Army Veteran Was Deemed ‘The Bravest Man’ After Saving 2,700 People During The 9/11 Attack

Sep 11, 2023

Safety protocols are developed for a reason. In an increasingly risky environment such as towers, these plans are essential. Thanks to Morgan Stanley’s safety director, Rick Escorla, he managed to save a lot of souls during the 9/11 attack on the World Trade Center. 

Rescorla is originally from Cornwall, England. However, he moved to the USA and enlisted in the US Army where he fought in the Vietnam War. Rescorla worked for Morgan Stanley in the South Tower of the World Trade Center which occupied 22 floors. 

On Feb. 26, 1993, a truck bomb exploded in the basement of the World Trade Center, killing seven people, a pregnant woman and an unborn child. According to The New Yorker, recognizing that this might happen again, Rescorla recommended his company relocate to a different office in the World Trade Center as it was a high target for terrorists. 

However, Morgan Stanley’s lease at the World Trade Center did not expire until 2006 so the company was forced to stay. 

Since then, Rescorla worked hard to devise comprehensive safety protocols in case of another attack. He then made the employees of his company rehearse evacuations methodically, which included the manner of evacuating in pairs and making a clear path for first responders. 

As expected, this met some resistance from employees, but with Rescorla’s insistence and determination, they were able to prepare for the worst. 

On Sept. 11, 2001, America was tainted with a catastrophic tragedy as two hijacked planes struck the World Trade Center, which then put Rescorla’s safety plans into motion. Rescorla maintained a level head at the time as he escorted 2,700 people to safety. 

It was also mentioned that as he escorted thousands of Morgan Stanley employees down the stairwells, Rescorla sang the same song he had sung to his soldiers 36 years ago when he was in Vietnam. 

“Stay calm. Move towards the other stairwell and watch out for each other. Today is a day to be proud to be an American,” he shouted as he helped people get out of the building, as quoted by MSN. 

During the chaos, Rescorla called his panicking and crying wife Susan and gave his final message. 

“Stop crying,” he told his wife, as quoted by The New Yorker. “I have to get these people out safely. If something should happen to me, I want you to know I’ve never been happier. You made my life.”

Right after he hung up, he called his dear friend Dan Hill and asked to console his wife. Although Hill begged Rescorla to leave the building, he said that he had to do a final sweep of people in the building. “I’ve got people to take care of,” Rescorla told Hill before hanging up. Unfortunately, Rescorla’s body was never found again as it was buried in rubble. 

“I go put flowers there every year and I also have a spot over by the Raptor Trust where the eagles are that he loved so much. I go there many, many times just to be with him,” Susan told News Nation. “I never ever forget him because he just was an incredible person.”

In 2002, Rescorla was commemorated by his comrades, one of whom said: “We lost one of the best men we’ve ever known. For those of you who don’t know Rick Rescorla, he was a warrior, a leader, and a friend. He was the bravest man I ever saw."

What do you think of Rescorla’s heroism? Have you heard of other stories like this? Let us know, and pass this on to your friends and family who would be touched by Rescorla’s heroic efforts.