RICK RESCORLA - CORNISH HERO

BRAVERY | Rick Rescorla rescued thousands in the World Trade Centre attack

9/11 - two years ago, it would be difficult to imagine how these two numbers could embody so much tragedy, grief and fear. But for one man, the tragedy of September 11, was the terrorist attack he had feared for years.

Cornishman Rick Rescorla’s heroism is legendary. What is less well known, in this country at least, were his prophetic views on terrorism.

Inside Out pays tribute to his bravery, his spirit and his astonishing foresight.

After a successful army career, Rick Rescorla became director of security for Morgan Stanley

Born in the Cornish town of Hayle, Rick’s first encounter with America came in the form of GIs preparing for D-Day in the town. They inspired Rick’s adventurous spirit and his never failing love for America.

War hero

Rick and his friend and confidante Dan Hill both enlisted in the United States Army.

A highly decorated war hero, Rick served the USA as platoon leader in Vietnam.

For all his success in the US, Cornwall was never far from Rick’s heart and he returned regularly.

Rick retired from his army career in 1968. Via a career as a university law professor, Rick became director of security for Morgan Stanley Dean Witter (previously Dean Witter) in their offices in the World Trade Centre.

Foresight

Rick always feared a terrorist attack on the Twin Towers

It was here that Rick Rescorla was to predict with startling accuracy the horrors he himself would later face in that building.

Speaking in an interview in 1998, Rick predicted that, "Terrorist forces can tie up conventional forces and bring them to their knees.

Just one man willing to give his life for what he believes in, chooses the time and place and there is no way that any soldiers can be 100% alert."

But alert he was and in 1990 he asked old friend and ex-special forces soldier Dan Hill to evaluate the risks to the World Trade Centre. The garage was pin pointed as a weak point, but no official response to their report was forthcoming.

In 1993, a van packed with explosives was detonated 30 feet from where they had predicted.

1993 should have been a wake-up all for all. Rick pressed Dean Witter to move out of the Twin Towers believing that the next attack would come by air.

Eight years later, Rick Rescorla would personally escort all 20 floors of Morgan Stanley employees out of the building and to safety.

The day that changed the world

8.46am, September 11 2001, American Airlines, flight 11 crashed into the north tower of the World Trade Centre.

Amid the panic and desperation that ensued, Rick Rescorla could be found guiding people out of the south tower, despite speaker announcements in the building to the contrary advising people to remain inside.

9.03am and the second passenger plane crashed into the south tower. Despite fears that the building would fall, Rick returned to the building again, singing Cornish songs in an effort to keep spirits up.

10.05am, the south tower collapsed and Rick Rescorla lost his life.

His memory lives on

In all, Rick Rescorla lead 2,700 men and women to safety.

Despite his valiant deeds, Rick hasn’t yet received official recognition, but in his Cornish birthplace, the campaign continues for an honour.

Official recognition aside, Rick Rescorla’s bravery and selflessness has touched thousands - not only those he helped to save, but their loved ones too, ensuring his memory will never die.