San Diego’s Roberta “Randy” Tidmore honored on Rosie the Riveter Day

“We Can Do It!” reads the iconic World War II poster depicting a woman who became known as Rosie the Riveter with her sleeve rolled up, flexing her muscle to aid in the war effort. San Diego’s Roberta “Randy” Tidmore did just that, enlisting in the U.S. Marine Corps 81 years ago. The Gary Sinise Foundation honored Tidmore and other “Rosies” from around the country in New Orleans on March 21, national “Rosie the Riveter Day.” The event featured a tour of the National WWII Museum and commemorations. Last year, Congress collectively honored Rosie the Riveters with the Congressional Medal of Honor, the nation’s highest civilian accolade, for their wartime service. Tidmore was escorted by Holly Shaffner, Vice-Chairman of Honor Flight San Diego, the nonprofit which paid tribute to Tidmore in 2016 on a trip with other veterans to Washington, D.C. 

After returning home from New Orleans, Tidmore celebrated her 103rd birthday with the Women’s Museum of California in Balboa Park. The party at the San Diego History Center included cake, candles, champagne, and the premiere of a new episode of the museum’s Emmy Award-winning series Trailblazing Women by Sandra Maas, which featured Tidmore’s inspiring story. 

During World War II, Tidmore, like millions of women in the United States, worked at jobs traditionally held by men. She produced parts at a civilian assembly plant, and after boot camp at Camp Lejeune in North Carolina, drove trucks and chauffeured military officers. Tidmore later flew for United Airlines and served as chief stewardess for many years. She is still involved with the Women Marines Association and Clipped Wings, an organization of sister retirees, and has received numerous awards for her philanthropic work. The Salvation Army Women’s Auxiliary honored her as a 2020-2021 “Woman of Dedication” at its annual presentation and luncheon, where Tidmore received a standing ovation for her long service to country and community.