The International Peace & Film Festival held a special recognition ceremony on Friday, November 13, 2015, for three men from Palm Coast who averted a mass murder. Vassili Mironov, Roman Dubinschi and Joshua Auriemma were awarded a medal of bravery and two citations of valor, respectively for their role in disarming a gunman who entered the European Village complex in Palm Coast on March 15, 2014. The gunman, armed with a loaded Uzi sub machine gun and knife had plans to open fire on a filled night club. The three men sprang into action, suffering multiple injuries as they fought the man to the ground while shots rang out. Remarkably, no one was injured except the three heroes who suffered stab wounds.
“When we learned that nothing had been done to recognize these exceptional young men, we took it upon ourselves to invite them to the festival where they could be recognized in front of an international audience.” Said Jef Gray, Festival Director.
The three awards were presented at the Orlando Science Center’s Cinedome Theater following awards for soviet veterans who were presented with medals for the 70th anniversary victory of World War II by the Russian Consulate General.
Citations to accompany the bravery and citation awards follow. Photos courtesy of TamaraKnight.com
Citations:
Citation to accompany the Award: Medal of Bravery, International Peace and Film Festival
On March 15, 2014, Vassili Mironov, an American veteran and resident of Palm Coast Florida, saw a man armed with an automatic rifle enter the Europa lounge at the European Village complex. The man held an Uzi submachine gun and walked with intent to fire on the unaware crowd. Without thought for his own safety, an unarmed Vassili Mironov alerted the crowd to seek safety as he engaged the gunman.
Mr. Mironov charged the gunman, taking hold of his weapon to route the line of fire away from the crowd. During the struggle, the gunman stabbed Mironov in the face and cut both of his hands in an attempt to continue his deadly intention. The weapon fired but Mironov kept his hold inspite of his injuries. With assistance from two friends, Joshua Auriemma and Roman Dubinschi, Mironov was able to finally disarm the gunman and save countless lives while risking his own.
This selfless act of valor and bravery brings great credit on himself, his Russian heritage, and his military service in the United States Navy. It is our privilege and duty to recognize a true hero, an American citizen, protector and peace keeper by awarding Vassili Mironov the International Peace and Film Festival’s Medal of Honor.
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Citation of Valor: Roman Dubinschi, International Peace and Film Festival (Not present at ceremony)
On March 15, 2014, Roman Dubinschi, accompanied by Joshua Auriemma came to the aid of their friend Vassili Mironov to help subdue an armed assailant intent on killing countless innocent people at the Europa lounge at the European Village complex. Dubinschi saw Mironov struggling to subdue a man who held an Uzi submachine gun, about to fire on the unaware crowd. Without thought for his own safety, an unarmed Dubinschi and Auriemma rushed to assist Mironov in protecting the by standers.
During the struggle, the weapon discharged but the three men remained vigilant to disarm the gunman. Dubinschi was stabbed in the arm by the gunman but he never retreated, and continued to assist Mironov and Auriemma until the gunman was knocked out and the threat was eliminated.
Roman Dubinschi, saved others by putting his own life in peril. It is our privilege and duty to recognize him as a true hero and peace keeper by awarding him the International Peace and Film Festival’s Citation of Valor.
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Citation of Valor: Joshua Auriemma International Peace and Film Festival
On March 15, 2014, Joshua Auriemma, accompanied by Roman Dubinschi came to the aid of their friend Vassili Mironov to help subdue an armed assailant intent on killing countless innocent people at the Europa lounge at the European Village complex. Auriemma saw Mironov struggling to subdue a man who held an Uzi submachine gun, about to fire on the unaware crowd. Without thought for his own safety, an unarmed Auriemma and Dubinschi rushed to assist Mironov in protecting the by standers.
During the struggle, the weapon discharged but the three men remained vigilant to disarm the gunman. Both Dubinschi and Mironov received stab wounds from the gunman, with the struggle coming to an end when Auriemma knocked the assailant out.
Joshua Auriemma saved others by putting his own life in peril. It is our privilege and duty to recognize him as a true hero and peace keeper by awarding him the International Peace and Film Festival’s Citation of Valor.
About the International Peace and Film Festival
IPFF is a face to face experience, where every member of the audience can engage and establish international relationships through independent film, knowledge sharing and cultural exchange. Attendees had opportunity to view films from over 67 countries, interact with diplomats from represented countries, view exhibits, attend performances and attend educational sessions. Films and highlights are available via the official channel: IPFF.TV available on Roku and Amazon Fire devices. Visit http://peacefestival.us for full details.