Congressman Mike Lawler is applauding President Donald Trump’s decision to posthumously award the Presidential Medal of Freedom to Welles Remy Crowther, the famed “Man in the Red Bandanna,” while continuing to push bipartisan legislation that would grant the 9/11 hero a Congressional Gold Medal.

The announcement was made by President Trump during his visit to Suffern on May 22, where he revealed that Crowther would receive the nation’s highest civilian honor as the country approaches the 25th anniversary of the September 11 terrorist attacks.

Crowther, who was raised in Upper Nyack and served as a volunteer firefighter, was working as an equities trader on the 104th floor of the South Tower of the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001. Following the impact of Flight 175, Crowther repeatedly risked his own life to help others escape.

Survivors later recounted how a young man wearing a red bandanna led groups of trapped individuals to safety through smoke-filled stairwells, carried an injured woman down 17 flights of stairs, and repeatedly returned to rescue more victims. Crowther ultimately perished when the South Tower collapsed.

His heroic actions remained largely unknown until survivors came forward months later describing the mysterious “man in the red bandanna.” Through their accounts, his family learned of the extraordinary sacrifices he made during his final hours.

“Welles’ story has become part of our nation’s conscience, reminding us that in our darkest moments, extraordinary courage can emerge,” Lawler said. “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.”

Lawler has introduced H.R. 5519, legislation that would posthumously award Crowther a Congressional Gold Medal in recognition of his bravery, leadership, and sacrifice on September 11, 2001. The measure has received bipartisan support and endorsements from the Welles Remy Crowther Charitable Trust, America250, 9/11 Day, and the bipartisan Problem Solvers Caucus.

Patrick McCavanagh, Vice President of the Welles Remy Crowther Charitable Trust and a former Boston College lacrosse teammate of Crowther, said the Presidential Medal of Freedom is a deeply meaningful honor for Crowther’s family, friends, and all those who have helped preserve his legacy over the past 25 years.

“We are deeply grateful to President Trump for honoring Welles Remy Crowther with the Presidential Medal of Freedom,” McCavanagh said. “Welles never sought recognition—he simply lived with courage, humility, and a commitment to serving others.”

President Trump praised Crowther while announcing the award, calling attention to his heroism and the values he embodied.

“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,” Trump said. “I want to congratulate his great mother on doing a phenomenal job in raising that young man.”

Supporters of the Congressional Gold Medal effort say honoring Crowther with both distinctions would ensure that his legacy of courage, sacrifice, and selfless service continues to inspire future generations of Americans.

The Presidential Medal of Freedom is the nation’s highest civilian honor awarded by the President, while the Congressional Gold Medal is one of the highest civilian honors bestowed by Congress.