From Jalopnik · Charles Krome · · 1m
Marilyn Monroe Discovered In Drone Factory
Marilyn Monroe was found working at a military drone factory in 1945.
In brief
Marilyn Monroe was found working at a military drone factory in 1945. Marilyn Monroe was discovered by a photographer at a Radioplane Company drone factory in 1945, leading to her first modeling contract. Originally reported by Jalopnik.
Marilyn Monroe's Early Job
Marilyn Monroe was 19 in 1945 and worked at a Van Nuys, California factory assembling military drones.
Radioplane Company Background
The Radioplane Company, founded by actor Reginald Denny, produced military drones for the U.S. Army.
Photographer's Discovery
Sgt. David Conover photographed Marilyn Monroe at the factory in June 1945, calling her 'half child, half woman.'
“I came to a pretty girl putting on propellers and raised the camera to my eye. She had curly ash blond hair and her face was smudged with dirt. I snapped her picture and walked on. Then I stopped, stunned. She was beautiful. Half child, half woman, her eyes held something that touched and intrigued me.”
Marilyn's Modeling Contract
Conover helped Marilyn sign with Blue Book Modeling Agency, leading to her first professional contract in August 1947.
Historical Context
The photos were taken a month after V-E Day, as the U.S. military used drones for aerial targets in 1945.
The big picture
Marilyn Monroe was discovered by a photographer at a Radioplane Company drone factory in 1945, leading to her first modeling contract.
