President Trump Awards Posthumous Medal of Freedom to the “Man in the Red Bandana” Welles Crowther (VIDEO)

President Trump on Tuesday posthumously awarded 9/11 hero Welles Crowther, also known as the Man in the Red Bandana, with the Presidential Medal of Freedom while commemorating the 25th anniversary of September 11, 2001. 

Crowther was a 24-year-old equities trader and volunteer firefighter who gave up his life to save nearly 20 individuals on the 78th floor of the World Trade Center’s South Tower after Flight 175 crashed. Crowther, unknown to the strangers he rescued, was wearing a red bandana over his nose and mouth during the horrific moments.

“Today, in honor of his incredible bravery and all of the other countless unknown acts of heroism that day, it is my privilege to award the very special, the highest honor that we give, highest civilian honor, the Presidential Medal of Freedom. We want to award that to Welles and Welles’s family,” Trump said. “Welles is up there looking down at his mom and his sister, his family. ”

Trump welcomed Welles’ mother, Allison, and his sister, Paige, to receive the Medal of Freedom on his behalf.

“Thank you so very much, Mr. President, for this enormous honor that you’ve bestowed upon my son, Welles, in remembrance of his selfless actions on September 11. This means the world to me, my daughters, Paige and Honor, and our entire family. This will be treasured for generations to come,” Allison Crowther told the President before telling the story of her son and his continued legacy.

“In the months that followed 9/11, we established the Welles Remy Crowther Charitable Trust and continue with our work today, both charitable and educational. Over 10 years working with a team of distinguished educators, led by Vernoy Paolini, the Red Bandana Project was created,” she said. “Social and emotional learning lessons on leadership, caring for others, team, the power of one, bridging divides, forgiveness, and carpe diem were the subjects for elementary through high school students.”

“As I travel around the United States speaking at schools, I see firsthand how young people are impacted and inspired by Welles, his example, and legacy to be better, kinder, and more caring of others. 25 years after September 11, his life continues to remind us of something very simple: In moments when others need us, each of us has the power to choose courage, compassion, and service. That’s the real meaning of the red bandana: to be courageous, to find the good, to be the good,” she added.

Following Allison Crowther’s remarks, the President said, “A while ago, years, I promised Mom and sister that Welles was going to get the Presidential Medal of Freedom, and we didn’t forget, we didn’t forget. We never forget. So, it’s good and really deserves it.”

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According to the 9/11 Memorial & Museum:

On Sept.11, New Yorkers demonstrated extraordinary courage and risked their lives to save others. One of these heroes was the man in the red bandana, Welles Crowther.

When hijacked Flight 175 hit the World Trade Center’s South Tower, people on the 78th floor sky lobby huddled together, frightened and confused. There was no escape as far as they could tell. Then, a man with a red bandana covering his nose and mouth suddenly appeared from the wreckage and smoke. He spoke in a calm voice and guided them to a stairway, leading them to safety. The man in the red bandana made three trips to the sky lobby, saving as many people as he could, until the burning building collapsed.

A few months after 9/11, stories from survivors surfaced about the mysterious man wearing the red bandana. When Alison Crowther read an article about the hero in the New York Times, she knew that man was her son, 24-year-old Welles Crowther. He had carried a red handkerchief since he was a boy. Welles Crowther worked as an equities trader and was also a volunteer firefighter.

Welles Crowther’s bravery and heroism on 9/11 will never be forgotten. As survivor Judy Wein, who was rescued by Crowther notes, “People can live 100 years and not have the compassion, the wherewithal to do what he did.”

Welles Crowther’s red bandana is currently on display in the Museum. A special Stories & Art program tied to his heroic story will take place on Saturday, Sept.5, 2015 at 2 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. Honor Crowther Fagan, sister of Welles Crowther, will read her book inspired by her brother’s courageous story, “The Man in the Red Bandana”. The program is free to Museum visitors with children. Children will have the opportunity to participate in an art activity after the reading and will receive a free copy of the book. Reservations are recommended, but not required.