Rick Rescorla

From Hayle boy to 9/11 Hero

Richard “Rick” Rescorla was born Cyril Richard Rescorla on 27 May 1939 in Hayle, Cornwall. Raised by his grandparents on Penpol Terrace, he grew up during the Second World War when American soldiers were stationed in Hayle preparing for D-Day. Their courage and professionalism inspired the young boy who dreamed of becoming a soldier himself.

At the age of 16, Rick left Hayle to join the British Army. He trained as a paratrooper and later served in Cyprus before becoming a police inspector in Northern Rhodesia (now Zambia). Seeking a greater challenge, he emigrated to the United States in 1963, where he joined the U.S. Army. During the Vietnam War he became one of the most respected officers in the legendary 1st Cavalry Division. His bravery earned him the Silver Star, Bronze Star, Purple Heart and the admiration of his commanding officers, who regarded him as one of the finest leaders they had served with.

After leaving the military, Rick gained university degrees in law and criminal justice before moving into corporate security. He eventually became Vice President of Security for Morgan Stanley, whose offices occupied many floors of the South Tower of New York’s World Trade Center.

Following the 1993 terrorist bombing of the World Trade Center, Rick became convinced that terrorists would return. Despite criticism from some employees who thought his regular evacuation drills were unnecessary, he insisted they practise leaving the building quickly and calmly. Those drills would later save thousands of lives.

On the morning of 11 September 2001, when the first aircraft struck the North Tower, Morgan Stanley employees were told over the public address system to remain where they were. Rick ignored the instruction. Trusting his instincts and experience, he immediately ordered a full evacuation. Using a bullhorn, he calmly directed staff down the stairwells, encouraging them by singing Cornish songs and “God Bless America” to keep people focused and calm.

Thanks to his planning and leadership, approximately 2,700 Morgan Stanley employees and visitors escaped safely before the South Tower collapsed. Rather than save himself, Rick repeatedly climbed back into the building to search for anyone still trapped. He was last seen heading upwards shortly before the tower fell at 9:59 a.m. He never returned. His actions are widely credited with saving thousands of lives.

Today, Rick Rescorla is remembered as one of the great heroes of 9/11. His name is inscribed on the National September 11 Memorial in New York, and in his hometown of Hayle a memorial stands opposite his childhood home on Penpol Terrace. His remarkable story has been told in books, documentaries and even an opera, ensuring that future generations remember the Cornishman whose courage, foresight and selfless leadership transformed one of history’s darkest days into a story of hope and heroism.