Morristown Man Killed On 9/11 Given Presidential Citizens Medal

MORRISTOWN, NJ — A veteran from Morristown killed while ushering others out of the World Trade Center on Sept. 11, 2001, will be awarded the Presidential Citizens Medal, President Donald Trump announced Wednesday morning.

Retired Army Colonel Rick Rescorla, will be awarded the medal "soon," Trump announced at a morning speech marking the 18th anniversary of the terrorist attacks.

"Today, I am honored to announce that I will soon be awarding the late Rick Rescorla the Presidential Citizens Medal for his extraordinary sacrifice. Though Rick has left this Earth, we will ensure that the memory of his deeds will never, ever be forgotten. His memory will forever endure. Thank you. Thank you, Rick," Trump said.

Eighteen years ago, Rescorla was working as the vice president for corporate security at Morgan Stanley Dean Witter & Co., on the 44th floor of the south tower. Seemingly anticipating the second strike, he made the decision to ignore messages from the Port Authority to stay put in the south tower, and instead began evacuating his employees, the Army said.

"The dumb sons of bitches told me not to evacuate. They said it's just Building One. I told them I'm getting my people the [expletive] out of here," Rescorla reportedly said on a call to his best friend.

He kept helping people out of the buildings even after the south tower was struck. Before heading back in to the building, Rescorla called his wife and told her, "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."

He was last seen going back into the building to rescue more people, when a coworker told him to stop heading back in and to evacuate.

"As soon I make sure everyone else is out," was his response.

Rescorla was killed in the south tower's collapse.

Rescorla's actions saved thousands of lives. On a day when companies lost unspeakable numbers of people, Morgan Stanely lost just six of their 2,700 World Trade Center employees.

Even before giving his life on 9/11, Rescorla lead a life of bravery. He served as a British paratrooper during the Cyprus Emergency, and was a commissioned officer in the American Army during the Vietman War. He was awarded a Silver Star, Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart, Gallantry Cross, and the Combat Infantry Man in recognition of his service.

The Presidential Citizens Medal is the second highest award a civilian can be awarded, second only to the Presidential Medal of Freedom.