Two US service members and college student overpower train gunman in Belgium

Three people were injured in the attack, including one US serviceman and an unidentified passenger

(Facebook)

Three childhood friends became heroes on Friday after subduing an armed attacker on a 554 passenger train near the France-Belgium border.

The attacker, later identified as a 26-year-old Moroccan, was carrying an AK-47, a handgun and a blade. Three people were injured in the attack, including the US serviceman and an unidentified passenger.

According to the New York Times, the suspect denied that the attack was an act of terrorism and claimed he only sought to rob the passengers.

US Secretary of State John Kerry issued the following statement on Saturday commending the Americans.

"Incredibly proud of 3 American heroes who subdued attacker on French Train yesterday. Wishing speedy recovery to those injured."

French actor Jean-Hugues Anglade told reporters that train staff locked themselves inside the car, ignoring passengers' cries for help as the gunman approached, the New York Daily News reported.

Meet the Americans who weren't afraid to confront the attacker.

Spencer Stone

(Ramstein Air Base)

Spencer Stone is the US Air Force member who was injured during the attack. When he first saw the gunman, Mr Stone ran nearly 30 feet, tackling the suspected terrorist and disarming him. While grappling the attacker, the man pulled a blade, stabbing Mr Spencer in the hand.

Mr Stone's friends and Chris Norman, a Frenchman, began to tie up the attacker. Despite Mr Stone's injuries, he administered aid to another passenger whose throat was cut open.

Colonel Richard C Sheffe, 65th Air Base Group commander, praised Mr Stone's heroic effort on Saturday.

"According to reports, after subduing the gunman Stone provided medical aid to a fellow traveler. These are the actions of a dedicated Airman who answered the call and did what was needed to be done and made a difference. We wish Airman Stone and all others a fast recovery and thank them for their actions."

Mr Stone went into surgery for a stab wound to his hand early Saturday morning and he's expected to make a full recovery, SkyNews reported.

Alek Skarlatos

(Alek Skarlatos/Facebook)

Mr Skarlatos is a 22-year-old member of the US National Guard based in Oregon, ITV News reported.

The serviceman told reporters that Mr Stone immediately rushed and tackled the gunman as soon as he realised he was holding a machine gun: "I saw a guy entering the train with an AK-47 and a handgun and I just looked over to Spencer and said, 'Let's go, go!'"

"I grabbed the handgun. Got the handgun away from the guy and threw it, and then I grabbed the AK-47, which was at his feet. If anybody would have gotten shot it would have been Spencer for sure.. We're very lucky that nobody got killed, especially Spencer."

Anthony Sadler

(Anthony Sadler/Facebook)

Mr Sadler is a senior at Sacramento State University and Costco employee who was enjoying his first trip to Europe. His father spoke with KCRA-TV in Sacramento calling his son a national hero.

"He leaves here a young man on an excursion to broaden his world view and have fun with his buddies, and he comes back a ... national hero. I'm told he might meet the President of France before he leaves so I'm still wrapping my head around that."