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 July 4, 1974) is an American hero and a former Marine. He became famous for his brave actions after the September 11 attacks in 2001. In New York City, he helped find and rescue people trapped in the rubble of the World Trade Center. Working with another Marine, David Karnes, he found two Port Authority Police officers who were buried.
A Hero's Story
The Day the Towers Fell
On September 11, 2001, Jason Thomas was dropping off his daughter. He heard that planes had hit the World Trade Center towers. Thomas, who was 27, had just finished his active duty as a Marine. 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. Thomas felt he had to help. He said, "Someone needed help. It didn't matter who." He knew his Marine training could be useful. He thought, "My city is in need."
The Rescue Mission
Thomas soon met another Marine veteran, Staff Sergeant David Karnes. Thomas suggested they start a search-and-rescue mission. They tried to get other Marines and soldiers to join them. However, they were told the mission was too dangerous.
Thomas and Karnes decided to go alone. Thomas said, "We're going to start the search and rescue with or without you because someone needs us." They carried a shovel and climbed over the huge piles of debris. They kept calling out, "Is anyone down there? United States Marines!"
They met a retired EMT (Emergency Medical Technician) named Chuck Sereika. Chuck crawled into a deep hole where two Port Authority Police officers were trapped. Their names were Will Jimeno and John McLoughlin. Chuck started treating Will's injuries. A fire was burning in the hole, making it very dangerous.
Despite the danger, the rescuers kept working. They would sometimes climb out to clear their lungs from the smoke. After about 20 minutes, firefighters and other emergency workers joined them. After five hours of digging, the two police officers were finally rescued. Another officer, Dominick Pezzulo, was trapped with them. He was badly hurt and died trying to help Will. He fired his gun to signal for help before he passed away.
Life After the Rescue
Jason Thomas returned to the World Trade Center site every day to help. He then tried to move on from the events. He did not even tell his five children about his brave rescues. He had only told Karnes and others that he was "Sergeant Thomas."
Since 2006, Thomas has been serving in the United States Air Force. He works as a medical technician.
Jason Thomas's story was shown in the movie World Trade Center, directed by Oliver Stone. An actor named William Mapother played Thomas. The movie producers later said they did not know the real Jason Thomas was Black until filming had begun.
In 2007, the TV show Extreme Makeover: Home Edition featured Jason Thomas and his family. After 9/11, Thomas and his wife moved their four children from New York to Whitehall, Ohio. Their house began to fall apart, and the show helped them rebuild it.
In 2013, a UK TV show called The Lost Hero of 9/11 shared Thomas's story. It detailed his involvement in the rescue operation.
As of 2025, Jason Thomas lives in Whitehall, Ohio, 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.
