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Women In War : A Gripping Collection of the Untold True Stories of History's Bravest Women Warriors
"In the shadows of history's greatest conflicts, women have always been warriors—yet their stories remain untold. Women in War uncovers over twenty raw, true accounts of the fearless women who fought and served, from ancient battlefields to the jungles of Vietnam and the deserts of Iraq and Afghanistan.
Step into their combat nurses dodging gunfire, spies sabotaging enemies, soldiers enduring unimaginable loss. Facing sexism, trauma, and overwhelming odds, these heroines reveal that true valor beats in the heart, not just on the battlefield.
Brought to life through meticulous research and exclusive firsthand interviews by retired police officer and acclaimed author David Yuzuk, this intimate collection honors the unbreakable spirit of military women. Narrated by Julia Whelan, the voice behind the New York Times bestseller The Women by Kristin Hannah, it's a profound tribute to the unsung forces who shaped our world."
“Gripping stories of female heroism that will awe and inspire.”
—NY Times bestselling author Ralph Pezzullo
“I thought I was going to die that day! The Viet Cong launched a brutal attack, and the explosion hit like a freight train, its deafening roar slamming into my ears just seconds before the shockwave hurled us off our feet, Doors were ripped from their hinges, and windows were shattered into a thousand pieces.
“The pandemonium jolted me back to reality. I grabbed my flak jacket and sprinted to the Intensive Care Unit. Were the enemy already inside our perimeter, AK-47s in hand, bayonets fixed? It didn’t matter. My mission was clear — Protect the soldiers in my care. They came first, no matter what.”
—67th Evac Nurse Ginny Dornheggen
Step into their combat nurses dodging gunfire, spies sabotaging enemies, soldiers enduring unimaginable loss. Facing sexism, trauma, and overwhelming odds, these heroines reveal that true valor beats in the heart, not just on the battlefield.
Brought to life through meticulous research and exclusive firsthand interviews by retired police officer and acclaimed author David Yuzuk, this intimate collection honors the unbreakable spirit of military women. Narrated by Julia Whelan, the voice behind the New York Times bestseller The Women by Kristin Hannah, it's a profound tribute to the unsung forces who shaped our world."
“Gripping stories of female heroism that will awe and inspire.”
—NY Times bestselling author Ralph Pezzullo
“I thought I was going to die that day! The Viet Cong launched a brutal attack, and the explosion hit like a freight train, its deafening roar slamming into my ears just seconds before the shockwave hurled us off our feet, Doors were ripped from their hinges, and windows were shattered into a thousand pieces.
“The pandemonium jolted me back to reality. I grabbed my flak jacket and sprinted to the Intensive Care Unit. Were the enemy already inside our perimeter, AK-47s in hand, bayonets fixed? It didn’t matter. My mission was clear — Protect the soldiers in my care. They came first, no matter what.”
—67th Evac Nurse Ginny Dornheggen
254 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
June 22, 2025
“A woman is like a tea bag—you never know how strong she is until you put her in hot water.” − Eleanor Roosevelt
This account from women in WW1 all the way to the current situation in the middle east highlights what all women know to be true: we are fucking rock stars when you put us to the test, and we get shit done. The end.
5 stars
This account from women in WW1 all the way to the current situation in the middle east highlights what all women know to be true: we are fucking rock stars when you put us to the test, and we get shit done. The end.
5 stars
June 19, 2025
This would ordinarily be a 3 ⭐️ read for me but have to give it 5 ⭐️ in honor of the women who served in all wars and in all capacities. The book is a collection of vignettes. Each tells a story… a personal and poignant story. Written in language like a report, without emotion, it allows you to feel nonetheless. As a nurse , I have always been interested in the nurses who served, especially Viet Nam. The author moves through the various wars and shifts from the nurses to include a medic and the women in combat…it underscores the significance of war and the honor these women and all men and women who served and continue to serve.
April 19, 2025
Excellent variety of accounts from women who served in various capacities in War. The author allows their stories to be presented as though they are sitting with you telling you in casual yet poignant conversation. A must read for any nurse who is interested in the history of military nurses.
October 3, 2025
powerful!!
May 31, 2026
A well-intentioned tribute to extraordinary women whose stories deserve to be told. The title promises fascinating history, and the women featured certainly live up to it. Unfortunately, the writing often feels fragmented, moving from one story to the next without giving these remarkable lives the depth they deserve. Informative and respectful, but ultimately less memorable than its subjects.
Read
March 13, 2025A good companion to “The Women,” especially the first few chapters with their focus on nurses in Vietnam.
July 9, 2025
This book needs an editor. Two editors actually - one to fix all the typos, duplicate sentences, missing words, etc. And one to help these women make their stories more readable.
The content is fabulous. The writing is poor.
The content is fabulous. The writing is poor.
June 7, 2025
Gripping. I read the paperback version. I read the book in 24 hrs.
May 31, 2025
Women in War
It is hard to read about war.
It was uplifting to learn about brave women .
Very gripping story to read.
It is hard to read about war.
It was uplifting to learn about brave women .
Very gripping story to read.
May 25, 2025
A must read
A well told book of the incredible women who risk their lives so that others may live. Nurses. There aren't enough words to thank them.
A well told book of the incredible women who risk their lives so that others may live. Nurses. There aren't enough words to thank them.
May 7, 2025
So worth reading - courage has no gender
I have now read three books by this author. They provide a story that needs to be told. He may not be the most skilled writer, but he tells the stories we need to hear. In the first segment, I stopped repeatedly to think, "How does anyone, man or woman, deal with an encounter like this?" I hope I have that kind of courage, but I know for certain it has never been tested.
I have now read three books by this author. They provide a story that needs to be told. He may not be the most skilled writer, but he tells the stories we need to hear. In the first segment, I stopped repeatedly to think, "How does anyone, man or woman, deal with an encounter like this?" I hope I have that kind of courage, but I know for certain it has never been tested.
May 16, 2025
Ótima Leitura - Leitura Emocionante
Não consegui parar. Emocionante também! Como costumam dizer, "horas e horas de tédio, pontuadas por momentos de puro terror". Nunca pensei muito nas outras coisas que estavam acontecendo. Mal comecei a ler e já estava dominado. As experiências são bem contadas. Não consigo imaginar o ritmo implacável de um pronto-socorro ou hospital de campanha - especialmente considerando tudo o que eles tiveram que lidar e o que estava em jogo. A pressão implacável e interminável, mental e física, é difícil de imaginar. Estou impressionado - não tenho certeza se conseguiria lidar com isso, e não é de se admirar que alguns tenham desmoronado!!
Nota: 4.6/5
Vou citar uma história do livro:
Em maio de 1944, Phyllis Latour, de 23 anos, saltou de um bombardeiro da Força Aérea dos EUA e saltou de paraquedas na Normandia ocupada, na França. Sua missão era coletar informações sobre as posições nazistas em preparação para o Dia D. Uma vez em terra, ela rapidamente enterrou seu paraquedas e roupas e iniciou uma missão secreta que duraria quatro meses, fingindo ser uma pobre adolescente francesa.
Phyllis havia sido treinada pelo Executivo de Operações Especiais Britânico (SOE). Ela aprendeu a enviar mensagens secretas em código Morse, a consertar rádios sem fio e a espionar sem ser pega. Ela também passou por um rigoroso treinamento físico nas Terras Altas da Escócia. Um de seus treinadores era um ex-ladrão de gatos, que a ensinou a escalar paredes e se esgueirar sem deixar rastros. Phyllis queria se vingar dos nazistas que mataram seu padrinho.
Sua missão era perigosa. Anos depois, Phyllis disse: "Os homens que foram enviados antes de mim foram capturados e mortos. Fui escolhida porque seria menos suspeita." Ela andava de bicicleta pela região, fingindo vender sabão, e secretamente passava mensagens aos britânicos sobre locais alemães. Agia como uma camponesa boba, conversando com soldados alemães para evitar levantar suspeitas. Mudava-se de um lugar para outro para se manter escondida e frequentemente dormia em florestas, encontrando sua própria comida.
Phyllis também inventou uma maneira inteligente de esconder seus códigos secretos. Ela os escrevia em um pedaço de seda e o furava com um alfinete cada vez que usava um código. Ela o mantinha escondido dentro de um elástico de cabelo. Certa vez, quando os alemães a detiveram e a revistaram brevemente, ela tirou o elástico e deixou o cabelo cair, mostrando que não tinha nada a esconder. No verão de 1944, Phyllis enviou 135 mensagens codificadas, ajudando bombardeiros aliados a encontrar alvos alemães.
Após a guerra, Phyllis se casou e se mudou para a Nova Zelândia, onde criou quatro filhos. Seus filhos só souberam de seu serviço na guerra em 2000, quando seu filho mais velho descobriu online. Em 2014, no 70º aniversário do Dia D, o governo francês a homenageou com a condecoração de Cavalheira da Legião de Honra. Esta heroína faleceu em 7 de outubro de 2023. Que ela descanse em paz...
Para saber mais sobre nossas bravas mulheres, confira o livro e audiolivro: Mulheres na Guerra: Uma Coleção Arrebatadora de Histórias Reais Não Contadas das Guerreiras Mais Bravas da História. O livro e o audiolivro estão disponíveis mundialmente na maioria dos principais sites de livros.
Não consegui parar. Emocionante também! Como costumam dizer, "horas e horas de tédio, pontuadas por momentos de puro terror". Nunca pensei muito nas outras coisas que estavam acontecendo. Mal comecei a ler e já estava dominado. As experiências são bem contadas. Não consigo imaginar o ritmo implacável de um pronto-socorro ou hospital de campanha - especialmente considerando tudo o que eles tiveram que lidar e o que estava em jogo. A pressão implacável e interminável, mental e física, é difícil de imaginar. Estou impressionado - não tenho certeza se conseguiria lidar com isso, e não é de se admirar que alguns tenham desmoronado!!
Nota: 4.6/5
Vou citar uma história do livro:
Em maio de 1944, Phyllis Latour, de 23 anos, saltou de um bombardeiro da Força Aérea dos EUA e saltou de paraquedas na Normandia ocupada, na França. Sua missão era coletar informações sobre as posições nazistas em preparação para o Dia D. Uma vez em terra, ela rapidamente enterrou seu paraquedas e roupas e iniciou uma missão secreta que duraria quatro meses, fingindo ser uma pobre adolescente francesa.
Phyllis havia sido treinada pelo Executivo de Operações Especiais Britânico (SOE). Ela aprendeu a enviar mensagens secretas em código Morse, a consertar rádios sem fio e a espionar sem ser pega. Ela também passou por um rigoroso treinamento físico nas Terras Altas da Escócia. Um de seus treinadores era um ex-ladrão de gatos, que a ensinou a escalar paredes e se esgueirar sem deixar rastros. Phyllis queria se vingar dos nazistas que mataram seu padrinho.
Sua missão era perigosa. Anos depois, Phyllis disse: "Os homens que foram enviados antes de mim foram capturados e mortos. Fui escolhida porque seria menos suspeita." Ela andava de bicicleta pela região, fingindo vender sabão, e secretamente passava mensagens aos britânicos sobre locais alemães. Agia como uma camponesa boba, conversando com soldados alemães para evitar levantar suspeitas. Mudava-se de um lugar para outro para se manter escondida e frequentemente dormia em florestas, encontrando sua própria comida.
Phyllis também inventou uma maneira inteligente de esconder seus códigos secretos. Ela os escrevia em um pedaço de seda e o furava com um alfinete cada vez que usava um código. Ela o mantinha escondido dentro de um elástico de cabelo. Certa vez, quando os alemães a detiveram e a revistaram brevemente, ela tirou o elástico e deixou o cabelo cair, mostrando que não tinha nada a esconder. No verão de 1944, Phyllis enviou 135 mensagens codificadas, ajudando bombardeiros aliados a encontrar alvos alemães.
Após a guerra, Phyllis se casou e se mudou para a Nova Zelândia, onde criou quatro filhos. Seus filhos só souberam de seu serviço na guerra em 2000, quando seu filho mais velho descobriu online. Em 2014, no 70º aniversário do Dia D, o governo francês a homenageou com a condecoração de Cavalheira da Legião de Honra. Esta heroína faleceu em 7 de outubro de 2023. Que ela descanse em paz...
Para saber mais sobre nossas bravas mulheres, confira o livro e audiolivro: Mulheres na Guerra: Uma Coleção Arrebatadora de Histórias Reais Não Contadas das Guerreiras Mais Bravas da História. O livro e o audiolivro estão disponíveis mundialmente na maioria dos principais sites de livros.
August 19, 2025
My dad surprised me with this book on a whim, and though nonfiction isn’t usually my go-to escape (real life is dramatic enough, thank you very much), he was absolutely right—I devoured it.
As a former surgical nurse with a deep respect for our military service members, this one hit me straight in the heart. I found myself tearing up three separate times in the very first chapter. Reading about these women—nurses who served with grace, grit, and a kind of courage that takes your breath away—was humbling in a way that’s hard to put into words.
What struck me most was how they lived out the Nightingale pledge—not as some stiff recitation, but in the flesh, in the fire, and in the quiet strength of service. I felt this strange, beautiful kinship with them. My work as a nurse was nowhere near their battlefield reality, but in some quiet corner of my soul I found myself whispering, I see you. Thank you. You led the way for us.
Unlike the flashy, Hollywood version of “strong women” we’re so often fed, these were the real deal. They weren’t out to prove themselves by besting men or demanding applause. They were humble, steady, and utterly unshakable—even when history didn’t pin medals to their uniforms. And when recognition did finally come, they accepted it not with vanity, but with grace.
One of the most moving threads in the book was the push—especially during the Vietnam era—for a memorial to honor these nurses. It wasn’t done with shouting or demands for validation, but with love for fellow sisters who gave everything and asked for nothing. Honestly, it was such a breath of fresh air to read about women embracing their God-given strength in ways only they could, and doing it all without losing the softness of their womanhood.
This book reminded me of why I became a nurse in the first place. The sacrifice, the quiet bravery, the sheer spirit these women carried—it’s nothing short of awe-inspiring. And I’m so proud to know their stories exist, not just as history, but as a legacy.
As a former surgical nurse with a deep respect for our military service members, this one hit me straight in the heart. I found myself tearing up three separate times in the very first chapter. Reading about these women—nurses who served with grace, grit, and a kind of courage that takes your breath away—was humbling in a way that’s hard to put into words.
What struck me most was how they lived out the Nightingale pledge—not as some stiff recitation, but in the flesh, in the fire, and in the quiet strength of service. I felt this strange, beautiful kinship with them. My work as a nurse was nowhere near their battlefield reality, but in some quiet corner of my soul I found myself whispering, I see you. Thank you. You led the way for us.
Unlike the flashy, Hollywood version of “strong women” we’re so often fed, these were the real deal. They weren’t out to prove themselves by besting men or demanding applause. They were humble, steady, and utterly unshakable—even when history didn’t pin medals to their uniforms. And when recognition did finally come, they accepted it not with vanity, but with grace.
One of the most moving threads in the book was the push—especially during the Vietnam era—for a memorial to honor these nurses. It wasn’t done with shouting or demands for validation, but with love for fellow sisters who gave everything and asked for nothing. Honestly, it was such a breath of fresh air to read about women embracing their God-given strength in ways only they could, and doing it all without losing the softness of their womanhood.
This book reminded me of why I became a nurse in the first place. The sacrifice, the quiet bravery, the sheer spirit these women carried—it’s nothing short of awe-inspiring. And I’m so proud to know their stories exist, not just as history, but as a legacy.
August 13, 2025
Women in War: A Gripping Collection of the Untold True Stories of History’s Bravest Women Warriors by David Yuzuk is an engrossing compilation of twenty-plus women warriors who served their countries during war time.
Many of the brave women featured were nurses. A couple of examples cited were women who served as far back as the Civil War. In the first and second World Wars, some women worked for the effort as spies or ambulance drivers. In that time period, women nurses often worked in trenches or ditches, patching up soldiers before they could be transferred to hospitals. In Korea roughly 7,000 women were healthcare professionals. Some Army nurses served in Mobile Army Surgical Hospital or M.A.S.H. units. In Vietnam, 11,000 nurses served the wounded. They worked 16-hour shifts, six days a week. They had to learn to separate professionalism from emotions, and act quickly, despite their own fears of survival. Many returned home with PTSD from the horrors they dealt with.
In addition to those cited above, women have played and continue to engage in significant roles in wars and conflicts: Grenada, Iraq, and Afghanistan. In more recent years, women have served as pilots, particularly Navy pilots. Numerous women soldiers have served in the field alongside men counterparts, many receiving medals for their bravery.
Author David Yuzuk, a retired police officer, has done a remarkable job documenting various women warriors who served their countries in many different capacities. In some instances, sections are written by the warriors themselves. In other cases extensive research has revealed extreme bravery shown in the face of danger or even death. Many of the accounts are harrowing. Women in War is a truly gripping collection of stories about some of history’s bravest women warriors.
Many of the brave women featured were nurses. A couple of examples cited were women who served as far back as the Civil War. In the first and second World Wars, some women worked for the effort as spies or ambulance drivers. In that time period, women nurses often worked in trenches or ditches, patching up soldiers before they could be transferred to hospitals. In Korea roughly 7,000 women were healthcare professionals. Some Army nurses served in Mobile Army Surgical Hospital or M.A.S.H. units. In Vietnam, 11,000 nurses served the wounded. They worked 16-hour shifts, six days a week. They had to learn to separate professionalism from emotions, and act quickly, despite their own fears of survival. Many returned home with PTSD from the horrors they dealt with.
In addition to those cited above, women have played and continue to engage in significant roles in wars and conflicts: Grenada, Iraq, and Afghanistan. In more recent years, women have served as pilots, particularly Navy pilots. Numerous women soldiers have served in the field alongside men counterparts, many receiving medals for their bravery.
Author David Yuzuk, a retired police officer, has done a remarkable job documenting various women warriors who served their countries in many different capacities. In some instances, sections are written by the warriors themselves. In other cases extensive research has revealed extreme bravery shown in the face of danger or even death. Many of the accounts are harrowing. Women in War is a truly gripping collection of stories about some of history’s bravest women warriors.
September 15, 2025
This is an excellent telling of extraordinary women’s stories, women who didn’t see themselves that way. These are the role models our young women need to look to, those that serve selflessly - & serving doesn’t have to be in the military, there are doctors, nurses, firefighters, law enforcement, etc. Serving means taking care of others, it requires sacrifice - which is so far from what young people are taught in this day & age.
I knew of some of these women, I read the biography of Virginia Hall, I’d heard of Edith Cavel - just those two & what they accomplished is mind boggling, especially since women were (& still are in some respects) considered the weaker sex, especially in the first half of the 20th century.
I recommended to my son, who is a combat veteran from the 82nd Airborne, read this. I kept texting him snippets & he will probably read it.
My only issue with the book, at all, is the editing. The commas, the story breaks (why could be because it’s an e-book), the typos.
Other than that - I can’t recommend this book strongly enough!
I knew of some of these women, I read the biography of Virginia Hall, I’d heard of Edith Cavel - just those two & what they accomplished is mind boggling, especially since women were (& still are in some respects) considered the weaker sex, especially in the first half of the 20th century.
I recommended to my son, who is a combat veteran from the 82nd Airborne, read this. I kept texting him snippets & he will probably read it.
My only issue with the book, at all, is the editing. The commas, the story breaks (why could be because it’s an e-book), the typos.
Other than that - I can’t recommend this book strongly enough!
August 24, 2025
Valor And Bravery Doesn’t Depend On Gender
Occasionally, as a 74 year old man, I wake up on the wrong side of the bed and grumble about the state of gender in our country - in today’s atmosphere it is fine to have female umpires and coaches for men’s sports teams but men coaching, training or broadcasting women’s teams or athletes is seen by many as sexist and wrong. It’s hard to be a man in the modern era.
But this book puts all that political nonsense in perspective. Patriotism, heroism and gallantry know no gender and never have. The best of humanity isn’t determined by X or Y chromosomes.
The women who are subjects of this book showed the best of us in the worst of circumstances.
I’m very glad this books honors them. It should serve to broaden all our minds about grace under pressure.
Occasionally, as a 74 year old man, I wake up on the wrong side of the bed and grumble about the state of gender in our country - in today’s atmosphere it is fine to have female umpires and coaches for men’s sports teams but men coaching, training or broadcasting women’s teams or athletes is seen by many as sexist and wrong. It’s hard to be a man in the modern era.
But this book puts all that political nonsense in perspective. Patriotism, heroism and gallantry know no gender and never have. The best of humanity isn’t determined by X or Y chromosomes.
The women who are subjects of this book showed the best of us in the worst of circumstances.
I’m very glad this books honors them. It should serve to broaden all our minds about grace under pressure.
July 18, 2026
A very thought provoking book that was extremely good. My uncle served in Viet Nam so this book was a fast read since I didn’t want to put it down. It honors the bravery and valor they had. I also had to put the book down every so often when I was curious about another nurse whose story was being told. Lori Piestewa was one of them l discovered o. It and it was very heartwarming to hear of the Native American culture and how they have honored her service. Would recommend this book to any one.
July 22, 2025
Excellent read
There are so many untold stories about war. I’m glad someone made the effort to shine a light on these heroines. No one wins in a war except the people that make all the equipment to fight one. Let’s stop the insanity and have our generals fight the enemy’s general and then everyone go to a pub/bar and tell tall stories. Save the young people’s lives.
There are so many untold stories about war. I’m glad someone made the effort to shine a light on these heroines. No one wins in a war except the people that make all the equipment to fight one. Let’s stop the insanity and have our generals fight the enemy’s general and then everyone go to a pub/bar and tell tall stories. Save the young people’s lives.
April 24, 2026
A compilation of stories about women who showed bravery and courage at war time. Duh. Really not very interesting as it’s written as a hagiography, each woman being perfectly brave and perfectly kind and gentle and without any problems or frailty. Some of the stories I had read elsewhere and were much more nuanced. I would not suggest reading this book.
May 17, 2025
Women In War were dedicated to serve and Save lives
War stories of women in war will make you smile and cry. Many served with a passion to save lives and give hope for those who in wars around the world. My hat is off to all of them.
War stories of women in war will make you smile and cry. Many served with a passion to save lives and give hope for those who in wars around the world. My hat is off to all of them.
July 13, 2025
Incredible!!!
This was such a wonderful read! I'm fascinated with history and the military. Reading about women who have served in battle is so awe-inspiring and heartbreaking at the same time.
This was such a wonderful read! I'm fascinated with history and the military. Reading about women who have served in battle is so awe-inspiring and heartbreaking at the same time.
October 24, 2025
Wonderful stories about amazing heroes! I'd need to do more research, but some of the stories about the Vietnam War nurses sound like they were the inspiration for parts of The Women by Kristen Hannah. These are stories that NEED to be told.
February 22, 2026
The stories these women tell are absolutely incredible and worthy of five stars. However, the editing of the book leaves a lot to be desired - spelling mistakes, repetition, missing words, etc - and detracts from the message of the book.
March 19, 2026
This is not as gripping as manipulated stories would be. It's ordinary women in extraordinary times and circumstances. Realities without embellishment. Had to stop from time to time, just to gather my ability to go on with their actual experiences.
July 2, 2025
WOW. all I can say is WOW. The Women was fiction; this is the non-fiction that give credibility to that work. I couldn't put it down - spellbinding and heartbreaking.
July 3, 2025
amazing women in war
Excellent book, so many amazing women that made a huge difference in the world. True heroes. Their bravery and courage and compassion is amazing.
Excellent book, so many amazing women that made a huge difference in the world. True heroes. Their bravery and courage and compassion is amazing.
July 4, 2025
Learned a lot reading this book. After reading "The Women" this book gave me a different perspective. It is not very well written but educational.
July 5, 2025
Good Read
A good book, but a lot of editorial mistakes, like grammar and spelling, but you can overlook it because it’s a good read.
A good book, but a lot of editorial mistakes, like grammar and spelling, but you can overlook it because it’s a good read.
July 8, 2025
victorious women warriors
Great book on the women who fought along side the men of war. Thanks for honoring the brave women who lived and died for their country.
Great book on the women who fought along side the men of war. Thanks for honoring the brave women who lived and died for their country.
September 2, 2025
For the stories of the women I gave a four rating. However, the writing and editing was poor to the point of distraction.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews