Topic: WTC GIs Win Recognition

New York Post
October 31, 2007
WASHINGTON - More than six years after rushing to the burning World Trade Center towers, a dozen Army soldiers - mainly New Yorkers - will finally be recognized today in a ceremony at Ground Zero.
Under the rules in each branch of the military, service members generally cannot be awarded recognition for their actions while not under formal command.
"They ran to the sound of guns," said Jim Haynes, the Pentagon's top lawyer, who has worked to see that the soldiers are finally recognized for their bravery. "The militia came to the call of their country." None of the heroes was on active duty when planes crashed into the towers on 9/11. But, instead of awaiting orders, each sprang into action.
About 180 troops fell following the same call to duty.
Charles Hurt