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"You wouldn't believe the prayers that were said down there for our boys." (Video interview, 48:35)

   Meda Montana Hallyburton Brendall
Image of Meda Montana Hallyburton Brendall
Lula Barber, Meta Kres, and Brendall, outside welding shop at the Bethlehem-Fairfield Shipyards. Baltimore, Maryland. 1942 [detail]
War: World War II, 1939-1946
Service Location: Baltimore, Maryland
Status: Civilian
Place of Birth: Nez Perce, ID
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As a single working mother during World War II, Meda Brendall could only read about the war in the Baltimore newspapers or watch newsreel reports when she went to the movies. That is, when she had time to go to the movies, for Brendall worked seven days a week as a shipyard welder. She took pride in her work, calling it a real art, and she took even more satisfaction out of knowing its significance in helping America to win the war. Her son, Paul Steppe, is also featured on this site, under Buddies, for his time as a Marine infantry corporal serving in Korea.

Interview (Video)
»Interview Highlights  (10 clips)
»Complete Interview  (65 min.)
  Photos
»Photo Album (3 photos)
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»Women
»Voices of War
 Video (Interview Excerpts) (10 items)
Taking care of her elderly son. (03:02) Living on a tight wartime budget. (03:07) Dedication of workers to the war effort; volunteering to work with seniors. (04:04)
Women showing the world what they could do. (01:30) Early interest in welding; its low social status. (03:26) Getting recognized for her dedication. (02:06)
Dealing with an ill-mannered female colleague. (00:48) Taking her work seriously because it could mean saving a life. (02:56) Discipline as a working woman. (00:35)
Welding as an art. (01:32)  
  
 
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  The Library of Congress
  May 29, 2007
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