Caleb Oxley

The Amazing True Story of Julia Mattocks Caleb Oxley

Read the true story of Julia Mattocks who was born on Mother's Day, May 12, 1918. She was a tomboy who loved to play tag, beanbags, baseball and basketball. After high school, she got a job sewing men's garments. When the war started in 1941, she heard that there was a need for workers to make bombs in Burlington, Iowa. Julia was interviewed and immediately put to work making dangerous bombs. Julia and one other lady handled mercury and powdered acid while making bombs. They carefully measured the powder for the bomb casings, and special rules were necessary while working with this volatile substance. One day, there was a huge explosion. Julia found out that twelve women were taken to the hospital. Another lady had a bomb explode near Julia, and both of her arms were taken off. While Julia made these products, she prayed that the Lord would not allow the bombs to harm the dear children of Japan or Germany. Because of this hazardous work, Julia could only stay in Burlington for six months. She wanted to help out in other ways so Julia and her sister, Helen, drove a new Studebaker to Los Angeles where they found work at the Lockheed Plant riveting on B-17's. Julia Mattocks loved being a real life "Rosie the Riveter". She was a proud American with a remarkable story to tell.