The 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings was celebrated in Normandy, France this week, with a special tribute to the vital roles played by women in World War II. Anna Mae Krier, a 98-year-old former riveter, highlighted the contributions of women like herself who worked in defense-industry factories during the war. Krier signed her name on the 5,000th B-17 bomber built after Pearl Harbor as a symbol of women’s involvement in the war effort.
Women like Krier and Connie Palacioz, another former Rosies riveter, played crucial roles in building aircraft, tanks, and ammunition that supported the Allied invasion of Normandy and the overall war effort. The Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASPs) also made significant contributions by flying planes from factories to the front lines, freeing up male pilots for combat missions.
Despite their important contributions, women defense workers received little recognition at the time and were not entitled to the same benefits as their male counterparts. It wasn’t until decades later that they were finally honored with the Congressional Gold Medal for their service.
Krier expressed pride in the contributions of women during the war and encouraged young women to continue breaking barriers and pursuing their goals. As the world commemorates the brave actions of those who fought during World War II, the role of women like Krier and Palacioz in supporting the war effort should not be forgotten.
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