Courageous Calls from 9/11: The Heroism of Hijacked Plane Passengers

On September 11, 2001, the world witnessed an act of unimaginable horror as hijacked planes crashed into the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center and the Pentagon. Amidst the chaos and tragedy, passengers aboard these planes made heroic phone calls to loved ones and authorities, providing vital information and inspiring countless others. Their courage and sacrifice played a crucial role in understanding the unfolding events and rallying a nation in support.

In the face of imminent danger, passengers on hijacked commercial planes made heroic phone calls to loved ones and emergency personnel, providing crucial information about the tragic events unfolding around them.

Courageous Calls from 9/11: The Heroism of Hijacked Plane Passengers

These phone calls, which were either made directly or through the GTE Airfone service, provided vital details about the hijackings, the number of hijackers, the weapons they were carrying, and the potential presence of bombs. This information assisted authorities in responding to the attacks, understanding the intentions of the hijackers, and taking appropriate actions to mitigate the potential damage.

One of the most harrowing phone calls was made by Betty Ann Ong, a flight attendant aboard American Airlines Flight 11. Her 23-minute call to the American Airlines reservation desk provided a detailed account of the hijacking, including the stabbing of a passenger in business class, the use of Mace by the hijackers, and the possibility of the plane being taken to another country.

Courageous Calls from 9/11: The Heroism of Hijacked Plane Passengers

Marion Britton, a passenger on Flight 93, called her friend, Fred Fuimano, at 9:49 a.m. She informed him that the plane had been hijacked, that two passengers had been killed, and that the plane was turning to crash. Fuimano's interview with FBI agents revealed further details of the call, including Britton's knowledge of the attacks on the World Trade Center.

Sandy Bradshaw, a flight attendant on Flight 93, called the Speed Dial Fix number at the United Airlines maintenance facility in San Francisco. During her call, she reported the presence of hijackers, the threat of a bomb, and the stabbing of a flight attendant.

Courageous Calls from 9/11: The Heroism of Hijacked Plane Passengers

Todd Beamer, a passenger on Flight 93, made a call to GTE Airfone operators at 9:43 a.m. and provided a detailed account of the hijacking. He reported that the captain and first officer had been injured or killed, that a hijacker had a bomb strapped to his waist, and that two hijackers armed with knives were in the cockpit. He also indicated that the passengers were planning to fight back against the hijackers.

Other heroic phone calls were made by Tom Burnett, Edward Felt, Jeremy Glick, CeeCee Lyles, Brian Sweeney, and Mark Bingham. Each of these individuals provided important information about the hijackings, the number of hijackers, the weapons they were carrying, and the potential presence of bombs.

Courageous Calls from 9/11: The Heroism of Hijacked Plane Passengers

The courage and heroism displayed by these passengers during the 9/11 attacks serve as a testament to the resilience and determination of the human spirit. Their actions not only helped to inform the authorities and rally the nation but also inspired countless others to step up and make a difference in the face of adversity.