Introduction

I first stumbled upon the story of Rick Rescorla while doing a history project last year. The assignment was to watch a movie that involved history in some way and research the accuracy of the film. I chose We Were Soldiers on my dad's recommendation and we watched it together. I was intrigued by the film and touched by the amazing love they displayed for one another. Many died attempting to save their fallen comrades. One injured soldier got off the helicopter to allow a more severely wounded soldier to take his place as soon as he said "I'll see you back at the camp", he was shot through the heart. Another soldier went back to help his friend, Godbolt, but was shot when carrying him out.

Although Rescorla was never shown in the film, he is on the cover of the book the movie was based on, We Were Soldiers Once… and Young. When researching the authenticity of the film, I found his story online. It was an article called "Would I Have Done What They Did?" at http://www.estatevaults.com/lm/archives/000154.html. I was extremely touched at how Rescorla was a true hero on September 11, 2001. 

Read on to hear his amazing story.