SALEM, Ore. -- The governor honored National Guard Specialist Alek Skarlatos with the Oregon Distinguished Service Award Wednesday, for the heroic actions he took to subdue a terrorist and save countless lives while traveling in Europe.
Governor Kate Brown presented the award to Skarlatos at 10:15 a.m., in the ceremonial office at the state capitol in Salem.
"It is notable that not once, but twice, Spec. Skarlatos put the safety and comfort of others ahead of his own interests, even his own life," Governor Brown said. "To me, that speaks volumes about his character and his deep sense of duty."
Skarlatos, who is from Roseburg, helped take down the gunman after he suddenly opened fire on a French train in August 2015. Skarlatos had been traveling on the train on a vacation with his childhood friend Spencer Stone, who is in the Air Force.
As the gunman entered their train car and stopped to reload, Skarlatos managed to grab his rifle. He struck the gunman with the butt of the weapon and Stone helped wrestle him to the ground.
Stone was injured when the gunman slashed him with a box cutter during the struggle.
The two men eventually subdued the gunman and tied him up until handing him over to authorities at the next train station.
The incident earned global attention and accolades from world leaders, including French President François Hollande and President Obama.
"I've gotten tons of awards and honors, from the French government and the federal government. But it means a lot more coming from my state," Skarlatos said, during the ceremony in Salem. "Obviously this is the state I represent in the military and this is home for me. So, it's a lot more personal for me, I guess, getting an award from my state."
When asked what was next for the hometown hero, Skarlotos said he is writing a book that will hopefully be ready to hit bookstores in August.
He's also still in the military, but will be taking a break in Roseburg.
"I'm looking forward to being back home and trying to figure out the rest of my life," he added.
More top headlines:
Follow us on Facebook for the latest breaking news updates
Watch live or check weather & traffic updates on the go with the KGW News app