Trump Awards Presidential Medal of Freedom to 9/11 Hero Welles Crowther

President Trump announced Friday that he will posthumously award the Presidential Medal of Freedom to Welles Remy Crowther, the 24-year-old equities trader and volunteer firefighter who died saving others during the September 11, 2001 attacks. The announcement came at a rally in Rockland County, New York, held with Rep.

Mike Lawler. Trump cited the approaching 25th anniversary of the attacks as context for the decision.

Crowther worked on the 104th floor of the South Tower. After the first plane struck the North Tower, he left his mother a voicemail saying he was safe. He then made multiple trips through smoke-filled floors, guiding people to exits while wearing a red bandana over his face.

The 9/11 Memorial & Museum states that Crowther reached the sky lobby three times before the building collapsed. Some accounts credit him with saving as many as 18 lives. His body was later recovered from the rubble.

Alison Crowther, Welles Crowther's mother, addressed the crowd after the announcement. She described the award as a "huge honor" and said her son's story continues to inspire people she meets around the world. " — Alison Crowther, May 22, 2026 (Fox News) Trump noted that the Presidential Medal of Freedom ranks just below the Congressional Medal of Honor among civilian awards.

He praised Crowther's mother for raising "that young man" and highlighted the bravery shown on that day.

The bandana he wore on September 11 is now displayed at the 9/11 Memorial & Museum in New York City. The Tunnels to Towers Foundation, which supports families of first responders, has recounted Crowther's remark that he would "change the world" with the red bandana. A survivor rescued by Crowther later said people can live 100 years without showing the compassion Crowther displayed that morning.