In an exclusive interview with ABC News, retired U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. Marc Sasseville shared the harrowing story of his heroic mission on September 11, 2001. Alongside fellow F-16 pilot Heather Penney, Sasseville took off on a mission with orders to prevent another hijacked airliner, United Airlines Flight 93, from reaching its target in Washington, D.C. The pilots were prepared to ram the hijacked plane with their jets as a last resort to save lives.
Despite the gravity of the situation, Sasseville’s thoughts turned to his family waiting at home. He had a wife and two young children, aged five and three, who were unaware of the danger he faced on that fateful day. Sasseville’s leadership and willingness to sacrifice himself for others stood as a testament to his dedication to his duty as a fighter pilot. Thankfully, the passengers and crew of Flight 93 fought back against the terrorists, preventing further tragedy.
After landing to refuel, Sasseville and Penney continued on a combat air patrol mission above the nation’s capital, not knowing they would soon be escorting Air Force One as President George W. Bush returned to Washington. Sasseville’s actions on 9/11 were a crucial part of the response to the terrorist attacks, and he continued to serve in the Air Force, rising to the rank of three-star general.
Recently, after 40 years of service, Sasseville retired from the Air Force with a final flight on an F-16 from Joint Base Andrews. His courageous actions on September 11, 2001, have not been forgotten, and the F-16 he flew that day has been reconfigured by the Air Force for training purposes. Sasseville’s retirement ceremony was attended by his family, who have always been supportive of his military career.
Looking forward to his retirement, Sasseville plans to spend some well-deserved time off with his family in Puerto Rico. He looks forward to relaxing, playing golf, and rediscovering a sense of normalcy after years of service to his country. His story serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by military personnel in times of crisis and the importance of readiness and preparedness for future challenges.
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