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Trump To Posthumously Award Presidential Medal Of Freedom To 9/11 Hero

President Donald Trump announced on Friday, May 22, 2026, in Rockland County, New York, that Welles Remy Crowther will receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom posthumously.[1]

The announcement came at a rally with Rep. Mike Lawler, R-N.Y., who had pressed for the honor ahead of the 25th anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks.[1] Trump brought Crowther's mother, Alison Crowther, onstage; she described the award as "a huge honor" and said her son's story motivates children to be better people.[1] The report did not specify when a formal medal ceremony will take place.[1]

Welles Remy Crowther is remembered as the "Man in the Red Bandana." Fox News Survivors and the 9/11 Memorial & Museum say he made multiple trips to lead people from the South Tower sky lobby before dying in the collapse.[1]

  1. Fox News
Presidency and Executive Branch 9/11 and National Security
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📌 Key Facts

  • On Friday, May 22, 2026, President Donald Trump announced in Rockland County, New York, that Welles Remy Crowther will receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom posthumously.
  • The announcement came at a rally with Rep. Mike Lawler, R-N.Y., who had pressed for the honor ahead of the 25th anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks.
  • Crowther, known as the 'Man in the Red Bandana,' was credited by survivors and the 9/11 Memorial & Museum with making multiple trips to lead people from the South Tower sky lobby before dying in the collapse.
  • Trump brought Crowther’s mother, Alison Crowther, on stage; she described the award as a huge honor and said her son’s story motivates children to be better people.
  • The article does not specify when the formal medal ceremony will take place.

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