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Klobuchar Presents Congressional Gold Medal in Honor of Ruth Roberts

November 11, 2010

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar today awarded the Congressional Gold Medal to Jean Roberts in honor of her sister, Ruth Roberts’, service during World War II.  Ruth Roberts grew up in Minnesota and served as a Women Airforce Service Pilot (WASP) during World War II. 

“I was honored to present this award for Ruth’s courageous service during World War II,” said Klobuchar.  “Minnesotans have a long and proud tradition of serving our country and Ruth was one of the many extraordinary American men and women who answered the call to protect our country in a time of need.  We owe Ruth and all of our Veterans great debt of gratitude.” 

Following World War II, WASP pilots were originally not classified as veterans and were not eligible for the same benefits their male counterparts received.  In 1977, the WASP pilots were reclassified and recognized as veterans and therefore eligible to receive the benefits they had earned.  In 2009, after enacting legislation, cosponsored by Klobuchar, WASP pilots received the Congressional Gold Medal.  Ruth Roberts passed away in 2006, and today Klobuchar awarded the medal to her sister Jean Roberts.     

The Congressional Gold Medal is an award bestowed by the United States Congress and is, along with the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian award in the United States. The decoration is awarded to an individual who performs an outstanding deed or act of service to the security, prosperity, and national interest of the United States. 

Klobuchar is an advocate for veterans and is a member of the Congressional Military Family Caucus.  She has introduced Post 9/11 Veterans Job Training Act, which would allow veterans to apply their GI Bill benefits to job training and apprenticeship programs instead of just four-year college programs.  She also cosponsored of the Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Act, which was signed into law on June 30, 2008 and expands educational benefits for veterans who have served after September 11, 2001.

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