Washington, DC – Earlier this week, Rep. Ron Kind presented 105-year-old Reynolds Tomter of Pigeon Falls with a Congressional Gold Medal during a ceremony in Whitehall, Wisconsin. Tomter served in World War II as a Merchant Mariner and participated in the greatest sealift in the history of the United States.
“Mariners like Reynolds put their lives on the line for our nation,” said Rep. Ron Kind. “It was such an honor to present Reynolds with a Congressional Gold Medal for his service as a symbol of our deep and everlasting gratitude for the valor and sacrifice of the World War II Merchant Mariners.”
The Congressional Gold Medal, which is the highest honor bestowed by the U.S. Congress, honors those whose dedication, heroism, and public service have created a lasting impact on American history. On March 14, 2020, legislation was signed into law authorizing the Congressional Gold Medal for American Merchant Mariners whose honorable deeds played a critical role in World War II. The official Congressional ceremony took place in May 2022.
Attached is a photo of Rep. Ron Kind and Reynolds Tomter.
