In a letter to the captain, Herzog credited him with protecting those aboard the aircraft despite suffering life-threatening wounds.
By Shula Rosen
Flydubai Capt. Smit Machchhar and four Israeli passengers who confronted the terrorist aboard Flight FZ1073 have been recommended for Israel’s President’s Medal for Civilian Courage.
Ynet reported that Herzog told Machchhar he would receive the medal.
In a letter to the captain, Herzog credited him with protecting those aboard the aircraft despite suffering life-threatening wounds.
“On behalf of the State of Israel, I write to express our deepest gratitude for your exceptional courage and determination in steering your aircraft to safety and averting a certain catastrophe for all the innocent passengers on board,” Herzog wrote.
Machchhar suffered a depressed skull fracture and severe lacerations to his head, neck and hands when Hamam al-Hammami attacked him with an ax in the cockpit. Although critically injured, Machchhar managed to open the cockpit door, allowing Israeli passengers to reach and restrain the attacker.
“Your ability to find the strength to rise above the pain, to combat the immediate threat to your life, and to exercise sound judgment demonstrates the strength of your character and the great valor you possess,” Herzog wrote.
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