Wristwatch, Recovered
Photo credit: Museum staff
Accession Number: C.2024.54.1
Dimensions: 17 in X 11.75 in X 2 in
Dimensions (Metric): 43.18 cm X 29.845 cm X 5.08 cm
Dimensions (Metric): 43.18 cm X 29.845 cm X 5.08 cm
Source: David King
Credit Line: Gift of MAJ David J. King, Jr USA, SF (RET)
Description
Recovered wristwatch, heavily damaged and framed in a shadow box.
Recovered wristwatch, heavily damaged and framed in a shadow box.
Historical Notes
This watch was worn by Pentagon survivor Army Major David King, who suffered severe burns to his body on September 11, 2001.
This watch was worn by Pentagon survivor Army Major David King, who suffered severe burns to his body on September 11, 2001.
Curator's Comment
David King is a career United States Army officer. In 2001, King held the rank of Major and worked at the Pentagon as Facilities Manager of the Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff for Programs. King was at the Pentagon on the morning of September 11, 2001, when he learned about the terrorist attacks in New York City. Immediately, King became concerned that the Pentagon might be another target.
Later that morning, King was standing behind his desk when hijacked American Airlines Flight 77 hit the west side of the Pentagon. Trying to understand what had happened, King wondered why his ears were ringing and he could see flames. As soon as he smelled jet fuel, he understood that they had been hit by a plane. Initially, he was unaware that he had suffered substantial burns to his body and that his polyester pants were melting. Triggered by the pictures of his three children on his desk, King decided to exit the building without further delay but quickly became trapped by the spreading fires. King climbed his way towards the outer E-Ring of the building and discovered a hole in a wall. Along with a few others searching for a way out, King maneuvered through the hole, moving toward the sound of someone calling and instructing them to follow the voice out to safety.
Once on the Pentagon lawn, King continued toward the triage area, where two Army officers poured water on his arms and wrapped them in towels. King wanted to wait until more seriously injured people had been treated before receiving any further help, but he soon realized he was on the verge of going into shock. A medic put him on a stretcher and into an ambulance, which brought him to Washington Hospital Center. King was treated for burns to 22% of his body, including on his legs, arms, neck, and face. He would go on to have six surgeries, multiple skin grafts, and extensive physical therapy. King was released from the hospital after five weeks but wore burn garments on his hands and arms for about a year.
HIDE
David King is a career United States Army officer. In 2001, King held the rank of Major and worked at the Pentagon as Facilities Manager of the Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff for Programs. King was at the Pentagon on the morning of September 11, 2001, when he learned about the terrorist attacks in New York City. Immediately, King became concerned that the Pentagon might be another target.
Later that morning, King was standing behind his desk when hijacked American Airlines Flight 77 hit the west side of the Pentagon. Trying to understand what had happened, King wondered why his ears were ringing and he could see flames. As soon as he smelled jet fuel, he understood that they had been hit by a plane. Initially, he was unaware that he had suffered substantial burns to his body and that his polyester pants were melting. Triggered by the pictures of his three children on his desk, King decided to exit the building without further delay but quickly became trapped by the spreading fires. King climbed his way towards the outer E-Ring of the building and discovered a hole in a wall. Along with a few others searching for a way out, King maneuvered through the hole, moving toward the sound of someone calling and instructing them to follow the voice out to safety.
Once on the Pentagon lawn, King continued toward the triage area, where two Army officers poured water on his arms and wrapped them in towels. King wanted to wait until more seriously injured people had been treated before receiving any further help, but he soon realized he was on the verge of going into shock. A medic put him on a stretcher and into an ambulance, which brought him to Washington Hospital Center. King was treated for burns to 22% of his body, including on his legs, arms, neck, and face. He would go on to have six surgeries, multiple skin grafts, and extensive physical therapy. King was released from the hospital after five weeks but wore burn garments on his hands and arms for about a year.
HIDE
