Original 'Rosie the Riveter' Betty Samson describes life during World War II


Published on November 10, 2016

Two days after graduating high school, she went to work helping America win World War II. Now original ‘Rosie the Riveter’ and longtime Placer County resident Betty Samson sits down with us to talk about her work repairing aircraft engines for the war effort, what life was like during that time and what it means to embody this American icon. Listen to her story below.

Betty Samson (then Mosher) repairs an airplane engine at McClellan Air Force Base in Sacramento, wearing the now famous uniform of ‘Rosie the Riveter.’

Betty Mosher McClellan Working on an Engine

(Photo courtesy of Betty Samson)

Betty continues to tell the story of Rosie the Riveter, routinely appearing in the Veterans Day parade in Auburn and through her ongoing work with the Placer County Historical Society. Here, she wears her original uniform in the 2015 parade. Betty is among the women celebrated at the Rosie the Riveter World War II Home Front National Historical Park in Richmond, Calif.

Betty Mosher McClellan Riding in a Jeep

(Photo courtesy of Betty Samson)

***Editor’s note: Around Veterans Day we often get questions about how people can get involved to help veterans in our community. There are plenty of local veteran service organizations who would love your help, so we always encourage you to find a cause close to your heart and do what you can. But we could also use your help spreading the word about our veterans housing program.

Sadly, there are a few dozen homeless veterans in Placer County who are eligible for housing assistance vouchers - but can’t find a landlord to take them.

Through our veterans housing program, landlords get guaranteed rent and a chance to give back to those who have served.