Morristown, New Jersey
A Hero's Life (and Death)
Legendary Vietnam warrior. Poet and quoter of Shakespeare and Proust. Criminal justice professor. Screenplay author.
Col. Richard C. Rescorla, the head of security for Morgan Stanley Dean Witter's individual investor group, was a big man who lived large and died a hero, barking out orders on a megaphone in a smoke-choked stairwell and personally seeing to it that Morgan Stanley lost only 6 of its 3,700 employees on Sept. 11.
Colonel Rescorla, 62, was carrying out the evacuation plan he had drawn up and repeatedly rehearsed after the 1993 bombing.
He grew up in England, joined the British Army, and moved here in 1963 to fight with the United States Army in Vietnam. He led a platoon through the notorious valley of Ia Drang, where more than 200 American soldiers died; a battlefield photo of him graces the cover of the 1992 best seller "We Were Soldiers Once . . . and Young."
At a gathering of Ia Drang veterans in 1992, Colonel Rescorla, who leaves a wife and two children in Morristown, N.J., described his vision of facing death:
"A man is dying down there in the valley, and what do you do? You hold him in your arms and you say to him ‹ it's all you can say to him ‹ you say: 'You're not alone, son. You're not alone.' And he's gone."
Remembering a true American Hero who Sacrificed His Life to save Countless Other Lives. Heroes are Born that Way, Not taught. You are, and Always will be Richard, Our Trueist Inspiration and a Great roll Model to Look Up to Always. We will Never, Ever Forget Your Sacrifice. Rest In Peace, Colonel.
John and Barbara
September 12, 2023 | Cleveland, OH | Friend
Rest in peace, Rick and I will never forget the many lives you saved over your entire lifetime and keep your family in my thoughts and prayers.
Judy Cherbonneau
September 12, 2023 | Charlestown, NH | Friend
Always a hero. A life well lived. We will never forget you, Colonel.
September 11, 2023
May You Rest in Peace, Col. Richard Rescorla. We will Never Forget You. A True American Hero. We Salute You, Sir. RIP.
John and Barbara
September 16, 2021 | OH | Acquaintance
I read this book, "Heart Of A Soldier" written by James B. Stewart and I highly recommend it to anyone who knew or wants to know more about this heroic warrior. I think of you often, Rick and still treasure the letter, your friend Dan Hill wrote to me, after your death. Rest in peace, sir. https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Heart-of-a-Soldier/James-B-Stewart/9780743244596#:~:text=Heart%20of%20a%20
Judith Cherbonneau
April 25, 2021 | Charlestown, NH | Friend
I want to start an Army ROTC scholarship at University of Tampa in honor of Rick Rescorla, need guidance.
Norman Bild
April 24, 2021 | Teacher
Thank you for your courage, heroism and leadership, You saved so many lives 19 years ago. I will never forget your actions and bravery,
Jordan H
September 12, 2020 | SNELLVILLE, GA
Remembered. A hero whose love for others was always first, even in his passing. Your life is celebrated. I will never forget. May God richly bless your family and friends with continued comfort
September 11, 2020 | NC
Col.Rescorla, you will always be remembered as a hero on the field of combat and in civilian life as you guided those workers out of those burning buildings, as a fellow Vietnam Veteran and former Morristown resident I will never forget what you did. SGT.Vince Nasilli, 173rd Abn.Brigade Vietnam 67-68-69.
Vince Nasilli
September 12, 2017 | Port St. Lucie, FL