Senator Hassan & Colleagues Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Recognize “Hello Girls” as Heroes

WASHINGTON – Senator Maggie Hassan, a member of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee, joined colleagues in reintroducing the bipartisan Hello Girls Congressional Gold Medal Act, which would recognize the heroic services of the women of the U.S. Army Signal Corps, also called “Hello Girls,” who served as a critical bridge between American and French forces during World War I. The act awards the Hello Girls with the Congressional Gold Medal for their service to the nation and recognizes them as veterans.

Grace Banker was the Chief Operator of the U.S. Army Signal Corps, the ‘Hello Girls.’ Her granddaughter, Carolyn Timbie, resides in East Kingston, NH, and has worked to have her grandmother’s legacy and service recognized.

“The Hello Girls, including its Chief Operator Grace Banker, were American heroes who served as a crucial link between American and French forces on the front lines,” said Senator Hassan. “These talented women used their multilingual skills to advance American interests during World War I, and I am proud to join bipartisan efforts to honor their bravery and patriotism.”

“I am so very proud of my grandmother, Grace Banker, and all of the women of the Telephone Unit of the US Signal Corp (known as the Hello Girls) who risked their lives to help win the war,” said Carolyn Timbie of East Kingston, granddaughter of Grace Banker, Chief Operator of the Hello Girls. “They returned to the United States and had to fight their own battle for 60 years to finally get their recognition as Veterans. Unfortunately, many of the women did not live to see that day, including my grandmother. It would be a wonderful tribute to these brave women if they could be honored with the Congressional Gold Medal and their story can be shared with the world!  I am particularly thankful to Sen. Maggie Hassan for co-sponsoring this bill.”

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