Spencer Stone
Discover the inspiring story of Spencer Stone — U.S. Air Force veteran, hero of the 2015 Paris train attack, and advocate — his journey, values, and powerful quotes.
Introduction
Spencer John Stone (born August 13, 1992) is an American former Air Force staff sergeant who gained worldwide recognition for his courageous role in stopping a terrorist attack aboard a Paris-bound train in 2015. His act of valor, subsequent recovery from injury, and public life as a speaker and advocate give his story a compelling blend of duty, sacrifice, and resilience. In this article, we explore his early life, military career, the train incident, life after service, and quotes that reveal his outlook.
Early Life and Background
Spencer Stone was born in Sacramento, California to Brian Stone and Joyce Eskel.
He later went to Del Campo High School, where he played basketball and other contact sports.
From early on, Stone had an interest in service and discipline. His mother later said he watched Navy SEAL videos as a child and expressed a desire to “be a soldier.”
He has two siblings: an older brother Everett (who works in law enforcement) and a sister, Kelly.
Military Service & Career
Stone enlisted in the United States Air Force after high school.
By 2015, he held the rank of Airman First Class.
However, Stone announced his intention to leave the Air Force in 2016, and he officially separated from service later that year.
The 2015 Train Incident & Heroism
What Happened
On August 21, 2015, Stone, along with his longtime friends Alek Skarlatos and Anthony Sadler, were traveling by train from Amsterdam to Paris when a gunman, armed with an automatic weapon and carrying several loaded magazines, launched an attack inside the carriage.
After gunfire and breaking glass, Stone was awakened and immediately sprang into action. He tackled the assailant, held him in a chokehold, and, during the confrontation, was wounded—slashed in the neck and hand, and his thumb was nearly severed.
In addition to subduing the attacker, Stone — trained in first aid — provided life-saving treatment to a wounded passenger, Mark Moogalian, who had been shot in the neck.
Honors and Recognition
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Just days after the event, the French President François Hollande awarded Stone and the others the Legion of Honour.
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At home, Stone was awarded the Airman’s Medal and the Purple Heart.
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U.S. Ambassador to France, Jane D. Hartley, publicly lauded his courage in saving lives.
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At a ceremony held at the Pentagon, the trio (Stone, Skarlatos, Sadler) were posthumously honored by President Barack Obama.
The action they took arguably prevented mass casualties.
Challenges, Injury & Recovery
On October 8, 2015, in Sacramento, Stone was stabbed in a separate incident. He sustained multiple serious injuries to his organs and required urgent surgery.
His attacker, later identified as James Tran, was arrested and pled guilty; he was sentenced to nine years in prison.
Stone’s recovery was substantial: he underwent open-heart surgery, exploratory abdominal surgery, and chest tube placement.
Even after such trauma, he continued public appearances, interviews, and projects tied to his story.
Life After Service
After leaving the Air Force in late 2016, Stone focused on advocacy, public speaking, and leveraging his experience as a hero. The 15:17 to Paris, recounting the train attack and their journey.
In 2018, Clint Eastwood directed a film adaptation of that memoir in which Stone portrayed himself.
He also holds dual citizenship: in 2018, Stone (with his two companions) was naturalized as a citizen of France.
Stone has also expressed interest in international relations and public service.
In 2020, he and Sadler appeared as contestants on The Amazing Race.
Personality, Values & Beliefs
A consistent part of Stone’s public image is his faith and sense of duty. In interviews, he has said he believes God had a hand in their survival and that he views his actions as part of being prepared to act when needed.
He often emphasizes humility, perseverance, and gratitude. Even after his injuries, he has publicly thanked supporters and expressed commitment to using his platform for good.
He also has reflected on the difference between military service and public life, remarking how worth is measured differently in uniform and in celebrity.
Famous Quotes by Spencer Stone
Here are some notable quotes attributed to Spencer Stone:
“I’d been in my share of fights but never thrown the first punch, and I’m not quick to anger.” “The difference in being a good soldier and actor is that in the Air Force, you see results, and our worth is defined by numbers. As an actor, your results are based on other people’s opinions.” “Obviously I’ll still be involved in organizations like the USO and Wounded Warriors … I like to motivate people … I hope I can use everything that's being offered to me to do good in other people's lives.” “I used to fear public speaking. My voice would shake, I used to forget to breathe. Now it’s pretty easy for me.” “I never thought I’d ever get stabbed in my life. The fact that it happened twice within, like, a two-month period is pretty insane.”
These quotes reflect his introspection, resilience, and how he views identity beyond heroics or celebrity.
Lessons from Spencer Stone’s Life
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Courage and readiness matter
Heroic moments often come without warning. Stone’s willingness to act, even in fear, is a deep lesson in preparedness. -
Service beyond self
His story shows that service and character are tested not just in action, but in humility, recovery, and ongoing purpose. -
Trauma doesn’t define you
Enduring serious injury, the challenge is to recover, adapt, and reorient life without losing dignity. -
Faith, gratitude, and perspective
Stone often speaks of faith and gratitude—tools that help frame difficult experiences in a larger meaning. -
Public life carries responsibility
After fame, maintaining integrity, using one’s platform wisely, and staying grounded is a challenge—but one he has embraced.
Conclusion
Spencer Stone’s journey—from a California boy to Air Force medic, to global hero, to advocate—illustrates how ordinary people can rise in extraordinary moments. His life reminds us that bravery is not only in big acts, but also in how one responds afterward: with humility, service, and a commitment to use one’s story for good.
If you’d like, I can dig deeper into his memoir, the filming process of The 15:17 to Paris, or analyses of his public speaking and advocacy efforts. Would you like me to expand on one of those?