Trump honors 9/11 man in the red bandana Welles Crowther with posthumous Medal of Freedom

WASHINGTON — President Trump awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom Tuesday to Welles Crowther, the equities trader known as the “man in the red bandana” credited with saving more than a dozen people from the World Trade Center on 9/11.Crowther’s mother Allison and sister Paige accepted the posthumous award — the nation’s highest civilian honor — during a ceremony on the Ellipse paying tribute to first responders who died in the terror attacks 25 years ago Friday.On display next to the stage was a 16,900-pound steel beam taken from the wreckage of the Twin Towers.“Welles saved many, many people before losing his own life in the South Tower lobby when the building came down,” said the president, adding that the award was “in honor of his incredible bravery and all of the other countless unknown acts of heroism that day.”Crowther, a former Boston College lacrosse player and volunteer firefighter in his hometown of Nyack, NY, has been credited with saving as many as 18 people from the South Tower after it was struck by hijacked United Airlines Flight 175.In May 2002, survivor Judy Wein recalled in a New York Times interview that she had been helped by a man whose mouth and nose were covered by a red bandana to help him breathe and who directed survivors to a set of stairs.Crowther’s body had been found two months earlier, alongside firefighters and emergency workers at what authorities believe was a makeshift command post.

He was 24.Alison Crowther read Wein’s account and recognized her son, who had carried a red bandana since childhood.“Welles is receiving the recognition he justly deserves,” said Rep.Mike Lawler (R-NY), whose district covers Crowther’s hometown.

“I am extremely grateful to President Trump for honoring Welles and the Crowther family, especially his mother Alison.By bestowing the highest civilian honor on Welles Remy Crowther, we also honor every firefighter, police officer, EMT, and first responder who ran towa...