On the recordMarch 1, 2016
I thank the gentleman from Oklahoma for yielding. Madam Speaker, today I rise to recognize Second Lieutenant Ellen Ainsworth of the Seventh District of Wisconsin for her bravery, sacrifice, and service to her country during World War II. Second Lieutenant Ainsworth grew up in the Wisconsin farming community of Glenwood City, where she is still recognized for her service and her sacrifice. Ellen was well known around town as a caring young woman who loved to sing. She had a beautiful voice. Folks in town saw her as a leader and a go-getter. When duty called, she selflessly answered that call of duty. In 1942, she entered the United States Army Nurse Corps after graduating from nursing school at the Minneapolis Eitel Hospital. She was first deployed to Tunisia and then, shortly after, to Italy, where she was assigned to the 56th Evacuation Hospital. Although the risk was high, it did not stop Lieutenant Ainsworth from honorably serving her country. On February 10, 1944, Lieutenant Ainsworth's hospital tent came under heavy artillery attack in an area many described as hell's half acre. Under heavy enemy fire, Lieutenant Ainsworth disregarded her own well- being, evacuating 42 patients to safety, only stopping when she was hit by shrapnel from an exploding ordnance. Lieutenant Ainsworth succumbed to her wounds 6 days later. At just 24 years old, she was the only Wisconsin servicewoman to make the ultimate sacrifice during World War II.…
