by
Leon B.
I started at the Glenn L. Martin Company as
a drop hammer operator helper in December of 1940. I made 50 cents an hour.
Soon, I became a helper for the master molder. One year later, I became a first-class
plaster pattern maker. I was drafted by the United States Army in 1945, served for
two years and was wounded. I was discharged from military services and returned
to Martin in my previous position. Eventually, I became an assistant foreman in
the drop hammer department. I was laid off when I wasn’t able to transfer to
the plant in Denver. Years later, I had a few other stints at Martin—in the AMT
lab, on the CFM thrust reversers and also as a contractor after I retired.
On January 5, 2013, I celebrated my 93rd
birthday. I made hundreds of lifelong friends at Martin Marietta, most of who
have now passed on. I learned a lot there, and I enjoyed my work. Happy
anniversary!
