Today Marks Birthday of 'Man in Red Bandana'

Today Marks Birthday of 'Man in Red Bandana'

A white rose has been placed at the name of Welles Crowther on the 9/11 Memorial in honor of his birthday. An inset shows a professional photo of Crowther, who is smiling in a suit and tie.
A white rose is placed in the name of Welles Crowther on the 9/11 Memorial in honor of his birthday. Photo by staff.

Today marks what would have been Welles Crowther’s 39th birthday. The former volunteer firefighter worked in finance in the World Trade Center when terrorists struck on Sept. 11. Just 24 years old, he became known as "the man in the red bandana," who gave his life helping others escape on 9/11.

When hijacked Flight 175 hit the World Trade Center’s South Tower, people on the 78th floor sky lobby huddled together, frightened and confused. A man with a red bandana covering his nose and mouth appeared from the wreckage and smoke and guided them to a stairway, leading them to safety. The man in the red bandana made three trips to the sky lobby, saving as many people as he could, until the burning building collapsed.

Crowther’s bravery and heroism on 9/11 will never be forgotten. As survivor Judy Wein, who was rescued by Crowther notes, “People can live 100 years and not have the compassion, the wherewithal to do what he did.”

Crowther’s red bandana is currently on display in the 9/11 Memorial Museum.

By 9/11 Memorial Staff

Remembering the ‘Man in the Red Bandana’

Remembering the ‘Man in the Red Bandana’

A red bandana that belonged to Welles Crowther is displayed on a white surface at the Museum.
Bandana that belonged to Welles Crowther, gift of the Alison and Jefferson Crowther Family. Photo by Matt Flynn.

On Sept.11, New Yorkers demonstrated extraordinary courage and risked their lives to save others. One of these heroes was the man in the red bandana, Welles Crowther.  

When hijacked Flight 175 hit the World Trade Center’s South Tower, people on the 78th floor sky lobby huddled together, frightened and confused. There was no escape as far as they could tell. Then, a man with a red bandana covering his nose and mouth suddenly appeared from the wreckage and smoke. He spoke in a calm voice and guided them to a stairway, leading them to safety. The man in the red bandana made three trips to the sky lobby, saving as many people as he could, until the burning building collapsed.Welles Crowther. Gift of Alison and Jefferson Crowther and family.

A few months after 9/11, stories from survivors surfaced about the mysterious man wearing the red bandana. When Alison Crowther read an article about the hero in the New York Times, she knew that man was her son, 24-year-old Welles Crowther. He had carried a red handkerchief since he was a boy. Welles Crowther worked as an equities trader and was also a volunteer firefighter.

Welles Crowther’s bravery and heroism on 9/11 will never be forgotten. As survivor Judy Wein, who was rescued by Crowther notes, “People can live 100 years and not have the compassion, the wherewithal to do what he did.”

Welles Crowther’s red bandana is currently on display in the Museum. A special Stories & Art program tied to his heroic story will take place on Saturday, Sept.5, 2015 at 2 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. Honor Crowther Fagan, sister of Welles Crowther, will read her book inspired by her brother’s courageous story, “The Man in the Red Bandana”. The program is free to Museum visitors with children. Children will have the opportunity to participate in an art activity after the reading and will receive a free copy of the book. Reservations are recommended, but not required.

By 9/11 Memorial Staff

College Football Game Dedicated to 9/11 Hero

College Football Game Dedicated to 9/11 Hero

The red bandana belonging to 9/11 victim Welles Crowther is displayed on a white surface at the Museum.
Boston College dedicated its football game against USC to Welles Crowther, who saved numerous lives during 9/11 while wearing a red bandanna like this one. (Photo: Matt Flynn)

Emotions ran high when Boston College (BC) upset the No. 9 University of Southern California last Saturday in college football. BC dedicated the game to Welles Crowther, a former Eagles lacrosse player who died helping save numerous lives at the World Trade Center on 9/11.

Crowther has been referred to as “the Man in the Red Bandanna.” According to eyewitness accounts, that’s what he was wearing around his nose and mouth as he calmly organized and led rescue efforts in the south tower on Sept. 11, 2001.

His parents received the game ball after the match, during which fans donned red bandannas and special uniforms with red bandanna accents on their cleats, helmets and gloves. The Eagles also watched a documentary on Crowther's life.

After the game, Crowther’s parents spoke to the team and then received a pair of cleats from BC cornerback Manny Asprilla.

“I just shook [Crowther’s father’s] hand and gave him the cleats,” Asprilla told ESPNBoston.com. “He was surprised at first, like ‘Oh, this is for me?’ I said ‘Yeah,’ shook his hand and then I went to his wife and did the same, shook her hand.”

Read more here.

By Jordan Friedman, 9/11 Memorial Research and Digital Projects Associate

Subscribe to welles crowther