Flight 93: The Story, the Aftermath, and the Legacy of American Courage on 9/11

by Tom McMillan, Governor Tom Ridge (Foreword)

United Airlines Flight 93, which took off from Newark Airport the morning of September 11th, 2001, is perhaps the most famous flight in modern American We know of the passenger uprising, but there’s so much more to the story besides its harrowing and oft-told climax. Amazingly, the definitive account of this seminal event has yet to be written.

The book offers the most complete account of what actually took place aboard Flight 93 – from its delayed takeoff in Newark to the moment it plunged upside-down at 563 miles per hour into an open field in rural Somerset County, Pennsylvania. Flight 93 provides a riveting and complete narrative of the lead-up, event, and aftermath of the flight, based on interviews, oral histories, personal tours of the crash site and evidence recently made public. It examines the lead-up to that horrific morning; the stories of the victims who were launched into the center of history; the revolt that saved untold amounts of carnage on the ground and likely, the US Capitol; the eyewitnesses and first responders who rushed to the crash scene; the impact on family members; the effort to uncover evidence at the site; and the legacy the story leaves for future generations.

Genres: Nonfiction, History, True Crime, Terrorism, Aviation, American History, Audiobook

288 pages, Hardcover

First published September 1, 2014

Reviews

[Bob · Rating 4 out of 5]

I would normally not have read this book. 9/11 and Flight 93 happened so long ago. But on a recent trip to the East we stopped at the memorials for the World Trade Center and Flight 93. The New York City memorial is located in the middle of the city, people all around, all sharing the solemn memorials constructed to help us remember.

The Flight 93 Memorial is different. It's out in a field. They had to construct roads just to get to the site. It's quiet. A few other people were there with us. It is a magnificent memorial that brings you personally into the event that took place there. In the visitors center we listened to the calls being made that day between passengers and families. More than once you stop and work on that lump in your throat and the tears in your eyes. So I saw the book and bought it and read it all. It is, as the Kirkus Reviews puts it, "A solid retelling of the tragedy." As I read I often reached for a Kleenex, little details suddenly bringing tears to my eyes. I recommend the book, but so much more I recommend you visit the Flight 93 Memorial and purchase the book there.

[Sarah Swann · Rating 5 out of 5]

These books are always so hard to read. I teared up multiple times. I’ve been to the memorial site so I can clearly picture everything that happened. This was well researched and clear cut. Great resource!

[Dawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

A well written and detailed book that was hard to read at times. This made me cry a few times, reliving that tragic day in America. In 2017 I visited the memorial in Shanksville. The park is a perfect memorial to honor the 40 passengers who became American heroes on 9/11/01. The beautiful landscape makes for a quiet and peaceful place to reflect and pay tribute to these Patriots. I found it very interesting to read about the planning and details that went into creating the memorial. The author did a wonderful job of taking us through the before leading up to, the tragedy of the entire day, the aftermath and many years after. Although it is hard to relive that day, there were many new details that I learned. Never forget!

[Joshua Bishop · Rating 4 out of 5]

I bought this book almost 10 years ago when the author came to my college and signed copies after a PR session to promote the book and just got around to reading it.

I was 6 years old during 9/11 and living in NW PA, in the flight path of Flight 93. I didn’t know that then of course, but I do have memories of that day. Getting sent home from school, something that never happened. Sitting with my mom and just watching the news all day and all night long.

Tom McMillan so well captures the feelings of 9/11 and the hero’s aboard Flight 93 that I had to stop several times because I was overcome with emotion. It really takes you back and puts you aboard the plane with those 40 heroes. All I can say about this book is that it is the definitive account of Flight 93 and everyone should take a moment to give it a read. So quick we are to remember the images of the burning Towers and Pentagon that we forget what 40 individuals did to stop a 4th attack.

I cannot recommend this book enough.

[Hannah · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a moving book. It gave back story for the people who were killed that day in the plane crash in Shanksville, PA. It also gave back story to the terrorists. It explains how long they prepared and what they did to get ready for that day. They felt loyal to Allah and thought they were doing the right thing. They served a “god” who they thought wanted them to kill thousands of innocent people. That’s no god I would want to serve.

This book is a wonderful way to help remember those 40 people who died on Flight 93. They are real people and they have real families.

*There was a bit of swearing throughout.

[Andrea · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am eternally grateful for the insights and words McMillan provided in this book. It was well researched and written in such a way that made me emotionally exhausted from the retelling of the story and the memories it evoked. I truly could only read a chapter or two without having to step away for a moment and reset.

The tears were plentiful. May we commend their souls to the earth and to our hearts.

"They couldn't predict the character and mettle of the forty people who would arrive at Gate 17 at Newark International Airport that morning and step through the doorway onto United Flight 93."

[Ben S. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outstanding book to understand better the heroism that took place on that flight. The book is very graphic about the deaths of the passengers, as well as very sad. But it puts you on the plane with them, inside the minds of the terrorist, and with the families as the mourn. You will become a better American and more knowledgeable citizen by reading this book.

[Chris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic. Must-read.

[Deb Rindfield · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best books I've ever read and especially after just visiting the memorial. It will haunt, yet inspire me the rest of my life.

[Melissa Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book I read about the Flight 93 and the heroic actions of the passengers and crew on that fateful day 20 years ago.
When the terrorist attacks happened on September 11, 2001, I was in the fifth grade and remember how I felt and where I was. Reading on a heavy topic like this gave me chills. There were multiple times while reading where I got literal chills on my body and when I had to set the book down to let what I just read sit with me.

I will definitely be reading this book again and I highly recommend it.

[Mike · Rating 3 out of 5]

This first half of this book where you find out about the terrorists backgrounds,how they highjacked the planes and what happened on the flight was good but then after that most of the book just talks about ceremonies and speeches and the twin towers which you can easily find on YouTube.There is a chapter where you can see pictures of what they found from the Flight 93 crash near the end of the book but that was the only chapter I enjoyed in the second half of the book.
I read the ebook version so the picture locations might be different in the paperback and hardback.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stunning.

At this time of year, I am often inspired to read a book about September 11th. This is one of the very best. It is so well written and organized. I have read a lot about Flight 93, but this one is completely comprehensive and included so much more than I expected. An absolute must-read for those looking to learn more about Flight 93 and September 11th.

[Rosario · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very well written and researched! Thoroughly enjoyed

[Teresa Brewen-White · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading about how the attacks were planned by the terrorists was very hard. The documentary about the heroes was heartwarming and I shed many tears. Would highly recommend, everyone should know the story of the heroes of flight 93.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars, rounded up.

Well researched and well written. This book was fascinating and a wonderful tribute to the passengers on Flight 93. I cried several times.

[Karina Dulin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely heart-rending.

[John · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a VERY emotional book for anyone who remembers vividly that Tuesday in September, 2001. Just as prior generations remember where they were when it was announced about Pearl Harbor and when President Kennedy was shot, so too does this impact each of us when we can re-trace our steps of what we did, and where we were, as these events unfolded.

The author does a very good job of bringing out the background of the story and the insidious steps taken by the terrorists in planning, training, and carrying out their sinister plan.

I began to skim-read once the in-depth descriptions began of each of the passengers and crew; their backgrounds and who they were prior to that fateful day. It became more difficult to read as the story truly comes to life and you begin to relive that day through the all-too-real descriptions from phone calls from the actual Flight 93.

It is a story that we should NEVER forget and also NEVER forget the courageous acts of the passengers in forcing the plane from hitting Washington DC, most likely the Capitol. That being said, be certain you can stomach the bad dreams and horrible flashes that accompanied some very good research and writing.

[J U · Rating 5 out of 5]

We all wanted to know what was going on beyond the news story on September 11th. Being very well researched, this book goes back to the beginning where the original idea for the terrorist attack began, and traces the story of each individual that was involved in order to piece together what really happened that day. Truly a tragedy, the story of those brave citizens is brought to life and their legacy will live more effectively within the pages of this book. It captivates your attention as you seek the truth.

[Patricia Miller · Rating 4 out of 5]

McMillan did a brilliant job of covering a much talked about subject. I heard him speak in early fall and was convinced that he was the only person who could have taken on this challenge and shine a spotlight on areas previously left in darkness.

[e.m. richter · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is America

We have forgotten those things that we share. Love of family, of country. Integrity, bravery. This book reminds us of who we really are. As Americans, as humans. It made me want to be better, more kind, more tolerant. Grateful. Every one should read it.

[Patrick Riley · Rating 5 out of 5]

An outstanding book. I would recommend it to anyone.

[Bonnie Foster · Rating 4 out of 5]

Spellbound

Even though I was watching the tv coverage on that awful day, I still learned many things from this book. It is well researched. I do recommend reading this book.

[Henry Luecht · Rating 4.5 out of 5]

Powerful and well rounded account.

[Jennie Searp · Rating 5 out of 5]

I will write a review but I need some time to process this incredible book.

I'm going to add in my email that I sent to the "Friends of Flight93" which include this book. I don't know what else to say, this book needs to read. It's written with love, that you can feel.

My husband and I just visited the Flight 93 memorial recently. I needed to express my gratitude for how extremely well done the memorial was. It was incredibly heartbreaking and beautiful. To be honest, I didn’t know much about Flight 93. When 9/11 happened the news being relayed to the public was not focused on PA. I knew the passengers took control of the flight and it was near Pittsburgh (I grew up in Beaver Falls) but that was about it. We were in Washington DC and decided after being at the Pentagon and the memorial there to drive to Beaver Falls to see my family when I realized the Flight 93 memorial was on the way and we stopped. Driving down the road toward the memorial there is an eerie, calm feeling and we immediately started having questions. We were at the memorial for over 2 hrs. We couldn’t leave, didn’t want to leave. Our hearts were shattered. I have not ever sobbed the way I did that day being there. My heart was aching for those people but I also came to know they are heroes in every sense of that word. As we left and the few days after I couldn’t get the story, the people and the memorial off my mind and heart. Each of those passengers stayed with me when I left there. I needed to know these hero’s stories, they needed to be heard, read, and listened to. So I googled the “best books about Flight 93” and came across a book written by Tom McMillian called “Flight 93: The Story, the Aftermath, and the Legacy of American Courage on 9/11”. I read this book in 2 days and it answered every question I had. I felt a peace and ease knowing their courage, bravery and that there is the most beautiful resting place for them. Over the past few weeks I find myself talking to everyone about the memorial and it has become my favorite spot in the world. I want to come back time and time again to honor those incredible humans who changed the course of history, who don’t get enough credit and should be hero’s to all American’s. The memorial is beyond spectacular and so beautifully done. It is such a place of honor and peace even with the tragedy that took place there. I am in awe of the memorial and the people whose lives were taken that day. I feel as if I left a piece of my own heart there and I’m carrying those passengers with me. Thank you for creating such a moving, unsettling, beautiful spot for those loved individuals.

[Tyler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tom McMillan, a longtime American history enthusiast who has also authored books on the Revolution and Civil War, explores one of the most incredible stories from the early twenty-first century in this book. He tells the story of how forty people who walked aboard an airplane as strangers nonetheless banded together to prevent a group of four terrorists from reaching their intended destination on September 11, 2001. Readers not only gain a sense of how the passengers of Flight 93 refused to go quietly in the midst of terror, but also of how the people of rural Pennsylvania reacted to the crash of the plane in their vicinity. The tragedy brought out the best in so many people, from the members of the FBI who found debris from the plane, to Somerset County coroner Wally Miller who oversaw the recovery of human remains and did everything he could to comfort the victims' families, to the visitors to the memorial site who left behind touching mementos, to the family members themselves who shared their memories of the loved ones they had lost. Near the end of the book, readers will also learn about the efforts of Paul Murdoch to design a memorial entitled the "Crescent of Embrace" that honors the victims while also allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the tranquility of the field where the crash happened (I had the honor of visiting this site myself). Since McMillan wrote the book more than a decade after 9/11, he concludes by taking readers through the legacy of Flight 93. He recounts the successes of the War on Terror and the determination of airplane passengers to never "sit idly by while their lives were threatened" in the years to come. "'Let's roll' wasn't just a slogan or a bumper sticker," he writes. "It was a new call to action." Readers who want to learn about the courageous actions of airplane passengers who became citizen soldiers, and the heartening aftermath of it in the Keystone State, would be well advised to read this book.

[Mike S · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a book that was written around the ten-year anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks that is almost exclusively devoted to what happened on Flight 93 (which was the plane that crashed in rural Pennsylvania after the passengers and crew fought back), and the aftermath for the families and the nation as a whole. The author does detail some of the other events of the day, mostly the likely sequence of events that resulted in the other planes being hijacked and what targets they hit, but the focus of this book is mostly on Flight 93.

The author interviewed many of the family members of the people on board the flight as well as the people who saw, heard, and/or felt the plane crash, and the responders (mostly the local coroner who became a rock for the families as he was trying to find and then identify remains) in his research. Even if you have watched many of the 9/11 documentaries and/or read the other books (even those devoted to Flight 93, specifically) there is probably material in this book that you have not heard. Both about the people on the plane (why they were traveling, etc.) and about the hijacker's movements before 9/11. There is also a lot of detail on the family member's fight to hear the cockpit voice recorder tape, and all the back-and-forth that they had to do with the FBI in order to be able to listen to it. The book is fairly short, just under 300 pages, and provides a lot of information. There are most definitely very sad parts, especially when he quotes family members, and especially those who got to talk to their loved ones before the fight for control of the plane began. It is definitely worth reading.

[SKP · Rating 5 out of 5]

We recently visited the Flight 93 Memorial in this, the year of the 25th anniversary of 9/11. As much as I appreciate and have also read about the other attacks, this one really seems to hit hardest for me, because of the heroism of the passengers and flight staff. I’d been at the top of the World Trade Center before 9/11 so that one hits me hard too, and I don’t want to downplay the countless heroes of that day in New York City & DC. But there is something special about the Flight 93 heroes because they were the first and only ones to fight back against the hijackers and keep them from being successful in their “mission”. Obviously, the other people on the other flights did not have any opportunities, and we should never forget their sacrifice or their names either—I just feel such a strong love for these Flight 93 heroes that I can’t even put it into words. I cannot imagine finding out that you have little to no chance of survival but refusing to go down without a fight. They thought of their loved ones, as well as countless strangers whose lives they saved by not letting the hijackers get to their destination, not to mention their country before themselves. They were just “regular people”, not first responders or politicians or movie stars. They also helped SO much by helping to give the authorities information, both through their last phone calls & by forcing the plane to have to crash in a field where it was so much easier to obtain information. I pray for their families and loved ones, and I pray that they truly may never be forgotten.

[John · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was 11 years old when the 9/11 attacks occurred. I saw the collapse of the Twin Towers, heard the first news when the Pentagon was attacked and a fourth plane crashing into a field in my home state. I thought the flight was shot down. As more information came out, there was evidence that the passengers and crew attacked.

I saw the Paul Greengrass movie with my dad in 2006 and I felt the tension watching the movie and it brought back memories of that horrible day. I even visited Shanksville before it became a national park because volunteers were maintaining it. The story of United 93 is an interesting story. I have showed the movie to my students, and they are always respectful and find the story interesting.

I read Tom McMillan's book, and it was not a bad read. He writes well and it is a good introduction. The first section of the book is the best part of the book. It covers the planning of the attack. My issue with this book is the speculation of what happened the last minutes of the flight. McMillan does a lot of what ifs or Did that happen? We will never know what happened from 9:57-10:03. Whether the passengers made it in the cockpit or not may never be known, but they fought. They succeeded in saving others and the destruction of another building.

McMillan's book definitely honors these passengers and crew members.

[Barb · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read in preparation for an upcoming trip to the Flight 93 Memorial, I learned a lot. This book was very well done. McMillan does an excellent job covering Flight 93, from beginning to end, going into the background of the hijackers and how the plot developed, the lives of the passengers, what happened on the plane, what happened at the crash site afterward, how the families dealt with it, the creation of the memorial, and the legacy. It's a lot to cover, and McMillan keeps the story moving and gets it done in just over 200 pages. The details were obviously a bit graphic at times, but it's all treated very respectfully.

I bumped it down to 4 stars because the prose frequently turned overly effusive about the actions of the passengers--which I 100% understand, but it got to be a bit much at times. I also felt the ending dragged on a bit. I kept being like, "And...we're done. No. Annnnnd...we're done? Nope." It was also a bit hard to take some of the "Bringing the country together" rhetoric given the events of the past few years. (The book was published in 2014, but I'd imagine that the bulk of it was probably written by 2012.)

But I have a new appreciation of what happened. Highly recommend for those who can deal with the upsetting subject matter.

[Jo Jackson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you Tom for this very detailed and respectful look into the tragedy that affected your country and its people.
I have been to the Flight 93 site twice now. Once when the temporary memorial was set up and the marble slabs were put in place to remember the 40 people from the flight and then 12 months afterwards to see the new permanent memorial as part of the National Park area.
When visiting the second time I went with some friends and their young children, who were not even born when the September 11 tragedies took place. Trying to explain to them this part of history was hard but the permanent memorial and the time and effort put into the respectful and long term up keep of this significant location will stand the test of time to allow those who are born now understand what happened in the near past.
It is such a shame that there are people in the world who give up the one chance of living a great life to try and take other people's lives away from them. Truly remarkable people are those who were on Flight 93 who fought a short battle to save their country, country men and ensure others didn't suffer.