Ex-Marine who saved 2 at WTC gets recognition

Jason Thomas skipped class when he heard of the attacks on the WTC.
COLUMBUS (AP) -- A Sept. 11 hero who remained anonymous for almost five years still believes he deserves no special recognition for risking his life and saving the lives of two police officers in the attack on the World Trade Center in New York.
"I just feel privileged to have been able to help," Jason Thomas told hundreds of people gathered Wednesday to honor him at the Ohio Supreme Court, where he now works as a security officer. He said many other first- and second-responders at ground zero, including many who lost their lives, were more worthy of being singled out.
Thomas, 32, an ex-Marine, was living in Long Island at the time of the attacks. When he heard the news, he opted to skip criminal justice class, grab his Marine uniform and go help.
With another rescuer, he saved the lives of two Port Authority police officers, then disappeared to the next task at hand.
His role came to light when he saw the trailer for the Oliver Stone film "World Trade Center" about rescue efforts at the site, which featured the police rescue, and reluctantly came forward with his story.
Ohio dignitaries
A lineup of Ohio dignitaries -- including Chief Justice Tom Moyer, Lt. Gov. Bruce Johnson and House Speaker Jon Husted -- saw the combination of Thomas' bravery, selflessness and humility in not seeking recognition as exemplary.
"We want to honor you as a living example of what America is at its best, what we all hope we would be if we were in your shoes," said Husted, before issuing Thomas one of several proclamations of the day.