During a rally in New York, President Trump announced that Welles Remy Crowther, a heroic figure known as the “Man in the Red Bandana,” will receive the nation’s highest civilian award posthumously. Crowther is celebrated for his courageous actions on September 11, 2001, when he repeatedly led victims to safety from the South Tower before losing his life in the terrorist attacks.
The announcement of the Presidential Medal of Freedom came during President Trump’s visit to Rockland County on Friday. He was joined by Rep. Mike Lawler, R-N.Y., who advocated for Crowther to be honored ahead of the 25th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks.
Crowther, a 24-year-old equities trader and volunteer firefighter, became a symbol of bravery after survivors recounted how he guided them through smoke and debris, identifiable by the red bandana he wore over his face. His actions have left an indelible mark on American history.
“At the request of Bruce, Mike, and some of the great political figures, and as we approach the 25th anniversary of September 11th, 2001—a day that will forever live in infamy—we are awarding Welles the Presidential Medal of Freedom posthumously,” President Trump announced to the Rockland County audience, who responded with enthusiastic applause.
“This is the highest recognition outside of the Congressional Medal of Honor—these are the two most prestigious awards, and Welles will now receive one of them. I want to commend his extraordinary mother for raising such a remarkable young man,” Trump added.
“His bravery was unparalleled; he saved lives and became a legend. No one else would have done what he did. Welles will be honored with the Presidential Medal of Freedom,” Trump concluded, acknowledging Crowther’s legacy of heroism.
The president subsequently brought up Welles’ mother, Alison Crowther, who addressed the pro-Trump crowd momentarily, describing the award bestowed on her son as a “huge honor.”
“It’s such a beautiful thing that even 25 years later, Welles’ light still shines brightly,” she told the crowd, noting she has traveled the world telling her son’s story to places as far away as Jordan.
Alison Crowther remarked that in these travels, when she tells children Welles’ story, “They’re tremendously moved and inspired … to be better people.”
Welles, an equities trader who worked on the 104th floor of the South Tower, was in his office when the first aircraft hit the North Tower that morning.
He left his mother a voicemail shortly after the towers were struck, letting her know he was okay, but his body was later found amid the rubble.
According to the 9/11 Memorial & Museum, Welles “made three trips to the sky lobby, saving as many people as he could, until the burning building collapsed,” with some reports indicating he saved up to 18 lives that day. As he did so, Welles covered his nose and mouth with a red bandana he kept at his desk.
That red bandana is currently displayed at the 9/11 museum in New York City. The Tunnels to Towers Foundation, a nonprofit that supports first responders and their families, including those who became victims after 9/11, said Welles always kept a red bandana at his desk.
The foundation recounted how, when he was asked why he always carried the red bandana, Welles replied: “With this red bandana, I’m going to change the world.” His father, the foundation said, told Welles to always carry a red bandana on him for “messy jobs.”
“People can live 100 years and not have the compassion, the wherewithal to do what he did,” a survivor rescued by Crowther has said.
