World War II Honoree

Kate Grant

Hometown

Moore, Oklahoma

Honored By

Robert S. Cox

WORKED AS A 'ROSIE THE RIVETER' AT THE RICHMOND, CALIFORNIA SHIPYARDS DURING THE WAR. SHE WAS PROVIDED 2 WEEKS OF TRAINING, OUTFITTED WITH PROTECTIVE WELDING GEAR AND TOLD TO STAY 'SUITED-UP' WHILE WORKING WITH HER ACETYLENE TORCH. SERVED AS A TACK WELDER RESPONSIBLE FOR LAYING BEADS OF MOLTEN LEAD ON SEAMS THROUGHOUT THE SHIP. THE RICHMOND SHIPYARDS PRODUCED 747 SHIPS THAT REQUIRED ROUND-THE-CLOCK SHIFTS. SHE WORKED ON THE GRAVEYARD SHIFT FROM MIDNIGHT TO 8:00 A.M., AND THEN WENT HOME TO CARE FOR HER BABY WHO WAS WATCHED AT NIGHT BY HER SISTER. TOOK PRIDE IN THE FACT THAT SHE NEVER BURNED HERSELF WHEN WELDING.