Jason Thomas (Marine) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Jason Thomas
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Thomas standing at the ruins of the World Trade Center in 2001, days after the attacks.
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| Born | July 4, 1974 |
| Allegiance |  United States of America |
| Service/ |
 United States Marine Corps United States Air Force |
| Rank |  Sergeant (Marine Corps) Technical Sergeant (Air Force) |
| Battles/wars | War in Afghanistan Iraq War |
| Spouse(s) | Kirsti Thomas |
| Children | 5 |
Jason Thomas, born on July 4, 1974, is a brave former U.S. Marine. He is known for helping to rescue people after the terrible September 11 attacks in 2001. On that day, he and another Marine, David Karnes, found two Port Authority Police officers. These officers were trapped under the huge pile of rubble at the World Trade Center in New York City.
Contents
A Hero's Actions on 9/11
Responding to the Attack
On September 11, 2001, Jason Thomas was dropping off his daughter. He was at his mother's house on Long Island. His mother told him that planes had hit the World Trade Center towers. Jason, who was 27 years old, had just finished his active duty in the Marines in August 2001.
He quickly put on his Marine uniform. Then he drove to Manhattan. He had just parked his car when the North Tower of the World Trade Center fell down.
Jason Thomas later told the Associated Press:
"Someone needed help. It didn't matter who," he said. "I didn't even have a plan. But I have all this training as a Marine, and all I could think was, 'My city is in need.'"
Joining Forces with Another Marine
Jason Thomas soon met another Marine veteran. His name was Staff Sergeant David Karnes. Jason shared his idea for a search-and-rescue mission. They tried to get other Marines and soldiers to help. However, they were told the mission was too dangerous.
Jason and David decided to go alone. Jason remembered saying, "We're going to start the search and rescue with or without you because someone needs us."
The Rescue Mission Begins
Jason and David carried an infantryman's shovel. They climbed over the huge piles of debris. They kept calling out, "Is anyone down there? United States Marines!"
They soon met a retired EMT (Emergency Medical Technician) named Chuck Sereika. Chuck crawled into a deep hole, about 50 feet down. Two Port Authority police officers, Will Jimeno and John McLoughlin, were trapped there.
Chuck started to treat Will's injuries. A fire was burning in the hole, making it very dangerous. But the rescuers kept working. They would sometimes climb out to clear their lungs from the smoke. They also needed to cool down from the heat.
Saving Lives
After about 20 minutes, more help arrived. Firefighters and members of the NY Emergency Services Unit joined them. For five hours, they dug and used special tools. These tools were called the "jaws of life."
Finally, the two police officers, Will Jimeno and John McLoughlin, were rescued. A third officer, Dominick Pezzulo, was also trapped. Sadly, he was badly hurt by falling debris. He tried to signal for help by firing his gun.
Jason Thomas returned to Ground Zero every day after that. He wanted to help as much as he could. He didn't even tell his five children about his brave actions. He had only told David Karnes and others that he was "Sergeant Thomas."
Life After the Attacks
Since 2006, Jason Thomas has been serving in the United States Air Force. He works as a medical technician.
His story was even shown in a movie. The film was called World Trade Center by Oliver Stone.
In 2007, the TV show Extreme Makeover: Home Edition featured Jason and his family. After 9/11, Jason and his wife moved their four children from New York to Whitehall, Ohio. Their house started to fall apart, and the show helped them fix it.
In 2013, a UK TV show called The Lost Hero of 9/11 shared Jason's story. It talked about his important role in the rescue after the towers fell.
Jason Thomas Today
As of 2018, Jason Thomas lives in Whitehall, Ohio. He lives there with his wife, Kirsti, and their children. He works as an officer for the Ohio Supreme Court. He also continues to serve as a Technical Sergeant in the United States Air Force.
