>> reporter: the fact that women went to work during the war, how do you think that changed things? >> they didn't realize how capable american women were. hitler had said that it wouldn't have any trouble defeating america because american women cooperate produce. i think we showed hitler what american women were made of. >> reporter: mae krier was one of the five million women who took a job for the first time to help with the war effort. necessity changed roles for black americans, too. dorrie miller had become a hero of pearl harbor, winning the navy cross, just one of many firsts for african americans whose heroism would lead to the integration of the military, a fighting force that had been flabby in peace time went on to defeat the nazis, launch the atomic age, bring democracy to japan, and assume the role as global protector of freedom. john dickerson, cbs news, pearl harbor. >> o'donnell: and america is forever grateful to the greatest generation.