'Man in the Red Bandana' up for Medal of Freedom and Congressional Gold Medal for his heroism on 9/11
Alison Crowther is joining Rep. Mike Lawler to ask Donald Trump to posthumously award Crowther's son, Welles Crowther, the Presidential Medal of Freedom for his heroism on Sept. 11, 2001.
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The "Man in the Red Bandana," a Nyack native, who rescued as many as 18 people before he died in the 9/11 World Trade Center attack is up for the Presidential Medal of Freedom and the Congressional Gold Medal, the two highest civilian awards issued by the U.S. government.
Alison Crowther is joining Rep. Mike Lawler to ask Donald Trump to posthumously award Crowther's son, Welles Crowther, the Presidential Medal of Freedom for his heroism on Sept. 11, 2001.
Welles Crowther, a volunteer Nyack firefighter, worked at an investment banking firm on the 104th floor of the South Tower.
Immediately following the attack, Crowther escorted several people — some badly injured — from the 78th floor lobby down a stairwell to safety as he carried an injured woman.
He then made multiple more trips back up the stairs to rescue others and assist local firefighters until the tower collapsed with him inside.
He was 24 years old.
Lawler posted a photo on social media this week with President Donald Trump holding a red bandana Lawler gifted him.
It was just like the one Crowther was using to cover his nose and mouth as he helped with rescue operations.
Lawler made a surprise announcement at the press conference outside the Nyack Fire Department that he is also seeking to award Crowther the one other civilian award that is as prestigious as the Medal of Freedom.
"I will be introducing legislation in Congress to posthumously award Welles Crowther the Congressional Gold Medal," Lawler said followed by an emotional reaction from Alison Crowther.
"I'm sure Welles hopes — and I hope — that much good will come from this," she said, "and that really, people will come together, be proud of what we have here in this country and strive to keep it beautiful."
According to his family, colleagues and the people he rescued on 9/11, Welles Crowther was brave, accepting of anyone no matter their background, and never resorted to hate or violence.
Referencing recent events, his mother said society needs to hear his story again.
"The terrible shootings, the school shootings and the political figure that was taken out the other day," Alison Crowther said. "People become so disgruntled, they figure this is the way to handle it or send a message. No. This is not the way ... Try to find common ground in a peaceful, respectful way."
