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Submitted Photo Elsie Reiswig, left, 103, of McClusky, received the Rosie the Riveter Congressional Medal from Sen. John Hoeven, R-ND, Thursday, May 28. Reiswig was a welder in a shipyard in California during World War II.

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Submitted Photo Elsie Reiswig is shown in this photo when she was a welder in a shipyard in California during World War II. She received the Rosie the Riveter Congressional Medal from Sen. John Hoeven, R-ND, Thursday, May 28.

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McCLUSKY – Sen. John Hoeven, R-ND, on Thursday, May 28, honored Elsie Reiswig, a 103-year-old World War II “Rosie the Riveter” from McClusky by presenting her with the Rosie the Riveter Congressional Medal in recognition of her service and contributions to the nation during World War II.

According to information from Hoeven’s office, Elsie Kukert grew up on a farm in Kief. From 1942-1945, she lived in California, working as a welder in a shipyard helping build vessels crucial to the Allied war effort. She married Sam Reiswig, who served in the Army as a medic and in the infantry. They resided in McClusky for many years, where Sam Reiswig owned a repair shop, retiring at 93 years old. They are the parents of three children and were married for more than 73 years.

“The women of the Greatest Generation answered the call to serve our nation during one of the most pivotal moments in history,” Hoeven said. “Elsie represents the patriotism, sacrifice and work ethic that helped secure victory for the Allies and preserve freedom around the world. It is an honor to present her with the Congressional Medal and recognize her tremendous contributions to our country.”

In 2020, Hoeven cosponsored the Rosie the Riveter Congressional Gold Medal Act of 2019, which passed unanimously in the Senate and was signed into law. Congress awarded the Congressional Medal collectively to Rosie the Riveters in recognition of the more than six million women who entered the workforce during World War II.