Welles Crowthers: The Man In the Red Bandana

Welles Crowthers was an equities trader in the south tower born in New York City in 1977. However, stock trading wasn’t this man’s preferred occupation as he had a strong desire to be a fireman from childhood. At the age of 16, he had become a volunteer firefighter in his hometown. As a young boy, his father had given him a red bandana to always keep with him due to its many uses.

Crowthers and the bandana became inseparable. On the morning of September 11, 2001; his desire to become a fireman was quenched, yet not in the way he might have expected. At 9:03 AM, United Airlines Flight 175 hit the South Tower between the 77th and 85th floors and Crowthers was caught on floor 104.

Determined to find an escape, he discovered a functioning stairwell. However, instead of saving his own life; he decided to help others. He pulled that red bandana over his nose and got to work. He carried the injured on his back, led the walking down the stairwell, and organized others to help his effort.

Remarkably, after making sure the 1st group got out; he returned to the danger. According to survivors, he made 3 different trips to the 78th floor area to bring survivors to safety. At least 10 and maybe even 18 people were rescued by this incredible man.

He made a 4th trip but he sadly never came back. The south tower collapsed. Welles Crowther died at the age of 24, but he did not die in vain. He died serving the purpose he had always wanted to serve and he was no forgotten.

Today, on the 25th anniversary of 9/11, President Donald Trump posthumously awarded Crowther The Presidential Medal of Freedom for his great sacrifice!

Remember, your life is measured by what you do for others