“Ordinary People: Extraordinary Heroes” by Col. (ret.) Will G. Merrill Jr., U.S. Army includes interviews of courageous men and women involved in the rescue attempts on and after September 11, 2001
PONTE VEDRA BEACH, Fla. (MMD Newswire) August 3, 2011 – – With the recent death of Osama Bin Laden and the 10-year anniversary of 9/11 rapidly approaching, eyes once again will be focused on Ground Zero in New York City. Inspired by the hundreds of firefighters, police officers and civilians involved with the terrorist attack relief efforts, Col. Will G. Merrill Jr. wrote “Ordinary People: Extraordinary Heroes” (ISBN 1456312219) to commemorate their bravery.
This portrayal takes you face to face with the bravery of ordinary people who found themselves caught in the deadliest terrorist attack the country has ever faced. Merrill aims to help readers witness the events through the eyes of the first responders going into the face of danger to help evacuate 25,000 people.
The book tells the story of those who barely escaped, some buried alive and others trapped for hours under building debris. First responders describe searching for survivors among the wreckage, while others explain their duties as members of clergy and the American Red Cross. In addition, Merrill interviews widows and family members of first responders who gave their lives to help others.
Col. Merrill conducted more than 60 interviews with individuals involved with the rescue efforts after the two planes crashed into the World Trade Center. Interviews include Mayor Rudy Giuliani, Congressman Peter T. King, who wrote the introduction, Sal Cassano, the fire commissioner of New York City, two department chiefs of the Port Authority Police Department, the senior deputy chief of the New York City Police Department and many others to relate the chaos, danger and heartbreak they witnessed.
“Some have never before shared the stories of their heartbreak due to post-traumatic stress disorder,” says Merrill. “My book captures their moving stories through personal interviews not heard until now.”
Through this collection of photographs and interviews, Merrill highlights the bravery and heroism displayed by firefighters, police officers and civilians on and following the events of September 11. The author’s work seeks to inspire readers to rally around these men and women as the 10th anniversary of that day draws near. Merrill also hopes that these men and women get proper treatment for any physical or mental health ailments trigged by that day, such as lung cancer and post-traumatic stress disorder. Most importantly, he hopes that America will remain on alert for terrorist activity so that future tragedies are prevented.
“Ordinary People: Extraordinary Heroes” is available for sale in eBook and paperback forms at Amazon.com and other channels.
About the Author:
Colonel Will G. Merrill Jr., a native of Ashland, Wisconsin, graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point in 1958. He served for 31 years in the U.S. Army, spending 11 years overseas in Germany, Vietnam, Korea and Greece, and has received many awards and recognition over the course of a very distinguished military career.