Posted on 05/21/2005 10:55:02 AM PDT by Lexington Green
Tony Blair has backed calls for a posthumous honour for a British-born hero of the September 11 terrorist attacks on New York, it has emerged.
Rick Rescorla served in Vietnam Rick Rescorla, 62, was head of security for Morgan Stanley Dean Witter when two hijacked airliners hit the World Trade Centre in 2001.
He died after helping save 2,700 people by making sure they left the South Tower before it collapsed. His body has never been found.
Originally from Hayle, west Cornwall, Mr Rescorla was granted US citizenship in the late 1960s and served in Vietnam.
In 2002 he was turned down for a UK gallantry award because he did not meet the criteria, but now the Prime Minister has supported the campaign to have his courage recognised in the United States.
In a letter to Cornish Lib Dem MP Andrew George, Mr Blair wrote: "You may be aware that there has been a campaign in the US to secure a posthumous Presidential Medal of Freedom for Mr Rescorla.
"It appears that no medal has yet been awarded, but we are trying to find out the current position from the US administration.
"If the award is to be made, I believe this would be the most appropriate way to recognise Mr Rescorla's bravery. However, I will certainly see that the matter continues to be fully considered."
Mr George, whose St Ives constituency includes Hayle, welcomed the Prime Minister's response.
But he said: "Frankly it is shameful that we are now nearly four years on from the terrible event itself and Rick Rescorla has not received, posthumously, what all
''Knighthoods are never given posthumously. In fact the insignia of knighthoods are returned after death to the Crown. However. Mr. Rescola is deserving of a George Cross, the Crown's highest decoration for civilian bravery.
It is given for: "acts of conspicuous gallantry performed by men or women when not in the face of the enemy".
A GC takes precedence over a mere knighthood anyway.''
Thanks for this info.
tonk bump
ping
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Lifesaver RICK RESCORLA's statue joyfully unveiled - Ft. Benning GA
http://www.Freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1608896/posts
5th Anniversary TV Coverage - The History Channel
8pm
September 11th, 2006
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NEVER FORGET
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The Murderer of 9/11 Lifesaver of 1,000’s and of many at our “WE WERE SOLDIERS” Battle of IA DRANG-1965 .. one RICK RESCORLA.. is now dead..!!!
http://www.ArmchairGeneral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=24361
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NEVER FORGET
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