CORRECTION: Our original story reflected Masciangelo won a Congressional Medal of Honor, as that was what was reported to us. She was actually honored with a Congressional Gold Medal, and the following story has been updates to reflect that.

PITTSFORD, N.Y. – Students at Calkins Road Middle School celebrated the 100th birthday of Mary Masciangelo, a real-life Rosie the Riveter, on Wednesday afternoon.

Masciangelo, from Fairport, worked during World War II alongside other women to produce military equipment and was honored with a Congressional Gold Medal.

“My brother had to go to Normandy, so I thought I could get a part-time job,” Masciangelo said. “I went to Monroe High School, and when they had days off, I’d go to work. And I made pins for the parachutes, and I put screws in the temples on the Air Force goggles.”

Students had the chance to hear her story, celebrate her accomplishments and make her birthday cards.

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