Problem Solvers Caucus Endorses Bipartisan Bill to Posthumously Award a Congressional Gold Medal to Welles Remy Crowther

WASHINGTON, D.C. –  Today, the Problem Solvers Caucus announced its endorsement of the Welles Remy Crowther Congressional Gold Medal Act (H.R. 5519), bipartisan legislation to posthumously award a Congressional Gold Medal to Welles Remy Crowther in recognition of his heroism during the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.

A native of Upper Nyack, New York, Crowther served as a volunteer firefighter before graduating from Boston College and beginning his career in the South Tower of the World Trade Center. Following the attacks on September 11th, survivors later recounted how a young man wearing a red bandana carried injured victims to safety, directed others toward evacuation routes, and repeatedly returned to help additional people escape.

While Crowther ultimately lost his life when the South Tower collapsed, his heroism that morning helped save as many as 18 lives. In the years since, “The Man in the Red Bandana” has become a lasting symbol of courage, sacrifice, and service.

The Welles Remy Crowther Congressional Gold Medal Act would award Crowther a Congressional Gold Medal, one of the nation’s highest civilian honors, formally recognizing his extraordinary bravery and preserving his legacy for future generations. As the nation continues to reflect on the lives lost and the heroes who emerged on September 11th, honoring stories like Crowther’s helps ensure the courage and unity displayed that day are never forgotten.

The Welles Remy Crowther Congressional Gold Medal Act is led by Representatives Mike Lawler (NY-17) and Tom Suozzi (NY-03) and has 52 additional cosponsors, including 13 Members of the Problem Solvers Caucus. The bill was brought forward for Caucus endorsement by Representatives Lawler and Suozzi.

“As a high school student in New York in the days and months following September 11th, I remember first hearing the story of a man who had continuously climbed back into the towers to rescue survivors and was only identifiable by the red bandana he was wearing. As it turned out, that man was Welles Crowther, a 24-year-old volunteer firefighter from Rockland County and recent Boston College lacrosse graduate who worked in the World Trade Center's South Tower. In the 25th year since September 11th and America’s 250th anniversary, Welles represents the very best of New York and is the perfect example of true volunteerism, someone who laid down his life for his neighbors, embodying the highest ideals of service. Thank you to the Problem Solvers Caucus for their endorsement of this legislation to ensure his legacy continues to inspire future generations,” said Congressman Mike Lawler (NY-17).

“Welles Crowther, a fellow alumnus from Boston College, reminds us that doing the right thing, even when no one is looking, is one of the greatest qualities a person can have. “The Man in the Red Bandanna” is a story everyone should know. It’s a story of extraordinary courage and selflessness,” said Problem Solvers Caucus Co-Chair Congressman Tom Suozzi (NY-03). “Like many New Yorkers and first responders that day, he gave his life to save others. This bipartisan recognition helps honor his memory and serves as a reminder that, in times of crisis, we have so much more that unites us than divides us. It is a great honor to lead this bill for endorsement through the Problem Solvers Caucus alongside my fellow New Yorker.”

“On September 11, 2001, amid one of the darkest days in our nation’s history, Welles Remy Crowther became a symbol of the very best of America. In the smoke and chaos of the South Tower, with his red bandana across his face, he chose service over fear and strangers over self. He returned again and again to lead others to safety, giving his life so others could live. His story reminds us that patriotism is not only found in words or symbols, but in acts of courage, sacrifice, and love of neighbor,” said Problem Solvers Caucus Co-Chair Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01). ‘’The Problem Solvers Caucus stands united behind this legislation to ensure Welles receives the honor he earned, the remembrance he deserves, and a permanent place in the story of American courage.”

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The Problem Solvers Caucus is a group of Members of Congress — evenly split between Republicans and Democrats — committed to advancing common-sense solutions to key issues facing our nation.