New York City, NY -- (SBWIRE) -- 09/10/2014 -- New York City, NY – Hundreds of millions of people watched in horror as the scenes of 9/11 played out like something from a bad movie, but only the brave few picked up their black helmets, donned their gloves and set a course for the World Trade Center Towers to make whatever contributions they could. One of those brave souls was Clarence Singleton, a decorated retired United States Marine and New York City Fire Lieutenant. Singleton volunteered his time that day, and still has the scars to prove it.

But the events of that September morning represent just a fraction of the heroic acts Singleton has undertaken, culminating in a life story that will have anyone seeing their own adversity in a new light and finding their inspiration to fight through it. ‘The Heart of a Hero’ is Singleton’s candid new memoir, written for anyone who thinks they “have it tough”.

Synopsis:

How do you keep going forward when hope and a miracle are nowhere in sight? From the dust and rubble of Ground Zero on 9/11, Clarence Singleton takes readers on a harrowing emotional journey to hope and starting over.

From the jungles of Vietnam, where he was awarded a Purple Heart, to the ash of that unspeakable day in our history, from a hard-scrabble childhood, to a new marriage and the promise of a loving future, Singleton never quits, never gives up. Even facing post-traumatic stress disorder, where every crowded mall or sound of a helicopter sends his body signals that it's time to "fight or take flight," Clarence still puts one foot in front of the other, through his deep faith and abiding sense of duty, to move forward to a miracle.

“I retired just a year before 9/11, but on a day when you know many of your comrades will fall, your instincts and God call you to go back on duty,” admits Singleton. “I’ve had my fair share of injuries in the Military, including more than a year of hospital care in Japan and the United States, but the wounds of that September morning stood for something far greater. It leaves me with an incredible story to tell and one that can help others see their own lives from a different perspective and find the courage they have so-far suppressed.”

Continuing, “The difference is that I’ve found myself back at square one multiple times, so I can speak from true authority. If it wasn’t for brevity and my bold commitment to faith, I don’t think I’d still be here today.”

Early reviews have been extremely positive. Pastor Sam Luke comments, “As his Pastor, I have witness a true American hero live out his faith day by day. From the trauma of 911 at the Twin Towers as a NYC firefighter, to a Marine combat Vietnam vet. With the sad memories of never being welcomed home by his country, he has become a source of hope and inspiration to all who know him. His ability to overcome is a result of his deep and abiding faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. Everyone needs two copies, one to read and one to give to a friend!”

Mrs. Virginia America 2012, Brandi Pope, adds, “If you're looking for an inspiring and easy-to-read book, then you have to check this one out! My personal friend Clarence Singleton who survived Vietnam, the bombing of the World Trade Center and the 9/11 tragedy shares his personal experience in his book "The Heart of a Hero". He is a HERO through and through and I'm blessed to call him friend!”

‘The Heart of a Hero’ is available now: http://www.theheartofahero.com

About Clarence Singleton
Clarence Singleton is a motivational speaker, author, a former United States Marine, a veteran of the Vietnam War, and a Purple Heart Medal recipient. Singleton is also a decorated former New York City Fire Lieutenant whose unit responded to the first attack on the World Trade Center in 1993, where he was credited with saving numerous lives. After retiring from the FDNY in 2000, Singleton volunteered for duty on September 11, 2001 at the World Trade Center, where he was seriously injured and was featured in One Nation: America Remembers September 11, 2001 by the authors of Life Magazine.

Singleton served in Vietnam as a Lance Corporal with the 2nd Battalion, 9th Marines. With only 28 days left in his tour of duty, Singleton received multiple wounds while trying to save lives during a 122mm rocket attack on his unit, which earned him the Purple Heart Medal. After more than a year of hospital care in Japan and the Charleston Naval Hospital, Singleton decided to redirect his life and moved to New York City where one of his older sisters lived.

In 1969 Singleton was employed by Manufacturers Hanover Trust Company where during his nine year tenure, worked his way up to supervisor of the Quality Control Section. Deciding to pursue a degree, Singleton enrolled in New York City Community College in 1975 while holding down his full time position. In 1978, he decided to join the New York City Fire Department.

During his 22 years tenure with the New York City Fire Department (FDNY), he received a number of awards for bravery and outstanding initiative. In 1993, he and his fire unit responded to the first attack on the World Trade Center where he was credited with saving numerous lives including that of a pregnant worker who went into labor during the attack. In 1994, Singleton was promoted to Fire Lieutenant and sent to supervise a firehouse in Bushwick, a sprawling neighborhood in the New York City borough of Brooklyn. In August, 2000, he retired from the FDNY.

Singleton has delivered numerous inspirational speeches throughout the Mid-Atlantic. He has been featured in a number of regional publications and he has appeared on the Montel Williams Show, as well as several radio stations. For the past three years, including 2012, Singleton has delivered the keynote address at the Chesterfield County’s Honor and Remembrance Ceremony, commemorating the anniversary of 9/11—the day that changed the world.

On September 11, 2012, starting a new chapter in his life, Singleton married Ms. Mary Jean Heyres.