Finally honored: 90-year-old World War II veteran receives recognition of service

MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- It took decades, but one Milwaukee-based World War II veteran was finally able to receive her recognition of service.

Anna Mae Robertson, then Anna Mae Wilson was part of the first African-American all-female battalion deployed overseas during WWII.

In 2009, her battalion was recognized in Washington, D.C. -- but she was never contacted for the occasion. So her children joined forces with Congresswoman Gwen Moore to get her officially recognized for the sacrifices she made.

“People need recognition for their service,” said Congresswoman Moore. "She made tremendous sacrifices, deployed overseas right in the middle of a war.”

On Wednesday, June 4th -- for Robertson, now 90 years old, it finally all came together.

“It means a lot to me,” said Robertson. “It brings back memories of when I was in the war and some of the things we had to go, through -- but it’s nice I got my medals.”

Robertson received medals including the Women's Army Corps Service Medal, The American Campaign Medal, European African Middle Eastern Campaign Medal, World War II Victory Medal, and Honorable Service Lapel Button for World War II.

Her daughter Sheree says it’s an honor long overdue.

“I hope people look at my mom and women who suffered alongside her, and other African-American women in particular who served at that time and all the racism and sexism they endured and they still went over and they fought for their country and they left a legacy,” said Sheree Robertson. "They provided a legacy not only for their respective families, but for generations who follow behind them.”