When terrorists hijacked planes and intentionally crashed into the World Trade Center’s Twin Towers Sept. 11, hundreds of rescue workers rushed to the scene. The first crew of New York City firefighters to enter Tower 1 was from Ladder Company 10. Leading their way was Sean Patrick Tallon, who was not only a dedicated firefighter but also a corporal in the Marine Corps Reserve. After entering the lobby and determining that the elevator was not working, Tallon and his fellow firefighters began to make their way up the "B" stairwell. The firefighters, according to FDNY Capt. Paul Mallery, had reached the 31st floor when Tower 2 collapsed. The order to evacuate Tower 1 was given, yet unfortunately it too crumbled before everyone was able to make it out. To the shock of his brother firefighters and the Marines of 2nd Battalion, 25th Marines, Tallon was among the hundreds who have yet to be located and are presumed dead. In a memorial service held at the battalion’s Long Island headquarters Oct. 14, Marines, firefighters, friends and family members gathered to remember the 26-year-old Bronx-born Leatherneck. "Whether we were freezing in Norway, or out in the hot desert sun," said Cpl. Edgar H. Rojas, who served with Tallon in the battalion’s anti-armor platoon, "he could always make things seem funny." Tallon’s ability to make people laugh was echoed by many of his fellow Marines. "He always found the humor in the worst situations," said Cpl. James M. Coppola. "There would be times when we all felt miserable and he would say something that would just make us all laugh and forget our troubles." Much of Tallon’s humor, they said, stemmed from his deep Irish roots. "One thing I’ll miss about him," said Sgt. Robert J. Candella, Tallon’s squad leader, "was how he would sit in the parking lot listening to Irish music." Several Marines shared similar stories, and those who knew Tallon well said that he was the type of person who held his belief in God, Country and Corps very sacred. A devout Roman Catholic, Tallon kept a picture of Cardinal O’Connor in his car, said Coppola. At times, friends would try to joke with him about his ideals; however, he always held true to his beliefs. His pride and loyalty showed in his duties as a Marine. "He was a great Marine--an outstanding NCO--who always looked out for his fellow platoon members," said Capt. Chris J. Claiborne, Anti-Armor platoon commander. "He was the type of person who would give you the shirt off his back," added Cpl. Kieran D. McSharry, "He will definitely be missed." A graduate of the Bronx’s Fordham Preparatory High School, and Iona College in New Rochelle - from which he held a bachelors degree in criminology - Tallon went to Marine Recruit Training at Parris Island, S.C., July 8, 1996. After completing boot camp and infantry school, Tallon joined the battalion Jan. 12, 1997. A recipient of the Selected Marine Corps Reserve Medal, Tallon is survived by his parents, Patrick and Eileen of Yonkers, and sister, Rosalie.

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