World War II Honoree

Irene Berend

Hometown

Raymond, Iowa

Honored By

Tim Seidel

Relationship

Son

'HER HANDS WERE STAINED BY OIL USED TO LUBRICATE AND COOL THE METAL DURING THE GRINDING PROCESS,' NOTED BY THE DES MOINES REGISTER IN THEIR 1943 FEATURE ARTICLE ABOUT HONOREE. TYPICAL OF HER STRONG ATTITUDE, AT THE AGE OF 24, SHE WENT TO WORK AT THE JOHN DEERE TRACTOR WORKS IN WATERLOO, IOWA ON FEBRUARY 3, 1943. SHE OPERATED A LARGE GRINDER TO MAKE AIRCRAFT PARTS TO SUPPORT THE WAR EFFORT. SHE QUIT HER JOB AT THE RATH PACKING COMPANY AFTER LEARNING THAT HER FIANCEE WAS MISSING IN ACTION IN AFRICA.