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Man in the Red Bandana

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Welles Crowther began carrying a red bandana when he was 6 years old. It soon became his signature, and a link between father (who always carried a blue one) and son. When Welles turned 16, he signed up as a junior firefighter at the local fire station - Empire Hook and Ladder Co. No. 1. On September 11, 2001, Welles was working as an equities trader on the 104th floor of the South Tower of the World Trade Center. When disaster struck, he took off his figurative equities trader "hat" and put on his fireman's hardhat. He navigated the stairs of the building 3 times to lead people down to safety before he was killed when the tower collapsed. Welles saved the lives of 12 people that day who will always remember the man in the red bandana.

Be The Change

Learn more about Welles Remy Crowther and the work of the foundation set up in his honor.

How can we create more heroes? In this video, Philip Zambardo explains his Heroic Imagination Project.

"Be courageous, care for others, a hero lives in you." ~ Allison Crowther.

Reflections (26)

guillermo gray

The courage and humanity of an individual facing horrendous odds. He die, courageously. He lives on, beyond his death, a noble inspiration. R.I.P.

Greg

Helping others was in his heart. In answering the call to duty that day he showed the best of what we can be as people, neighbors, brothers of man. Our potential is great if we just do what needs to be done to make a better world. I will remember 'the man in the red bandana.'

JA Vargas

I'm a New Yorker living in Colorado for the past 15 years. My wife and I lived in Battery Park City. This was a wonderful story that I have shared with my weekly Vietnam Veterans Group. After which I gave each one a Red Bandana! Wells was truly an American Hero.
"God Bless Him"

Rosena

We should all strive to be more like Welles. The world would be a much better place if we did. Thanks for such an inspiring video. It touched my heart deeply and I will pray for his family. I know how much he is missed. Have a very Blessed Life and we will never forget that day.

Julia

Welles was an angel. He was simply an illustration of wonderful humanity in a hideous inhumane situation. He was the love that shone through a very dark place that terrible day. I am so glad to hear about this personal story which makes us aware that sometimes, a very small portion of your life can be the 'statement' of who you really are.
Bless him.

Sharon

Welles is truly an inspiration, more people should be like him. My heart goes out to his family and friends, I know the feeling of losing a child. Welles is a true hero and he will never be forgotten.

Dakota

I now see Welles as one of my role models after learning about his courage and commitment to helping others. I am so inspired and moved by his dedication to making the world a better place for all. He won't be forgotten. Thank you Welles, you are a hero to me!

Jane

Compassion, Forgiveness, and Love are not just passive words but INTENTIONAL PERSONAL ACTIONS...and WELLS was but one, among legions of earthly angels, who knew that raising the world's consciousness happened with our own personal choices to serve others--one human being at a time !!! Namaste

sharlyn

I am inspired that this man "knew" his destiny in that his gift

I am inspired by his compassion and dedication to others. His response in a time of need was unselfish...truly a gift. He listened to his heart and acted in a way that all of us can learn from. May his memory be an inspiration for us to act with the same compassion and dedication in our daily lives to make this world a better place.

Lorraine L. Levesque

There are Angels who walk among us. Wells was and is one of those Angels.the way you are raised by your parents has everything to do with what you become and how you treat others. What an amazing son AND family.

Gina

In 2002 I read an article of survivor stories. One of the women interviewed was injured in the Sky Lobby when the second plane smashed into it. She spoke of a man, wearing a red bandanna, who appeared out of no where and led them to safety down what would later be revealed to be the only useable stairway. I always wondered about this man. Who was he? Did he make it? It wasn't until earlier this year that I stumbled (through pure serendipity) upon his name. I literally sat there and sobbed. I had no idea it would mean so much to me to find out who the man in the red bandanna was.

Finding his Facebook Memorial page, I could finally let his family and friends know that even strangers remember and honor his memory. I will never forget his heroism.

Kay

Angels do walk amongst us...

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Man in the Red Bandana

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