Trump awards Medal of Freedom posthumously to 9/11 hero Welles Crowther ‘Man in Red Bandana’

ROCKLAND COUNTY, NEW YORK: President Donald Trump on Friday, May 22, announced that he will posthumously award the Presidential Medal of Freedom to Welles Remy Crowther, the 9/11 hero known as the "Man in the Red Bandana."

The announcement came during an event in Rockland County where Trump was joined by Rep. Mike Lawler, who had advocated for Crowther to receive the honor. Ahead of the 25th anniversary of the September 11 attacks, Trump highlighted Crowther’s bravery and lasting legacy.

Trump announces posthumous Medal of Freedom for 9/11 hero

Trump made the announcement during a stop at Rockland County, New York, where he spoke about Crowther’s actions and sacrifice in front of a large crowd.

Crowther became widely known after survivors recalled a man wearing a red bandana guiding people through smoke-filled stairwells inside the South Tower. Trump praised his courage and said his actions stood out during a moment of national tragedy.

"It’s the highest award outside of the Congressional Medal of Honor — those are the two biggies and Welles has one of them. I just want to congratulate his great mother in doing a phenomenal job in raising that young man. Boy, what bravery, saved those people and became a legend in a sense, nobody else would have done what he did. So he’s going to be getting the Presidential Medal of Freedom."

Alison Crowther reflects on her son’s legacy

Trump then invited Welles Crowther’s mother, Alison Crowther, to speak at the event. She called the recognition a “huge honor” and spoke about how she continues to share her son’s story worldwide.

"It’s such a beautiful thing that even 25 years later, Welles’ light still shines brightly," she said, noting that she has traveled internationally to speak about his life and impact. She added that young people often respond deeply to his story and feel inspired to do better in their own lives.

Welles Crowther’s actions inside the south tower on 9/11

Welles Crowther was working on the 104th floor of the South Tower on the morning of September 11, 2001. After the attacks began, he left a voicemail to let his mother know he was safe, but then chose to return to help others escape.

According to the 9/11 Memorial & Museum, Crowther made multiple trips to the sky lobby, helping as many as 18 people reach safety before the tower collapsed. Survivors later described being guided by a man with a red bandana covering his face as he moved through heavy smoke.

The story behind the red bandana legacy

The red bandana Crowther used to cover his face has since become a lasting symbol of his courage. It is now preserved at the 9/11 Memorial & Museum in New York City.

The Tunnels to Towers Foundation has shared that Crowther carried the bandana because his father once told him to keep one for “messy jobs.”

Before the attacks, Crowther reportedly said, "With this red bandana, I’m going to change the world."

His actions that day continue to be remembered as one of the most powerful examples of bravery during the September 11 attacks.