A1C Spencer Stone will receive the Purple Heart later this week for wounds received when he and his friends intercepted a heavily armed terrorist on a French high-speed train last month, announced Air Force Secretary Deborah Lee James at ASC15. Stone was already set to receive ?the Airman’s Medal, the Air Force’s highest noncombat award for bravery, but James disclosed that he will also receive the Purple Heart at a ceremony presided over by Defense Secretary Ash Carter. Army National Guardsman Spc. Alek Skarlatos will also be honored at the ceremony, added James. Stone was wounded behind his neck and hand, nearly severing his thumb.
Since President Donald Trump first unveiled his “Golden Dome” missile defense initiative in late January, much of the focus for it has been focused on space—how the Pentagon may deploy dozens, if not hundreds, of sensors and interceptors into orbit to protect the continental U.S. from missile barrages. But the Air…