Washington D.C. – Welles Remy Crowther, the Boston College alumnus known as the "Man in the Red Bandana" for his heroic actions during the September 11, 2001, attacks, will be posthumously awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom. President Donald Trump announced the nation's highest civilian honor on May 22, 2026, recognizing Crowther's selfless efforts in saving as many as 18 lives in the South Tower of the World Trade Center.
Crowther, an equities trader and volunteer firefighter, was 24 years old when he perished in the South Tower's collapse. Survivors recounted a man with a red bandana covering his nose and mouth, calmly guiding them through smoke-filled stairwells to safety. He made multiple trips back into the burning building, assisting the injured and directing others to the only viable escape route.
His mother, Alison Crowther, identified her son as the anonymous hero after reading newspaper accounts from survivors months later. She joined President Trump for the announcement, reflecting on how her son's legacy continues to inspire nearly 25 years after the tragedy. "It’s such a beautiful thing that even 25 years later, Welles’ light still shines brightly," she stated, emphasizing the impact his story has on young people.
Crowther's actions embody the Jesuit educational doctrine of Boston College, his alma mater, which emphasizes creating "Men and women in service to others." He graduated with honors in economics in 1999 and was a lacrosse player for the Eagles. Boston College continues to honor his memory with the annual Red Bandana Run and by dedicating a home football game as the "Red Bandana Game," where players wear themed uniforms.
The iconic red bandana, a gift from his father that Crowther carried since childhood, is now displayed at the National September 11 Memorial & Museum. His bravery has been the subject of documentaries, books, and numerous tributes, solidifying his place as a symbol of courage and self-sacrifice. The posthumous award further cements his legacy as an extraordinary American hero.
