Welles Crowther lived two dozen years. That's a short life. Yet during his final earthly hour, on 9/11, he saved 18 people from certain death in the flaming heights of the South Tower.
Covering his nose and mouth with the red bandana he always carried, Welles guided people to the one stairway that led down to safety. Then he turned around and went back upstairs into the blazing hell. His body was found months later in the Tower lobby, near those of other firefighters at the command station. It's clear that Welles wasn't planning to leave as long as he could assist in the rescue efforts.
His family established the Welles Remy Crowther Charitable Trust in 2001, bringing forth ongoing good from the depths of tragedy and evil. In 2006, the FDNY Commissioner named Welles an honorary New York City firefighter. This week, President Trump posthumously awarded Welles the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
It would be hard to top his heroic achievement on 9/11, no matter how many years Welles may have otherwise lived. We'll never know. But one thing is certain: it would be far better for us to have more such men as Welles alive today. May eternal light shine upon him.
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| Full documentary: Man in Red Bandana The 9/11 hero who saved lives - Welles Crowther |
