President Donald Trump posthumously awards the Presidential Medal of Freedom to Welles Crowther, known as the “man in the red bandana,” for actions he takes at the World Trade Center during the September 11 attacks. Crowther is credited with rescuing people from the South Tower after it is struck by hijacked United Airlines Flight 175, with accounts placing the number of lives he saves at up to 18.
The reports describe Crowther as an equities trader and a volunteer firefighter who dies while helping others on Sept. 11. Coverage also notes that Trump makes the presentation ahead of the 25th anniversary of the attacks, and that he delivers the honor to Crowther’s mother and sister. Different outlets primarily vary in emphasis, with some focusing on the red-bandana identity and others detailing his background and the event where the medal is presented.
