About

He gained national recognition as a hero for his actions during the September 11 attacks in 2001. Rescorla served in the British Army in Cyprus and Rhodesia before moving to the United States to join the U. S. Army. He served two tours in Vietnam, where he was awarded a Silver Star and Purple Heart for his bravery in combat. After retiring from the military, Rescorla worked as a security consultant for Morgan Stanley at the World Trade Center in New York City. On September 11, 2001, Rescorla played a pivotal role in evacuating thousands of employees from the South Tower of the World Trade Center, where he worked. Despite being told by authorities that it was safe to stay put, Rescorla ignored the orders and implemented an evacuation plan he had long prepared for such an event. He used his military experience to organize the evacuation, guiding people down the stairs and singing songs to keep them calm. Tragically, Rescorla was last seen heading back up the tower to ensure that everyone had evacuated before it collapsed. He died in the collapse of the South Tower, but his efforts saved the lives of over 2,700 people. Rescorla's heroism and sacrifice received widespread recognition and he is often hailed as one of the greatest heroes of the September 11 attacks. He was awarded numerous posthumous honors, including the Presidential Citizens Medal, which was presented to his widow in 2002. Rescorla's story has since been immortalized in books, documentaries, and even a memorial statue. Despite his heroic actions, Rescorla did not initially receive much attention in the media, but in recent years his story has gained more recognition and his legacy continues to inspire others.