More than 16 million men and women served in the United States Armed Forces during World War II. Of these, roughly 350,000 were women in uniform serving both at home and abroad, working within the Women’s Army Auxiliary Corps (WAACs), the Navy Women’s Reserve (WAVES), the Marine Corps Women’s Reserve, the Coast Guard Women’s Reserve (SPARS), as Women Air Force Service Pilots (WASPS) or within the Army and Navy Nurse Corps. General Eisenhower felt he could not win the war without the help of women in uniform. In fact, many non-enlisted folks would also be needed.

On the cover of the November 29, 1943, issue of the Saturday Evening Post, Norman Rockwell provided an iconic image of Rosie the Riveter — a symbol of many like her who stepped into traditionally male roles in support of the U.S. war effort. One of these was Anna Mae Krier of Dawson, N.D. At age 17 in 1943 she departed for Seattle to work as a riveter inside Boeing’s B-17 and B-29 bombers. Without Rosies and other non-enlisted individuals, the U.S. industrial machine might have fallen short in producing the planes needed in Europe and the Pacific.

Two other individuals brought different civilian efforts to the war effort.

A company started in Wichita, Kansas, during 1932 by Walter H. Beech and his wife, Olive, focused then as it does now on the manufacture of small aircraft. Dean and Neil began their life-long friendship working as mechanics for Beech Aircraft. When the U.S. became embroiled in WWII after Pearl Harbor, a problem developed in both Pacific and European theaters: replacing shot-up engines in military aircraft. Too many planes remained grounded as mechanics took too long to replace damaged engines. Beech had an 11-seater aircraft first built in 1937 used worldwide as a civilian executive, utility, cargo or passenger plane – the Model 18.

In 1943, military authorities requested Beech fly a Model 18 with two pilots and two mechanics along with whatever tools might be needed for aircraft maintenance to a military facility on the East Coast. After landing, the Beechcraft was taxied to a location alongside a plane from a different manufacturer prior to a large truck being parked between the two aircraft.

Dean and Neil relaxed in the shade of a nearby hangar with mechanics of the other plane, waiting to learn what the trip was all about. Eventually, Dean needed to visit the hangar’s restroom. Before his return, an official told Neil and other mechanics to remove one of their aircraft’s engines as quickly as possible and set it on the ground, then wait for further instructions. Neil ran inside and hollered, “Dean! Let’s go. We’ve got work to do!” Dean reappeared from the latrine as he pulled up his pants.

Within 90 minutes, the Model 18’s starboard engine was on the tarmac. “Now, put it back on,” the official said. Dean and Neil began the replacement process. When they reported work was finished, “Start it up,” the official ordered. With a wave to the pilot sitting at the controls, the engine cranked, started and was revved up. Neither team of mechanics could see what was happening with the other aircraft. When Dean and Neil were allowed to, they walked around the parked truck and saw that the other team had yet to remove their engine.

According to the National WWII Museum in New Orleans, more than 4500 Beechcraft Model 18s were used to transport small numbers of fighting soldiers, as light bombers or for training, navigation, gunnery or photo reconnaissance during WWII.

In addition to thousands of Rosie the Riveters, other unique non-uniformed men and women across our country provided important elements that enhanced efforts of our brave men and women on the front lines. Two of those were Beech Aircraft fathers Neil (Dutch) Kersbergen (b. 1915, d. 2002) and his long-time friend, E. Dean Sommers (b. 1920, d. 1997) of Wichita, Kansas. Dad worked for Beech from 1941 to 1987. Thanks, and Happy Father’s Day to all dads.