We, the undersigned, request that before you leave office you posthumously award the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian award for distinguished Americans, to Rick Rescorla for his courage and heroism shown on September 11, 2001.

 This great honor is reserved for individuals who have made especially meritorious contributions to the security or national interests of the United States, world peace, or to cultural or other significant public or private endeavors.

British-born Rick Rescorla, 62, was granted US citizenship in the late 1960s and served in Vietnam.  He was head of security for Morgan Stanley Dean Witter when the two hijacked airliners hit the World Trade Centre in 2001. Morgan Stanley lost only six of its 2,700 employees in the south tower on Sept. 11, a miracle on that day, and company officials say Rescorla deserves most of the credit.  Officials said Rick called headquarters shortly before the tower collapsed to say he was going back up to search for stragglers. Retired Army Col. Cyril Richard Rescorla, originally from Cornwall, is still listed as missing, presumed dead. 

Morgan Stanley officials say Rescorla also told employees that "today is a day to be proud to be American" and they say he also sang "God Bless America"...he liked to sing in a crisis.

I would be proud to be an American if someone like this were to receive this much deserved medal of freedom.  Please grant our request before leaving office.