Full Breakdown
President Trump Announces Posthumous Presidential Medal of Freedom for 9/11 Hero Welles Crowther
5/23/2026, 10:46:39 PM
Presidential Medal of Freedom Announcement
On May 22 2026, President Donald Trump told a rally at Rockland Community College in Rockland County, New York, that he will posthumously award the Presidential Medal of Freedom to Welles Remy Crowther. The honor, described as the nation’s highest civilian award and second only to the Congressional Medal of Honor, will be presented after the 25th anniversary of the September 11, 2001 attacks.
Crowther’s 9/11 Rescue and Legacy
Crowther, a 24-year-old equities trader on the 104th floor of the South Tower, entered the burning sky lobby three times, shielding his nose and mouth with a red bandana kept at his desk. Survivors credit him with rescuing up to 18 people before the tower collapsed, though the exact count is uncertain. He also volunteered as a firefighter with the Nyack Fire Department. His bandana now hangs in the 9/11 Memorial & Museum. The Tunnels to Towers Foundation says his father urged him to carry the bandana for “messy jobs.”
Official Statements
President Trump framed the award as recognition of “the highest award outside of the Congressional Medal of Honor” and called Crowther a “legend” for his bravery. Rep. Mike Lawler, who urged the honor, thanked the audience for supporting the tribute. The Tunnels to Towers Foundation noted the bandana as a personal symbol of service.
On-the-Ground Perspectives
Survivors said a man in a red bandana led them through smoke, noting his “compassion, the wherewithal to do what he did.” Alison Crowther, his mother, has traveled worldwide sharing his story, saying children are “tremendously moved and inspired … to be better people.”
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on the precise number of lives Crowther saved—some cite 18, others say the total is unclear. The exact date and venue for the medal presentation have not been disclosed.
Verbatim Quotes
- “At the request of Bruce, and Mike, and some of the political — great political people we have, and we are approaching the 25th anniversary of September 11th, 2001, a dark day that will live in infamy. We are posthumously awarding Welles the Presidential Medal of Freedom,” — Donald Trump, President of the United States
- “With this red bandana, I’m going to change the world.” — Welles Remy Crowther, 9/11 hero
- “It’s such a beautiful thing that even 25 years later, Welles’ light still shines brightly,” — Alison Crowther, mother of Welles Crowther
- “They're tremendously moved and inspired by this to be better people, and I see this over and over,” — Alison Crowther, mother of Welles Crowther
Next Steps
The medal is expected to be presented during September 11, 2026, 25th-anniversary commemorations. Crowther’s story will continue in educational programs and public ceremonies honoring 9/11 heroes.
