Senators Baldwin, Daines Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Honor WWII Nurses

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) and Steve Daines (R-MT) introduced the WWII Nurses Congressional Gold Medal Act to award a Congressional Gold Medal, collectively, to the brave women who were World War II Army and Navy nurses.

“The patriotic women who served as nurses during World War II showed truly extraordinary courage—caring for the wounded and saving lives, even as their own lives were at risk,” said Senator Baldwin. “I’m proud to work with my Republican colleague to honor these brave women for their service and sacrifice to our nation and ensure they receive the recognition they have long deserved.”

“America’s nurses who served our nation during World War II did so with courage and bravery,” said Senator Daines. “Their compassion and care contributed to America’s victory and I’m proud to introduce this bipartisan resolution that will award the Congressional Gold Medal to all World War II Nurses.”

By the time World War II ended, more than 59,000 Army Nurses and 14,000 Navy Nurses had volunteered to serve. The story of Lt. Ellen Ainsworth of Glenwood City, WI, highlights one such instance of bravery. Second Lieutenant Ainsworth was on duty in a hospital ward in Anzio, Italy, while the area was subjected to heavy enemy artillery shelling. One shell dropped within a few feet of the ward, its fragments piercing the tent in numerous places. Despite the extreme danger, she and three other nurses calmly evacuated 42 wounded patients to safety. For her actions, Lt. Ainsworth and the other nurses involved in the attack were awarded the Silver Star for bravery – the first women to receive this commendation from the Army. Lt. Ainsworth did not live to receive this award in person, as just a few days after, she was killed by an enemy artillery shelling.

The WWII Nurses Congressional Gold Medal Act is supported by Bataan Legacy Historical Society, Wisconsin Chapter of the American Red Cross, Friends of the National World War II Memorial (Washington, D.C.), National Military Women’s War Memorial (Washington, D.C.), Wisconsin Veterans Museum, Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs, WI VFW, and WI American Legion.

“I am grateful to Senator Baldwin and her staff's continuous support for the Congressional Gold Medal for our WWII combat nurses. Generations of Americans are alive today because of their exemplary service and sacrifice on the frontlines during that horrific war. They asked for nothing and gave it their all!” said Sally Berkholder of New Richmond, Wisconsin, who advocated on behalf WWII nurses to introduce the legislation.

“During World War II some 59,000 Army Nurses and 14,000 Navy Nurses volunteered to serve. They served bravely and effectively, playing a critical role in the Allied victory over Fascism. Honoring the important service and sacrifice of these brave Americans is the right thing to do. The Friends of the National World War II Memorial is proud to endorse the “WWII Nurses Congressional Gold Medal Act." This bill will provide long overdue and richly deserved recognition. It is our hope that this important bi-partisan legislation will be approved by Congress and signed into law this year,” said Friends of the National World War II Memorial.

The World War II Army and Navy Corps nurses are the angels of mercy amidst so much suffering and death.  Their immense help saved thousands of lives from despair and even death.  They healed the sick and the wounded soldiers amidst the direst conditions without any regard for their safety or  well-being.   They provided solace and comfort to those who died far away from their loved ones.  Our country is indebted to these nurses who served and sacrificed so much.  They are deserving of the Congressional Gold Medal,  an honor that is extremely overdue,” said Cecilia Gaerlan, Executive Director of the Bataan Legacy Historical Society.

“Like the women who the WWII Nurses Congressional Gold Medal Act will honor, Senator Baldwin doesn’t give up.  I applaud her for reintroducing the Act and for her continued support of telling the stories of all who have served their nation. The Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs fully supports the recognition and celebration of these brave women,” said James Bond, Secretary of Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs.

“Combat nurses served during WWII all over the world, on land, sea, and air. Their service was often arduous, sometimes leading to wounds or death, while a few nurses endured years of captivity. Through all of it, these women again and again did their duty to the highest standards of professionalism and steadfastness. ‘I never saw a nurse afraid,’ recalled General Carlos Romulo, who spoke for many. There’s a reason that the term “angels” was used multiple times

to refer to combat nurses. The Wisconsin Veterans Museum is proud to preserve stories of Wisconsin-connected combat nurses in our collections. A Congressional Gold Medal would be a singular honor and well-deserved recognition of what these women did for their country,” said Christopher L. Kolakowski, Director of the Wisconsin Veterans Museum.

Full text of the bill is available here.

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