Even before the 9/11 attacks, Col. Richard "Rick" Rescorla was a decorated war hero with a Silver Star from his…

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Summary

Col. Richard Rescorla, a decorated Vietnam War veteran and VP of Corporate Security at Morgan Stanley, saved 2,687 people during the 9/11 attacks by ignoring evacuation orders to stay in place and instead leading a careful, organized evacuation using prepared emergency plans. Despite being urged to leave, he conducted a final sweep of the building and was last seen on the 10th floor heading upstairs; he perished when the South Tower collapsed, exemplifying the Army value of never leaving anyone behind.

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#1
Even before the 9/11 attacks, Col. Richard "Rick" Rescorla was a decorated war hero with a Silver Star from his actions in Vietnam. 25 years ago today, Rescorla saved 2,687 people and paid the ultimate sacrifice. Here’s how it happened. 🧵
#2
Rescorla was a Vice President of Corporate Security for Morgan Stanley on the 44th floor of the South Tower when the first plane hit the neighboring building. The Port Authority directed Rescorla’s building to stay in place, but he knew better. Rescorla began evacuating his colleagues using his well-prepared emergency plans.
#3
When the second plane hit the South Tower, Rescorla continued directing the evacuation singing inspiring military songs and telling the evacuees, “Today is a day to be proud to be an American. Tomorrow, the world will be looking at you.”
#4
When his coworkers urged him to leave with them, he responded, “As soon as I make sure everyone else is out.” Pictured: Rescorla conducting an evacuation. Source: National Archives
#5
Rescorla was last seen on the 10th floor, heading upstairs for one final sweep to make sure everyone was out. The South Tower collapsed shortly after at 9:59 a.m. In his last phone call to his wife, Rescorla said, “Stop crying, I have to get these people out safely. If something happens to me, I want you to know I've never been happier. You made my life."
#6
Rescorla’s remains were never recovered. He was declared deceased three weeks later. In his honor, Ft. Benning erected a statue outside the National Infantry Museum in 2009, and his wife was presented with the Presidential Citizens Medal in 2019 on his behalf. Even after his service was over, Rescorla demonstrated the highest level of Army Values in his final moments, leaving no one behind.