Sacramento State University student Anthony Sadler Jr., received France's Legion d'Honneur along with three other men for stopping an would terrorist gunman assault on a train in Belgium. (Photo courtesy of Arissa Sadler)
Sacramento State University student Anthony Sadler Jr., received France’s Legion d’Honneur along with three other men for stopping an would terrorist gunman assault on a train in Belgium.
(Photo courtesy of Arissa Sadler)

OAK PARK – Shiloh Baptist Church’s Rev. Anthony Sadler Sr. left the country to meet up with his international-hero son, Anthony Sadler Jr., who helped thwart an aledged gunman’s attack on a high-speed train in Belgium.

Sadler, a student at California State University, Sacramento (Sacramento State University), Alek Skarlatos, a member of the National Guard, Spencer Stone, from the U.S. Air Force, and Great Britain’s Chris Norman, were bestowed Legion d’Honneur medals from France President Francois Hollande.

While the train was occupied with passengers, a man carrying an AK-47 rifle, a box cutter, and eight magazine of ammo exited a restroom. The four men jumped into action to subdue the man reportedly known as Ayoub el-Qahzzani, who is now in custody.

Sadler, 23, was on vacation with his friends. During an interview after the men stopped the attack, Sadler said he did not know the impact of saving many lives would turn into an international heroic effort. He also said something of importance when the gunman was setting him up to committ carnage. Sadler’s statement echoed around the world.
“It was either do something or die,” Sadler said. “In the time of crisis…do something.”

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By Antonio R. Harvey
OBSERVER Staff Writer