No Time for Fear: Voices of American Military Nurses in World War II

by Diane Burke Fessler

No Time for Fear summons the voices of more than 100 women who served as nurses overseas during World War II, letting them tell their story as no one else can. Fessler has meticulously compiled and transcribed more than 200 interviews with American military nurses of the Army, Army Air Force, and Navy who were present in all theaters of WWII. Their stories bring to life horrific tales of illness and hardship, blinding blizzards, and near starvation—all faced with courage, tenacity, and even good humor. This unique oral-history collection makes available to readers an important counterpoint to the seemingly endless discussions of strategy, planning, and troop movement that often characterize discussions of the Second World War.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, War, Nursing, World War II, Health

298 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 1996

Reviews

[Susie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read a lot of historical books about World War II but never one from the perspective of our medical personnel. This was an extremely good book that did not shy away from the horrors that took place. I was a teenager during the Viet Nam war, which was front page news and constantly on the tv every night. My uncle was injured during that war and my grandparents got the phone call the next day. I can’t imagine families not knowing if their loved was dead or alive during WWII. I think everyone should read this book. Thank you to every medical personnel who served.

[Gail Kittleson]

So much information straight from the nurses - thank you, Diane. I'm glad you took the time to compile all these amazing stories.

[Jenn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Makes me proud to be a nurse! The men and women of the greatest generation were aptly named!!

[Danica Belleque · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book highlights the vital role women had during WWII. I am inspired by their courage.

[Patricia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book I've read recently of memoirs of American nurses' experiences in World War II. I wanted to learn more about their lives at that time and (wild-hare idea) maybe even learn something about my friend's mother, who served in the Philippines. This is well worth reading, especially if you're a history hound.

[Carolyn Page · Rating 5 out of 5]

An oral history of US Military nurses in WWII, this is a poignant selection of little stories, most only a paragraph or two long. You'll laugh, you'll cry, you'll have a greater understanding or and appreciation for these women.

[Sarah Sundin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This collection of firsthand accounts from US military nurses in World War II is a good addition to the literature on the subject. Many touching, horrifying, and humorous stories.

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a wonderful collection. It makes me proud to be a nurse. Nurses are a special breed & the WWII military nurses FAR exceeded anything we will EVER come close to achieving.

[E · Rating 1 out of 5]

We had a hard time getting the book....not sure who all read it