Because it’s what Marines do

In fact, it’s what all our brave men and women in uniform do.

This story is a week old, but in terms of sentimental value, it’s timeless:

COLUMBUS, Ohio – An ex-Marine identified five years after risking his life to save two police officers at the World Trade Center during the Sept. 11 attacks says he deserves no special recognition.

“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, was living on New York’s Long Island at the time of the 2001 attacks. When he heard the news, he skipped his criminal justice class, grabbed his Marine uniform and headed for the twin towers to 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 recently saw the trailer for the Oliver Stone film “World Trade Center” about rescue efforts at the site, which featured the police rescue, and hesitantly came forward with his story. Neither New York authorities nor the film’s producers had been able to locate the man who identified himself at the site only as “Sgt. Thomas,” and Stone cast him in the movie as a white man though he is black.

A lineup of Ohio dignitaries — including Chief Justice Tom Moyer, Lt. Gov. Bruce Johnson and House Speaker Jon Husted — saw the fact that Thomas never sought credit for his act as evidence of true valor.

Hooah! Correction: OORAH! (Thanks for alerting me to that, forest )