Rep. Van Orden presents flag to 107-year-old WWII veteran

LA CROSSE (WKBT) -- Congressman Derrick Van Orden was in La Crosse on Wednesday to honor a 107-year-old World War II veteran ahead of the July 4th holiday.

Reynolds Tomter is believed to be the oldest surviving World War II Merchant Marine veteran.

Merchant Mariners are civilian sailors. During World War II, they carried troops and supplies across the Atlantic to Allied forces in Europe. Many died on the crossing as a result of German U-boat attacks.

At Wednesday's ceremony, Representative Van Orden presented Tomter with a flag previously flown over the U.S. Capitol.

The 107-year-old said the honor means a lot to him.

"I just choked, and I'm still choking, because it's very special and I appreciate it very much," said Tomter.

"You're welcome, sir," replied Van Orden.

Tomter served as a ship's baker and backup gunner in the Merchant Marine. He made five Atlantic crossings during the war.

​COPYRIGHT 2024 BY NEWS 8 NOW/NEWS 8000. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. THIS MATERIAL MAY NOT BE PUBLISHED, BROADCAST, REWRITTEN OR REDISTRIBUTED.