The Real “Rosie the Riveters”

(via Retronaut) During World War II, the drafting of millions of men for combat left American military contractors in dire need of workers to produce munitions and vehicles for the war effort.

In addition to traditional administrative roles, women stepped in as laborers and engineers in steel mills, tank factories and, in particular, the aviation industry.  Retronaut has a series of color images documenting the important work of these underappreciated women.