Who Is 9/11 Hero Welles Crowther? Saved 18 Lives Inside WTC; Trump Announces Presidential Medal Of Freedom

Nearly 25 years after the September 11 terrorist attacks shook the United States, President Donald Trump has announced that Welles Remy Crowther will posthumously receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom for his extraordinary bravery during the tragedy.

The announcement was made during a rally in Rockland County, where Trump appeared alongside Republican Congressman Mike Lawler. Lawler had reportedly pushed for Crowther to be honoured ahead of the 25th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks.

The decision has once again brought attention to the remarkable story of the young man who became known across America as the "Man in the Red Bandana."

Who Was Welles Remy Crowther?

Welles Crowther was just 24 years old when the September 11 attacks took place in 2001. He worked as an equities trader on the 104th floor of the South Tower of the World Trade Center in New York City.

.@POTUS tells the mother of Welles Crowther — the 24-year-old "Man in the Red Bandana" who heroically gave his own life to save 18 people on 9/11 — that Welles will be posthumously awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom ❤️🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/ogAsfyqpB0

— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) May 22, 2026

On the morning of the attacks, hijacked planes crashed into the Twin Towers, creating panic, smoke and destruction. While many people tried desperately to escape, Crowther chose to stay behind and help others.

Survivors later remembered seeing a young man wearing a red bandana guiding people through smoke-filled stairwells and leading them toward safety. His repeated rescue efforts during the disaster earned him the nickname "Man in the Red Bandana."

Heroic Actions During the 9/11 Attacks

According to survivor accounts and the 9/11 Memorial & Museum, Crowther made several trips inside the South Tower after the attacks began.

Instead of escaping after the first plane struck the North Tower, he reportedly returned multiple times to help trapped office workers leave the building safely. Some reports say he helped save as many as 18 people before the South Tower collapsed.

Crowther had also called his mother, Alison Crowther, during the attacks to tell her that he was safe. However, hours later, his body was found in the wreckage of the collapsed tower.
His bravery became widely known after survivors described how a man wearing a red bandana had guided them out of danger.

Trump Announces Presidential Medal of Freedom

During the rally, Trump praised Crowther's courage and announced that he would receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom, one of the highest civilian honours in the United States.

Trump described 9/11 as a "dark day that will live in infamy" and said Crowther's actions represented exceptional bravery.

The President said that very few people would have shown the same courage in such a terrifying situation. He also praised Crowther's mother for raising "an extraordinary young man."

The Presidential Medal of Freedom is considered one of America's highest civilian awards, given to individuals who have made exceptional contributions to society, national security, culture or world peace.

Emotional Words From His Mother

After the announcement, Trump invited Crowther's mother, Alison Crowther, to speak at the event.

She described the recognition as a "huge honour" and said it was touching that her son's story still inspires people nearly 25 years later.

Alison Crowther shared that she has travelled across the world telling her son's story, including visits to countries like Jordan. She said children especially connect deeply with Welles' actions and are inspired to become kinder and more courageous people.

According to her, his memory continues to shine brightly even decades after the attacks.

The Story Behind the Red Bandana

The red bandana that became part of Crowther's identity has a personal history. According to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, Crowther's father once encouraged him to carry the bandana for "messy jobs."

Over time, it became something he regularly kept with him.
The famous red bandana is now displayed at the 9/11 Memorial & Museum in New York City as a symbol of courage and sacrifice.
The foundation also recalled Crowther once saying, "With this red bandana, I'm going to change the world."

A Legacy That Still Inspires

Even after nearly 25 years, Welles Crowther's story continues to inspire millions around the world. His actions on one of America's darkest days turned him into a symbol of selflessness and courage.

One survivor later said that many people could live a hundred years and still never show the kind of compassion and bravery Crowther displayed that day.

With the Presidential Medal of Freedom now set to be awarded posthumously, Crowther's legacy as the "Man in the Red Bandana" will continue to be remembered for generations to come.