Heart of a Soldier

Heart of a Soldier follows the real-life story of Rick Rescorla, a British-born American soldier and security expert. The narrative traces his journey from his youth in Cornwall through his military service in colonial Rhodesia and Vietnam, to his later career in corporate security in New York City. Stewart reconstructs Rescorla's life through extensive interviews, documents, and firsthand accounts from family members and close friends. The book pays particular attention to his friendship with Dan Hill, a fellow soldier who became his lifelong confidant and adventure partner. The story centers on Rescorla's work as head of security at Morgan Stanley in the World Trade Center, where he implemented evacuation procedures and predicted potential security threats. His relationship with his wife Susan provides a personal dimension to his professional life during this period. This biography examines themes of duty, friendship, and prophetic vision while raising questions about the nature of heroism and personal sacrifice. Through Rescorla's story, Stewart presents a meditation on what drives certain individuals to place themselves in harm's way for the protection of others.

Readers describe this as both a war story and love story that chronicles Rick Rescorla's life through military service and his final acts on 9/11. Many note the extensive research and compelling narrative style. Readers appreciated: - The detailed accounts of Rescorla's experiences in Vietnam - The portrayal of his relationship with wife Susan - The balance of military history and personal story - First-hand accounts from people who knew him Common criticisms: - Too much focus on Vietnam compared to other periods - Some found the pacing uneven - Military details occasionally overwhelming for general readers Ratings: Goodreads: 4.24/5 (1,200+ ratings) Amazon: 4.7/5 (180+ ratings) Sample review: "Stewart takes what could have been just another 9/11 book and instead gives us a rich biography of an extraordinary man. The military details are precise without being dry." - Goodreads reviewer

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💫 Rick Rescorla, the book's central figure, predicted both attacks on the World Trade Center - first in 1993 and again in 2001 - and worked tirelessly to prepare Morgan Stanley employees through regular evacuation drills. 🎖️ Before his heroic actions on 9/11, Rescorla fought in the Vietnam War and was immortalized on the cover of the military history book "We Were Soldiers Once... and Young." 📚 Author James B. Stewart won the Pulitzer Prize for his reporting at The Wall Street Journal and has written several bestselling books, including "Den of Thieves" about Wall Street corruption. ❤️ The love story between Rick Rescorla and his wife Susan forms a significant part of the narrative, with their first phone conversation lasting over four hours and leading to marriage just months later. 🦸 Thanks to Rescorla's evacuation procedures and leadership on 9/11, he helped save over 2,700 Morgan Stanley employees; he continued making rescue trips into the building until its collapse, making him one of the many first responders who gave their lives saving others.