WWII – RPL's Local History

College Student, 18, Helped Sabotage Nazis In Norway

July 1, 2019July 16, 2019Jean

Source: Rockford Morning Star, October 31, 1945

‘Proud link to Rockford,’ Muralists rediscover female WWII-era pilot history nearly forgot

June 8, 2019June 8, 2019Jean

Muralists Jenny Roesel Ustick and Atalie Gagnet discovered Elizabeth “Libby” Gardner’s story while researching for the Rockford CRE8IV art festival. Gardner, a 1939 graduate from Rockford High School, flew for the Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASPS) during World War II. The WASP Archive at Texas Woman’s University provided a photo of Gardner in a B-26 Marauder. The mural at 221 E. State Street is based on the photo. Source: Rockford Register Star, May 19, 2019

WASPS did their bit during war; former ‘air glamour girl’ recalls daredevil days

June 8, 2019Jean

Elizabeth “Libby” Gardner was one of the women pilots during World War II. The Women’s Air Force Service Pilots (WASPS), was organized in 1942 by Jacqueline Cochrane, world record-holding pilot. Source: Rockford Register-Republic, Sept. 6, 1977

Libby Gardner

June 6, 2019June 6, 2019Jean

This mural of Elizabeth “Libby” Gardner was painted by Jenny Roesel Ustick from Cincinnati as part of the CRE8IV festival, Mary 2019. Gardner served as a WASP during World War II.

Allies Invade Europe; Land on French Coast, June 6, 1944

June 6, 2019Jean

The morning newspaper put out an extra edition to announced the invasion of Normandy 75 years ago today. General Dwight D. “Ike” Eisenhower told his men they were on a great crusade. It was the largest invasion of all time. Source: Rockford Morning Star, extra edition, June 6, 1944.

Lt. Col. Dr. Lilburn S. Greenwood in Pacific during World War II

April 19, 2019April 19, 2019Jean

During World War II, Dr. Lilburn S. Greenwood served as a Lt. Col. in the Pacific. He had served as the Winnebago County physician from 1935-1939. After the war, he returned to Rockford to open a medical office in the Trust Building. Source: Rockford Morning Star, Sept. 10, 1944, Feb. 19, 1947.

W. A. S. P., Women’s Ambulance Safety Patrol

April 10, 2019April 10, 2019Jean

W.A.S.P, the Women’s Ambulance Safety Patrol, began in Rockford on April 3, 1940, founded by Rockford women. Some 200 Rockford women were involved in this home front war effort. These women stood ready to fill the roles vacated by the men serving in the military during World War II. This photograph was taken in the basement of the National Guard Armory. Photo courtesy Lou Paoli.