Welles Crowther Awarded Presidential Medal of Freedom Posthumously

Why it matters locally: The recognition of Welles Crowther, a victim and hero of the September 11th attacks, holds significant emotional and historical weight for New Yorkers, many of whom were directly impacted by the tragedy.

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WASHINGTON – President Donald Trump posthumously awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom to Welles Crowther, a victim of the September 11, 2001, attacks. His mother accepted the award on his behalf. The ceremony occurred ahead of the 25th anniversary of the attacks. Survivors of the 9/11 attacks identified Crowther as a rescuer. They reported him wearing a red bandana over his face while assisting people with evacuation. These accounts led to his designation as the 'man in the red bandana.' NBC News correspondent Aaron Gilchrist reported on the presentation of the medal.