Budzinski Presents Congressional Gold Medal to Collinsville Resident for WWII Service

COLLINSVILLE, IL — Today, Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski (IL-13) presented a Congressional Gold Medal to Collinsville resident Betty Wrigley, 98, for her service as a “Rosie the Riveter” during World War II. The Congressional Gold Medal is America’s oldest and highest civilian award. 

In 1943, at 15 years old, Wrigley left her hometown of St. Louis and traveled to Washington State, seeking work at the Puget Sound Navy Yard. There, she got a job as a shipfitter’s helper, where she was tasked with catching red hot rivets as they were thrown from the deck below and placing them for the riveter. For two years, she helped repair ships that had been damaged in battle, including the USS California which had been damaged in the attack on Pearl Harbor. 

“It was an honor to present Betty Wrigley with the Congressional Gold Medal – one of our nation’s highest honors – for her service during World War II,” said Congresswoman Budzinski. “Like all her fellow ‘Rosies,’ Betty stepped into a role previously reserved for men, becoming a trailblazer and an American hero whose efforts were essential to our country’s victory. I’m grateful to Betty’s friends and family who helped our office learn about her incredible story, and I am forever grateful to Betty for her service to America.” 

Budzinski with State Rep. Katie Stuart, Betty Wrigley, and her family. 

In 2020, Congress awarded the Congressional Gold Medal to “Rosie the Riveter” to symbolize each of the women who worked and volunteered to support the U.S. war effort during World War II. When Budzinski learned that Illinois’ 13th District had its very own “Rosie,” she worked to secure a physical medal from the United States Mint which she presented to Betty Wrigley today. 

You can learn more about Betty Wrigley’s story here. 

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