Looking Back as the Anniversary Looms

Putnam native escaped death in Pentagon attack

  • Darlene Williams pins her husband, Army Col. Thomas Williams, to signify his colonel rank with Maj. Gen. Robert Van Antwerp in attendance at the Pentagon in 2001 prior to the 9/11 attack.
    Darlene Williams pins her husband, Army Col. Thomas Williams, to signify his colonel rank with Maj. Gen. Robert Van Antwerp in attendance at the Pentagon in 2001 prior to the 9/11 attack.
  • Maj. Gen. Robert Van Antwerp pins Army Col. Thomas Williams’ sons with a miniature colonel rank insignia during a 2001 ceremony at the Pentagon.
    Maj. Gen. Robert Van Antwerp pins Army Col. Thomas Williams’ sons with a miniature colonel rank insignia during a 2001 ceremony at the Pentagon.
  • Army Col. Thomas Williams, left, stands with his sons and Lt. Col. Brian Birdwell during a ceremony at the Pentagon in 2001 before the Sept. 11 attacks.
    Army Col. Thomas Williams, left, stands with his sons and Lt. Col. Brian Birdwell during a ceremony at the Pentagon in 2001 before the Sept. 11 attacks.
A 1975 Palatka South High School graduate remembered standing in the Pentagon almost 20 years ago as American Airlines Flight 77 crashed into the west wing of the building.  Retired Army Col. Thomas…

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