stone and their civilian friend Anthony Sadler, sprang into action on vacation when they heard a gunshot on a high-speed train heading to Paris last month. The three unarmed Americans subdued a heavily armed gunman, potentially saving hundreds of lives on the train, and provided medical aid to one passenger who had been shot.

“Thank you for acting,” said Gen. Paul Selva, vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs. “Thank you for being people who cared enough to make a difference.”

Skarlatos received the Soldier’s Medal, Stone received the Airman’s Medal and Purple Heart, and Sadler received the Medal of Valor, a recognition for civilians created after 9/11. Stone will also be promoted two ranks to staff sergeant.

While the French ruled that the attack was an attempted act of terrorism, the men were not eligible for valor awards earned in combat.

The three said the highlight of their first trip to D.C. was getting to meet President Obama.

“You can’t top meeting the president of the United States,” Stone said.

Skarlatos’ hero-status earned him a spot on the TV show “Dancing with the Stars,” which pairs celebrities with professional ballroom dancers in a weekly competition where viewers can vote for their favorite dancer.

Sadler and Stone said they watched Skarlatos’ debut on the show this week and were “pleasantly surprised” by his foxtrot with partner Lindsay Arnold.

“We’ve turned into his No. 1 fans, that’s for sure,” Sadler said.