During World War II, Lila Tomek was one of the many women who worked in factories to support the war effort while men were fighting on the frontlines. She was one of the first 50 women to work at the Glenn L. Martin Bomber Plant, where she earned 60 cents an hour riveting and splicing cable for B-26 Marauder and B-29 Superfortress planes. Tomek, now 101, was recognized in Washington, DC along with other real-life Rosies for their service to the nation during the war. They were awarded congressional gold medals by Speaker of the House Mike Johnson on April 10, in honor of the estimated 20 million females who worked to keep the country afloat.
Sylvia Tanis was another Rosie who took a job at the Ford Motor Company’s River Rouge factory at 17, working on B-25 bomber planes. She worked 10 hours a day, five to six days a week, making $1 an hour. Tanis recalls skipping school to apply for the job and being easily hoisted via harness to crawl inside the tails of planes for repairs. Tanis, who grew up in a family on government assistance, was driven by patriotism to support the troops by ensuring they had the supplies needed to come home safely. Susan King, a Baltimore native, helped build the wings of fighter jets at Eastern Aircraft Company to earn money for college. She reflected on the impact of the war effort on women, highlighting the newfound independence, confidence, and financial stability it offered.
After the war ended, many of the women who worked in the factories went on to build successful careers. Tomek married, had two children, and established a career in the insurance industry. King used her earnings to fund a master’s degree in education and worked as a science teacher in Baltimore public schools. The Rosies, like King and Tomek, made the most of the opportunities that opened up for them after the war. They found that they were capable of doing jobs previously thought only suitable for men and enjoyed having their own money and independence.
The congressional gold medal ceremony in Washington, DC was a highlight for the Rosies, who range in age from late 80s to 106. They commemorated their contributions to the war effort and reflected on the importance of patriotic service. Dolores Leonard, now 88, was known as the “baby” of the group for her work collecting milkweed pods as a 7-year-old to create life preservers and parachutes for the troops. Her daughter Lisa Simpson accompanied her to the ceremony, reflecting on the patriotism and pride of the Rosies and expressing concern about the lack of such values in the younger generation. These women, through their dedication and hard work during World War II, left a lasting impact on the country and paved the way for future generations of strong, independent women.
