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He was at his desk at the Pentagon on 9/11. As the chaos unfolded, he refused to leave

He was at his desk at the Pentagon on 9/11. As the chaos unfolded, he refused to leave

Summary

Matthew Klimow, a retired army colonel, stayed at the Pentagon during the 9/11 terrorist attacks despite the chaos and danger after it was hit by a hijacked plane. His book describes how military leaders controlled their emotions to manage the crisis, though communication problems and command confusion made the response difficult.

Key Facts

  • Matthew Klimow was at his desk in the Pentagon on 9/11 when the building was hit.
  • The attack killed 64 people on the plane and 125 inside the Pentagon.
  • Klimow stayed to help manage the situation, showing leadership during the crisis.
  • The attacks involved planes hitting the World Trade Center in New York and a field in Pennsylvania.
  • Military leaders had to balance following rules with needing to act quickly and improvise.
  • Communication issues and unclear command chains delayed some responses.
  • General Richard Myers was acting chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff on 9/11.
  • President Donald Trump planned to mark the 25th anniversary of 9/11 at a Pentagon ceremony.
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