[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 183 (Tuesday, October 19, 2021)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1109]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            HONORING THE SERVICE OF GERDA M. FITTS (KRUEGER)

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. VICKY HARTZLER

                              of missouri

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, October 19, 2021

  Mrs. HARTZLER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the steadfast 
service of one of Missouri's World War II U.S. Cadet Nurses, Gerda 
Fitts (Krueger).
  Born in 1924, Gerda grew up during the Great Depression, where she 
helped on the family farm, read the Bible and helped with the chores 
around her family home. Gerda graduated high school while America was 
engaged in World War II. Her father had served in World War I and 
seeing her brothers' commitment to fight for their country in World War 
II, encouraged a patriotic earning within her soul. Thus, determined to 
do her part, Gerda enlisted in the United States Nursing Corps in 1943. 
This was when God first called her to serve others, and the time spent 
doing His work set her on a path she has been following ever since. 
After getting out of the U.S. Cadet Nurse Corps, Gerda started working 
for the Wentworth Military Academy as the social director. She taught 
etiquette class to the young boys who attended Wentworth Military 
Academy. It was during this time that she met her now-husband, James 
`Jim' Fitts, an Air Force veteran who had just retired after serving a 
dedicated 34 years. Gerda and Jim both retired from Wentworth Military 
Academy, Gerda as the social director and Jim as the Academy 
Commandant. After their retirement, they moved to Hermitage, Missouri, 
where they have both continued serving their community.
  Gerda Fitts has been alive nearly a century. During this time, she 
has seen the world advance in ways she could have never dreamed. She 
had to live through the horrors of the Great Depression, a World War, 
and a Cold War. She has witnessed 17 Presidential administrations and 
has watched as America had its ups and downs. Through it all, she 
remains the same humble, sweet, caring woman who never forgets to check 
on her friends, and who truly loves her community and country.
  Although the U.S. Cadet Nurse Corps is not recognized as a formal 
branch of service, it is important that women like Gerda are recognized 
for their service to our country during World War II. Please join me in 
honoring Gerda Fitts for her steadfast service to our Nation.

                          ____________________