9/11 Ordinary People: Extraordinary Heroes: NYC - The First Battle in the War Against Terror!

by Will G. Merrill Jr.

Twice named “BOOK of the YEAR!” (Florida Writer’s Assn and MilitaryWriters.com) This book relates the stories of many heroic people directly involved in the attack on our country at the World Trade Center on 9/11. On September 11, 2001, American Airlines Flight 11 left Boston’s Logan airport at 7:59 a.m., followed fifteen minutes later, at 8:14 a.m., by United Airlines Flight 175. Both jets were subsequently hijacked by Islamic fundamentalist terrorists and rerouted to a flight path headed toward Manhattan. At 8:47 a.m., just 48 minutes after take-off, Flight 11 crashed into the North Tower of the World Trade Center; at 9:03 a.m., 16 minutes later, Flight 175 crashed into the South Tower of the World Trade Center. The images of these moments are forever etched in the minds of those who watched them unfold in person and on television. The stories rendered here with stunning emotion and depth of feeling by retired Army Colonel Will Merrill Jr. will stand as vivid reminders of the deep sense of pain experienced by an entire nation. Interviews feature more than sixty heroic people directly involved with the events of that day, including Mayor Rudy Giuliani, the Fire Commissioner of New York City, two Department Chiefs of the Port Authority Police Department and the Senior Deputy Chief of the New York City Police Department as well as ordinary people affected by the loss of human life. Colonel Merrill evokes the spirit of the fallen as both a reminder that the threat of terrorism is still very real and to call attention to those still suffering from the effects of that horrific day. Many of those exposed to Ground Zero both on 9/11 as well as in the relief effort are experiencing severe health problems, including suffering from PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder), and it is paramount that the heroes of these events never be forgotten. Full of heart wrenching tales of loss and awe-inspiring moments of valor and bravery, Ordinary Extraordinary Heroes is a profoundly moving call to arms to make sure the events that occurred that day never happen again on American soil. Introduction by Congressman Peter T. King, Chairman Homeland Security Committee.

Genres: Nonfiction, History

288 pages, Paperback

First published July 4, 2011

Reviews

[Dan Stern · Rating 4 out of 5]

I congratulate Colonel Merrill on writing such an inspiring and gripping book.

'9/11 Ordinary People: Extraordinary Heroes...' is riveting, frank and utterly readable. It is evident that Colonel Merrill has done exhausting research to get this right, and he sets a somber, realistic tone in all his stories. At the end, you realize there is no 'Happy Ending' to this book (how can there be?), but survivors and their families do learn to go on with their lives as best they can.

Colonel Merrill also took the time to make sure we are exposed to person's of most faiths and backgrounds while telling their stories, a very good extra effort on his part.

Perhaps the best comment I can offer is that as I went to work that fateful morning back in 2001 in Los Angeles in my second career after the military, geographically distant from the unfolding tragedy, and watched somberly and disbelieving as events unfolded on the television in our conference room, I could not know the depth and personal involvement of victims, First Responders, and their families in this murderous attack on America.

Now, after reading Colonel Merrill's book, I feel I do, and it has made me closer to them as a retired military man who has shared situations in extremis with heroes.

Colonel Merrill, if you see this revised review I salute you, and I congratulate you again Sir on writing a fine book.

[Lise R. · Rating 4 out of 5]

A touching homage to all those who lost their lives on 9/11 trying to help others

This book is a touching homage to many of the heroes who lost their lives trying to help others during 9/11 in New York.
It makes us know these brave firefighters and police officers better, know who they were, their families,etc.
It become a little repetitive as, of course, unfortunately, most of them faced the same horror, like the bodies of the people who jumped off the twin towers hitting the ground with a noise that sounded like an explosive.
Though I perfectly understand that the book deals mainly with firefighters and policemen, I thought it would also tell us of other anonymous heroes but unfortunately this didn’t happen except in a couple of cases.
It’s a harsh reading but a wonderful tribute to these brave men.

[Paula Hilston · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outstanding

I have read and watched a lot pertaining to 9/11/01 but this book jumps to the front of the pack. Thank you to all who shared this painful part of your lives so that the rest of us will never forget.

The book is extremely "readable" , captivating and moving. The writer has covered so many of the things which are important about that tragic day. Definitely recommend reading.

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

I bought this book when I visited the 9/11 memorial for the first time last month. Although I remember the day well, I learned many new things with this reading. It was humbling and somber to read of just a small sampling of the many many people who were courageous that day and put the welfare of others ahead of their own.

[Mitch Cheselka · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful Book

Incredibly sad, happy, depressing and uplifting all at once. My heart will always be with everyone who was deeply touched and forever affected by this dastardly and cowardly act of murder. May all the victims and heroes forever rest in peace.

[Wendy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am emotionally drained...

This book was wonderful. Some of the stories were ones that I have heard before but most of them were new to me. I am amazed and in awe of the courage shown by so many people and saddened by the loss of so many others. This book is very well written.

[Ryan · Rating 4 out of 5]

very good read ... brought back that fateful September day to my mind - we must never forget

[Ness · Rating 5 out of 5]

Harrowing at times but definitely worth the read. It's an event in our time that won't ever be forgotten and should never be forgotten.

[Nicole Petti · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing Heroes

Thank you for capturing this day with these stories of those amazing people who worked that and many long days after. Definitely a must read, for everyone.

[Sharon Walsh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent

Riveting but still so moving. Brilliant research and a book that memorialises those we lost and mustn't forget. A great book.

[Alex Bonis · Rating 5 out of 5]

wow what a collection of stories from this tragic day in history..

[Breanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was amazing! There are many parts that are sad and shocking. It definitely gives a new perspective reading about the World Trade Center attack from first responders that were onsite on 9/11 and survived. My only disappointment with this book and many like it is that it only mentions the Pennsylvania plane crash once, and the Pentagon attack two or three times. Since the book is called 9/11, I think there should have at least been a small section focusing on the first respnders to the other two attacks.

[Kelly Sullivan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been reading these short stories on my ipad during lunch breaks over the past year or so. I have cried more times than I can count!. I thought it was a way to remember and honor those lives that were lost on 9/11. I do not ever want to forget these amazing heroes. I think this book was well written and told the stories so well.
I will miss reading these stories, I may start over tomorrow.

[Ophelia · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really liked the concept of this book and am glad that I took the time to read it. However, the authors style is pretty unpolished and almost annoyed me enough in the beginning to quit reading it. I think that it will be a good tool to use with my students to show various perspectives of the same event.

[Kristen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this book to be very touching but emotionally hard to get through. The stories were amazing and I cried during several parts. I am honored to have had the opportunity to read these stories, truly miracles from such a tragic day in history.

[Pete · Rating 2 out of 5]

While the events are beyond compelling, this collection was disjointed at best. The author did very little to put together a consistent narrative within each chapter's topic. This is a surface account and no more.

[Liz · Rating 5 out of 5]

I could not put this book down.

[Mary McDonald]

left off on page 65.
Well written, but due to subject matter, has to be read in small doses. Just had to put it down.

[Steve Parcell · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very honest and graphic collection of experiences and events at 9/11. Riveting and yet very difficult to read.