Dave Karnes
| David W. Karnes | |
|---|---|
| Born | 1958 (age 58–59) |
| Allegiance |
 United States of America |
| Service/branch |  United States Marine Corps |
| Years of service | 1980–2007 |
| Rank |
 Staff sergeant
|
| Unit | 3rd Marine Division |
| Battles/wars | |
| Awards |
 Iraq Campaign Medal Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal Global War on Terrorism Service Medal
|
David W. Karnes (born c. 1958) is a former United States Marine, who with fellow U.S. Marine Jason Thomas located and helped rescue two police officers trapped in the rubble from the September 11 attacks after the collapse of the World Trade Center in 2001.
Karnes, an accountant by profession, left his office at Deloitte and Touche in Wilton, Connecticut on September 11, 2001 soon after witnessing the attacks on television. Karnes said to his co-workers, "You guys may not realize it, but this country is at war."
According to a Slate magazine profile, Karnes drove to a local church and asked the pastor and parishioners to say a prayer that God would lead him to survivors. A devout Christian, Karnes often turned to prayer when faced with decisions.
Having spent 23 years in the Marine Corps infantry, he got a regulation hair cut, put on his Marine Corps camouflage utility uniform and obtained equipment that included rappelling gear. He drove from Connecticut to the World Trade Center to assist with the disaster. At the site, he ran into another Marine, Jason Thomas, and walked with him into the rubble. At the time, he only knew his fellow Marine as "Sgt. Thomas". His full identity was not discovered until years later.
According to a Defense Department profile of Karnes:
"As we were walking we were yelling at the top of our lungs 'United States Marines, can anyone hear us?'" Karnes described. 'As we approached the depression of the south tower I thought I heard something. Indeed it was some muffled call for help, I assured them that Thomas and I were both looking for them so keep yelling so we can find you.'
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Wikipedia