Two men have been awarded the Carnegie Medal for intervening when author Salman Rushdie was stabbed on stage at the Chautauqua Institution. 

The Carnegie Medal, awarded by the Carnegie Hero Fund Commission, is considered North America’s highest civilian honor for heroism.

Ralph Henry Reese of Pittsburgh and Patrick Haskin of Mayville, NY, are the two who were awarded.

Reese was on stage with Rushdie when the attack happened. He charged the assailant and held his legs down. 

He was stabbed above his right eye. 

Haskin punched the assailant's arm and lay facedown on the assailant's body to hold him down.

Rushdie was flown to UPMC Hamot for treatment of his injuries. One wound has left him blind in his right eye.

The assailant was sentenced to 25 years in prison.