Do you know the story of Rosie the Riveter?
Ruth & Ben Reise
When Ben Reise went to enlist in the military in 1942 during World War II, his future wife, Ruth Fern Gibb, went with him. The two had grown up together in Chicago, meeting in grammar school.
Ben Reise tried to enlist in the Navy, but they told him that he was too short at 5 feet, 4 inches, Ruth Reise said. Next, he went to the Army, which “took him right away.”
At the same time Ben enlisted, Ruth was also offered a job. Her height – 5 feet even – made her the perfect size to climb into airplane gas tanks to secure the rivets. Soon after, she began working at the Douglas Aircraft manufacturing plant, on the site where O’Hare International Airport is today.
From 1942 to 1945, Douglas manufactured 655 C-54 Skymasters, a military transport aircraft, at the Chicago plant. A photo from…
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Thanks for sharing, Rob. I missed this one, and I enjoy GP’s history posts. He brings so much more than mere history. Heading over now. Hugs on the wing.
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I’m heading over to read the rest of this, Rob. Thank you for sharing!
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Thank you very much for sharing this heart-warming tale of loyalty and devotion.
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These stories are essential. Thank you.
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