The Forgotten Hero of 9/11: The Black Pilot Who Sacrificed His Life to Save Hundreds
🛑 Why aren’t we talking about LeRoy Homer Jr.?
When the heroes of 9/11 are remembered, names like Todd Beamer are honored and praised — as they should be. But almost no one talks about LeRoy Wilton Homer Jr., the Black co-pilot of United Flight 93, who also gave his life that day trying to protect others.
His name is largely missing from mainstream coverage, raising a painful question:
Are some heroes more “acceptable” to remember than others?
Who Was LeRoy Homer Jr.?
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A proud African-American.
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A decorated officer in the U.S. Air Force.
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A commercial airline pilot with a flawless record.
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A husband, a father, and a man who dreamed of flying since he was five years old.
LeRoy Homer wasn’t just doing his job — he was living his purpose. His entire life had been devoted to service, discipline, and protecting others, both in and out of uniform.
What Happened on September 11, 2001?
That morning, LeRoy Homer was in the cockpit of United Flight 93, the fourth plane hijacked by terrorists in the coordinated 9/11 attacks. According to investigations and cockpit recordings, Homer and Captain Jason Dahl were among the first to be attacked by the hijackers, giving the terrorists control of the aircraft.
But even in their final moments, the bravery of the crew and passengers — sparked, perhaps, by the leadership and calm of men like Homer — led to a revolt on board. The passengers fought back, forcing the hijackers to crash the plane in a field in Shanksville, Pennsylvania, rather than hitting its intended target — believed to be the U.S. Capitol or the White House.
They say “Let’s roll” — but someone had to first keep that plane in the air long enough for that fight to even happen.
Why Isn’t LeRoy Homer a Household Name?
👉 Silent racism and a lack of equitable media representation have erased Homer’s legacy from the national memory.
👉 The dominant 9/11 narrative has celebrated civilian bravery (rightfully so) but has often ignored the professionals, especially Black men like Homer, who were literally in the cockpit at the center of the storm.
Homer’s role was critical. He was the first line of defense, and he paid with his life. Yet, unlike others, his story hasn’t been turned into movies, books, or TV specials.
Why?
A True American Hero — Hidden in Plain Sight
LeRoy Homer Jr. wasn’t just a man in the wrong place at the wrong time.
He was a symbol of silent patriotism, of duty without recognition, of sacrifice without spotlight.
His story isn’t just about 9/11 — it’s about how we choose to remember, and who we choose to forget.
📣 Clickbait Titles That Demand Attention:
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“The Black Pilot Who Died for America — But Was Erased from 9/11 History”
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“He Was in the Cockpit of Flight 93… But You Won’t Find His Name in the History Books”
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“The 9/11 Hero They Don’t Want You to Remember: LeRoy Homer Jr.”
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“Media Silence: How America Forgot the Black Man Who May Have Saved the Capitol”
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“He Gave His Life to Save the Nation — And the Nation Forgot Him”
🧭 Suggested Article Structure:
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Dramatic Opening – Paint the picture of the chaos of 9/11 and introduce the silence around Homer’s name.
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Quick Biography – Tell the inspiring backstory of LeRoy Homer Jr., his dreams and achievements.
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What Happened on Flight 93 – Rely on official reports and black box evidence.
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Media Erasure – Tackle the racial and systemic biases that have hidden his story.
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A Call to Remember – Push for inclusion of Homer in national remembrance, school curricula, and public discourse.
💡 Bonus Add-On: A Quote to Use
“LeRoy was the first to face the hijackers — and he did it in silence. Maybe that’s why America never heard his name.”
— A call to remember what silence has stolen.