Lawler Applauds Presidential Medal of Freedom for Welles Crowther, Builds Momentum for Gold Medal Bill to Honor 9/11 Heroism

Washington, D.C. - 6/2/26… This week, Congressman Mike Lawler (NY-17) released the following statement after President Donald Trump announced at a local event in Suffern on Friday, May 22nd, that 9/11 hero Welles Remy Crowther, also known as the 'Man in the Red Bandana,' will receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

Crowther was raised in Upper Nyack, New York, where he served as a volunteer firefighter. He played Division I lacrosse at Boston College and, after graduating with the class of 1999, worked as an equities trader in the South Tower of the World Trade Center.

On September 11th, 2001, after Flight 175 struck the South Tower, Welles found survivors on the 78th floor Sky Lobby and carried an injured woman down 17 flights of stairs. He used his trademark red bandanna to help protect others from smoke. After repeatedly returning to rescue more individuals and assisting firefighters with their efforts, he died when the South Tower collapsed.

Survivors later identified him through accounts of a "man in a red bandanna." His mother, Alison Crowther, helped piece together the story of his final acts of courage. The red bandanna has since become a national symbol of selflessness and service.

"Welles' story has become part of our nation's conscience, reminding us that in our darkest moments, extraordinary courage can emerge. I'm grateful to President Trump for ensuring his heroism receives this highest civilian recognition. Congress now has an opportunity to build on that legacy and award Welles the Congressional Gold Medal, one of our nation's highest expressions of gratitude. I'm proud that support for this effort continues to grow across party lines and among organizations dedicated to preserving our nation's history and honoring the heroes of September 11th," said Congressman Mike Lawler.

"We are deeply grateful to President Trump for honoring Welles Remy Crowther with the Presidential Medal of Freedom. For the Crowther family, friends, teammates and for all those who have carried Welles' story forward over the past 25 years, this recognition is profoundly meaningful. Welles never sought recognition-he simply lived with courage, humility, and a commitment to serving others. We hope this honor not only preserves his legacy, but inspires future generations to lead with compassion, character, and selflessness. We are equally grateful to Congressman Lawler for his leadership in continuing the effort to award Welles the Congressional Gold Medal and ensure his story remains part of our nation's history," said Patrick McCavanagh, Vice President, Welles Remy Crowther Charitable Trust; former lacrosse teammate of Welles Crowther, Boston College '99.

H.R. 5519 awards a posthumous Congressional Gold Medal to Welles Remy Crowther, recognizing his extraordinary bravery, leadership, and sacrifice on September 11, 2001. The bill ensures Congress formally recognizes his heroism with one of the nation's highest civilian Honors.

The legislation has been endorsed by the Welles Remy Crowther Trust, Problem Solvers Caucus, America250, and 9/11 Day.

"As we approach the 25th anniversary of September 11, we remember the courage and sacrifice of those who stepped forward when our country needed them most. Welles Crowther's story reminds us of the spirit of service that represents America at its best," said Rosie Rios, Chair of America250. "As Americans, we will never forget."

The Congressional Gold Medal is one of the highest civilian honors bestowed by Congress. Honoring Welles in this way will recognize his heroism during one of the most significant moments in American history and will reinforce the values of service, sacrifice, and leadership for future generations.

"As 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, which is the highest award, outside of the Congressional Medal of Honor. I want to congratulate his great mother on doing a phenomenal job in raising that young man," said President Trump.

The Problem Solvers Caucus is a group of Members of Congress - evenly split between Republicans and Democrats - committed to advancing common-sense solutions to key issues facing our nation.

"Welles Crowther, a fellow alumnus from Boston College, reminds us that doing the right thing, even when no one is looking, is one of the greatest qualities a person can have. "The Man in the Red Bandanna" is a story everyone should know. It's a story of extraordinary courage and selflessness," said Problem Solvers Caucus Co-Chair Congressman Tom Suozzi (NY-03).

"On September 11, 2001, amid one of the darkest days in our nation's history, Welles Remy Crowther became a symbol of the very best of America. In the smoke and chaos of the South Tower, with his red bandana across his face, he chose service over fear and strangers over self. He returned again and again to lead others to safety, giving his life so others could live. His story reminds us that patriotism is not only found in words or symbols, but in acts of courage, sacrifice, and love of neighbor," said Problem Solvers Caucus Co-Chair Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01).