[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 111 (Wednesday, July 16, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1176]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 RECOGNIZING SECOND LT. ELLEN AINSWORTH

                                  _____
                                 

                           HON. SEAN P. DUFFY

                              of wisconsin

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, July 16, 2014

  Mr. DUFFY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Second Lt. Ellen 
Ainsworth for her bravery, service and sacrifice on February 10th, 
1944, in Anzio, Italy.
  Second Lt. Ainsworth hailed from the small Wisconsin town of Glenwood 
City, where she is remembered for her service. In 1942 she entered the 
United States Army Nurse Corps and deployed to Tunisia, then to Anzio, 
Italy. Although the risk of serving in this high actions area was 
great, Lt. Ainsworth did not waiver from her commitment to serve her 
country.
  On February 10th, 1944 Lt. Ainsworth's hospital tent came under heavy 
artillery fire in an area many described as ``hell's half acre''. With 
complete disregard for herself, she brought to safety forty-two 
patients to lessen the chance of their further injury. Lt. Ainsworth 
was hit by enemy fire and succumb to her wounds six days later. At just 
twenty-four years old she was the only Wisconsin service woman to make 
the ultimate sacrifice during World War II, due to enemy fire.
  Second Lt. Ellen Ainsworth was recognized posthumously for her 
gallant actions by being awarded with a Silver Star, Purple Heart, and 
a Red Cross Bronze Medal.
  As Glenwood City and the town of Anzio, Italy commemorate the 70th 
anniversary of her death this year, Lt. Ainsworth's courageous actions 
are witnessed today by the children of the soldiers she saved, who 
would not be with us if not for her heroic sacrifice. She personified 
American heroism and for that, Mr. Speaker, please join me in 
recognizing Lt. Ainsworth for her acts of valor.

                          ____________________