Radioplane Munitions
Private Conover would work his way down the assembly line capturing photos of some of the most attractive employees, or so at least he thought. Norma Jeane Doughtery immediately caught the attention of Private Conover. He asked Norma if she had a sweater with her and if she would pose for him. The sweater as seen in the photos appears to be red in color. Norma's curly ash-blonde hair and smile were amazing! She is beautiful! David Conover found a star!
Norma Jeane's Contribution to World War II
Norma Jeane Doughtery worked for Radioplane Munitions Factory located in Los Angeles (Van Nuys), CA. Although many sources state that the facility was located in Burbank, Norma indeed work at the Van Nuys location. It makes more sense that she worked in Van Nuys during this time because her first husband (Jim Doughtery) was serving abroad with the Merchant Marines and young Norma was staying with Jim's mother in Van Nuys. I have not been able to track the amount of time she worked at this facility, but it is known that Norma started employment when she was 18 years young. Norma's salary was $20 a week. It was at this time during Norma's life that she would be recognized by the U.S Army's 1st Motion Picture Unit. Private David Conover was assigned by his commanding officer, Captain Ronald Reagan to capture some photos of ladies performing jobs while most of the men were serving abroad to support war efforts. I have not been able to confirm if these photos ever got published to Yank magazine in 1945. Yank was a weekly magazine published by the United States military during World War II.
