Rosie The Riveter, 1942, WWII

Photo is part of the cowling for one of the motors for a B-25 bomber is assembled in the engine department of Aviation, Inc.'s North American Inglewood, California plant.

During World War II, American women played vital roles at home and in uniform. They supported the war effort by sacrificing their time, energy, and even their lives. As men went off to fight, women worked in defense plants, volunteered, managed households, and took on various non-traditional roles. Nearly 350,000 women served in the military, serving in branches such as the Women's Army Corps, Navy Women's Reserve, and Marine Corps Women's Reserve. They performed office jobs, drove trucks, repaired planes, and even trained anti-aircraft gunners. Despite their contributions, many women faced challenges and inequalities after the war.