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And If I Perish
A galvanizing narrative of the wartime role played by U.S. Army nurses—from the invasion of North Africa to the bloody Italian campaign to the decisive battles in France and the Rhineland.
More than 59,000 nurses volunteered to serve in the U.S. Army Nurse Corps 217 lost their lives (16 by enemy action), and more than 1,600 were decorated for meritorious service and bravery under fire. But their stories have rarely been heard. Now, drawing on never-before-published eyewitness accounts—many heroic, some mundane and comic—Monahan and Neidel-Greenlee take us to the front lines, to the withering fire on the beaches of Anzio and Normandy, and to the field and evacuation hospitals, as well as bombed and burned hospital ships. We witness the nurses—and the doctors with whom they served—coping with the physical and psychological damage done to the soldiers in combat. We see them working—often with only meager supplies and overwhelmed by the sheer number of casualties—to save the lives and limbs of thousands of wounded troops. With them we experience the almost constant packing up and moving on to keep up with advancing troops, foxholes dug under camp beds, endless mud, and treacherous minefields. The vividness and immediacy of their recollections provide us with a powerfully visceral, deeply affecting sense of their experiences—terrifying and triumphant, exhausting and exhilarating.
A revelatory work that at last gives voice to the nurses who played such an essential role in World War II.
More than 59,000 nurses volunteered to serve in the U.S. Army Nurse Corps 217 lost their lives (16 by enemy action), and more than 1,600 were decorated for meritorious service and bravery under fire. But their stories have rarely been heard. Now, drawing on never-before-published eyewitness accounts—many heroic, some mundane and comic—Monahan and Neidel-Greenlee take us to the front lines, to the withering fire on the beaches of Anzio and Normandy, and to the field and evacuation hospitals, as well as bombed and burned hospital ships. We witness the nurses—and the doctors with whom they served—coping with the physical and psychological damage done to the soldiers in combat. We see them working—often with only meager supplies and overwhelmed by the sheer number of casualties—to save the lives and limbs of thousands of wounded troops. With them we experience the almost constant packing up and moving on to keep up with advancing troops, foxholes dug under camp beds, endless mud, and treacherous minefields. The vividness and immediacy of their recollections provide us with a powerfully visceral, deeply affecting sense of their experiences—terrifying and triumphant, exhausting and exhilarating.
A revelatory work that at last gives voice to the nurses who played such an essential role in World War II.
514 pages, Hardcover
First published November 4, 2003
303 people are currently reading
3287 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 186 reviews
August 13, 2012
This was a really good book. I’d recommend it for history buffs or for people who just like reading about ordinary people doing extraordinary things. Since female nurses are the focus, I’d also recommend it to readers interested in women’s history or who just like reading about the sisterhood that develops between women living and working together. For WWII ETO history buffs, I’d say it’s a must-read.
The authors said they weren’t trying to give a complete history of the European theater, and they didn’t, but they did give enough framework to help the reader know what was going on with the big picture, while focusing on the medical side of things. There were a few things that were a little off—they only mentioned two of the Normandy beaches (the map showed all five) and the way they talked about Market Garden minimized what a mess it was.
The book’s strength is the stories it tells and the details it gives. If you want to know what it would have been like to be in a field or evacuation hospital, this is the book to read. You’ll hear about the mud, the dust, the foxholes, and the horrible injuries. And about how the nurses tried to make fudge for all their patients in time for Christmas (so when anyone got out of their foxhole during a shelling, they were told to stir the fudge). You’ll also hear about how the hospitals around Oran ran out of suture material and had to use hair to stitch up their patients (they soaked it in alcohol first) and about how they kept operating on the Anzio beachhead despite the frequent shelling. It talks about the sinking of a few hospital ships by German planes, and about some idiot who dropped a truck full of nurses off in no-man’s land in Italy.
I also liked that the pictures were spread throughout the book (the electronic version, anyway). Most history books have separate sections for pictures, and that works fine in print books, but it’s hard to flip to the pictures in an ebook without losing your place. Having the pictures where the subjects were mentioned help the people seem more alive.
The book’s weakness is its writing. It’s not bad, but it’s repetitive in a few places. I only need to be told once that the Battle of the Bulge brought in more US causalities than any other battle since Gettysburg. And there were some other things too—made me wonder if each section was written to be a stand-alone chapter.
Overall, the book’s strengths greatly outweigh the writing problems, so if you like history, it’s well worth the read. For readers really interested in the subject, I’d also recommend Band of Angels, by Elizabeth Norman, which covers what happened to the Army and Navy nurses captured in the Philippines and sent to POW camps.
The authors said they weren’t trying to give a complete history of the European theater, and they didn’t, but they did give enough framework to help the reader know what was going on with the big picture, while focusing on the medical side of things. There were a few things that were a little off—they only mentioned two of the Normandy beaches (the map showed all five) and the way they talked about Market Garden minimized what a mess it was.
The book’s strength is the stories it tells and the details it gives. If you want to know what it would have been like to be in a field or evacuation hospital, this is the book to read. You’ll hear about the mud, the dust, the foxholes, and the horrible injuries. And about how the nurses tried to make fudge for all their patients in time for Christmas (so when anyone got out of their foxhole during a shelling, they were told to stir the fudge). You’ll also hear about how the hospitals around Oran ran out of suture material and had to use hair to stitch up their patients (they soaked it in alcohol first) and about how they kept operating on the Anzio beachhead despite the frequent shelling. It talks about the sinking of a few hospital ships by German planes, and about some idiot who dropped a truck full of nurses off in no-man’s land in Italy.
I also liked that the pictures were spread throughout the book (the electronic version, anyway). Most history books have separate sections for pictures, and that works fine in print books, but it’s hard to flip to the pictures in an ebook without losing your place. Having the pictures where the subjects were mentioned help the people seem more alive.
The book’s weakness is its writing. It’s not bad, but it’s repetitive in a few places. I only need to be told once that the Battle of the Bulge brought in more US causalities than any other battle since Gettysburg. And there were some other things too—made me wonder if each section was written to be a stand-alone chapter.
Overall, the book’s strengths greatly outweigh the writing problems, so if you like history, it’s well worth the read. For readers really interested in the subject, I’d also recommend Band of Angels, by Elizabeth Norman, which covers what happened to the Army and Navy nurses captured in the Philippines and sent to POW camps.
January 26, 2019
Compelling story that needed to be told. Only criticism is that it could have been told with less words and repetition
July 19, 2020
This is an amazing book. An important book. A superbly written book. Anyone with the slightest interest in WWII, women's history, nursing history, or the history of military medicine should immediately find it and devour it. I found it utterly engrossing, awe-inspiring, and infuriating by turns. The women it profiles so well and so intimately deserve boundless credit for their actions as frontline US Army nurses, often under combat conditions, in the North African, Mediterranean, and European Theaters of WWII. The indignities of treatment they endured from their own military brass and their government during and after that war were simply outrageous. Although they were treated as second-class officers during the war and largely as non-veterans after it, their selfless dedication to duty as protectors and healers of the men under their care, despite their shoddy treatment by the powers-that-be, proved them worthy of the respect and gratitude of every American. These were women we should all aspire to emulate. True heroes, truly humane beings. I know I'm gushing. I can't help it. Read this book. Discover for yourself the debt we owe these women as a nation.
November 8, 2021
I loved this book so much! It is non fiction, but it reads like fiction. I do have to put a disclaimer however (hence only the four star rating) because there was editing of content that needed to be done, but after editing it (I usually use white out) it is definitely a book that I have read and reread and probably will re-re-read ;) The courage of these amazing women is just astounding!
February 9, 2015
I wanted to give this book five stars and the reason I didn't is because it took me so long to read. I had to ponder, look at the maps, wish I could talk to my Dad, and have enough courage to go on reading. Everyone should read this book, but, it is not an easy read. It is about time someone wrote about the other half of the "Greatest Generation," the women nurses who served on the front lines during World War II. I was appalled at how they were treated by our government. I guess women were still second class citizens in the 1940's. Most of the men in command were kind, but there were some who didn't deserve the rank and authority they held because they lacked humanity. This book has been well researched, there are many first hand interviews, and delightful human interest spots. But, be warned, it is not for the faint of heart. You will be exhausted when you finish because you have literally lived in their shoes.
May 28, 2017
One of the best books I've ever read. Evelyn M. Monahan's fascinating, meticulously researched book pays homage to the selfless, courageous women who volunteered to nurse on the front lines during WWII. Throughout the telling of the stories of these women, I found it nearly impossible to put the book down, so interesting were their experiences. In fact, Monahan's writing style seemed to read very much like a novel. It was a page turner until the end. I can't see how a reader would not be moved by the bravery and heroic actions of these women.
I've now read three non-fiction books about WWII combat nurses (two of those written or co-written by Monahan), but I found this one, by far, to be the best. Since the nurses of that generation who served in the Pacific theater were P.O.W.s forced to endure unimaginable hardships at the hands of their Japanese captors, this book's main focal point is the African & European theaters.
I highly recommend this book to ANY person who loves history. I walked away feeling that reading it was the least I -- who has benefited from the sacrifices of such strong, independent, brave women -- can do to honor those sacrifices. The bonus was that it was so superbly written that it felt like no sacrifice at all for me to have devoted my time to it. If I were a teacher of WWII history in a high school or college, I would want my students to read this book so that they might understand the devotion and courage of the WWII combat nurse and the vital hand she played in achieving victory for our country AND world.
I've now read three non-fiction books about WWII combat nurses (two of those written or co-written by Monahan), but I found this one, by far, to be the best. Since the nurses of that generation who served in the Pacific theater were P.O.W.s forced to endure unimaginable hardships at the hands of their Japanese captors, this book's main focal point is the African & European theaters.
I highly recommend this book to ANY person who loves history. I walked away feeling that reading it was the least I -- who has benefited from the sacrifices of such strong, independent, brave women -- can do to honor those sacrifices. The bonus was that it was so superbly written that it felt like no sacrifice at all for me to have devoted my time to it. If I were a teacher of WWII history in a high school or college, I would want my students to read this book so that they might understand the devotion and courage of the WWII combat nurse and the vital hand she played in achieving victory for our country AND world.
June 29, 2013
Through their specific stories, the women of the'greatest generation' Army Nurse Corps made WWII come alive for me. I felt the fear and witnessed the courage of the soldiers and the nurses who were always one step behind and very often alongside them as they landed on beaches, slogged in forests, endured scrafing and bombing and dealt with awful human suffering. Along the way we are reminded of cultural facts we now can regard as quaint history. Some random examples: males were not permitted to work as nurses in WWII, since such work was beneath a soldier's dignity;African American nurses, when admitted at all, were permitted to nurse only African American troops and POW's; no one thought to provision nurses with shoes or clothing; Pres. Roosevelt proposed a draft for nurses --fascinating political backstory!; slander at home claimed that army nurses were either whores or lesbians with the perverted effect of dampening volunteering; although there were nurses at the front forever, the Women's Army Corps was not established until 1942;. shrapnel from trees generally inflicted more grievous wounds than shrapnel from bombs;when planes were unavailable for the job, gliders were used to transport wounded soldiers across the Rhine to field hospitals, crash landings notwithstanding;nurses were paid half of a soldier's pay; women vets were not permitted to join the American Legion or the VFW after WWII;there were no provisions in V.A. hospitals for female patients; etc., etc. This is not a feminist manifesto, by any means. This is just the way it was. These stories do not appear in history books nor were they acknowledged except maybe individually by the men who survived because of the care they received. Finally, in 1982, a nurse who had been a POW testified before a Senate Subcommittee, and that was a beginning of raising some awareness of the service nurses contributed to our national story.
The records on the Nurse Corps in government agencies were so haphazard that if the authors had not taken on the job of interviewing these now elderly women and men, many of the facts of their service would have died with these nurses.
Anyway, we move forward. This is a record worth reading.
The records on the Nurse Corps in government agencies were so haphazard that if the authors had not taken on the job of interviewing these now elderly women and men, many of the facts of their service would have died with these nurses.
Anyway, we move forward. This is a record worth reading.
December 15, 2018
I had every intention of reading just the prologue. (21 pages.) Enough to get an overview. I liked it so much I read the first chapter. (55 pages.) I'm not going to take the time to finish this right now, but I would certainly come back to it. Where I thought it would be somewhat dry, it is most definitely not. I'm not generally a fan of war books but I was so drawn to the women's stories here, and filled with awe and respect and admiration for their bravery and sense of service and duty. I think this non-fiction book takes strength from a wide breadth of material and a variety of stories to tell instead of following one narrative. The female perspective is such an important part of the story to have told!
I think in this day of self-promotion, the idea of doing your life unannounced and largely unappreciated by the wider world, is so foreign to us. This book does a good job of illustrating the atmosphere and sensibilities of that time. I think if these ladies were on Instagram, we'd all think they were the most badass ever!
12/18; Finished. Maybe the best war book I've ever read. The perfect balance of battle politics, personal vignettes, and medical details.
I think in this day of self-promotion, the idea of doing your life unannounced and largely unappreciated by the wider world, is so foreign to us. This book does a good job of illustrating the atmosphere and sensibilities of that time. I think if these ladies were on Instagram, we'd all think they were the most badass ever!
12/18; Finished. Maybe the best war book I've ever read. The perfect balance of battle politics, personal vignettes, and medical details.
July 26, 2016
A fascinating look at some of the unsung heroines of WWII. Did you know that Army nurses landed with the troops at Anzio? Did you know they served on the front lines throughout the European campaign? They served and died next to their male comrades and did so with less pay, fewer comforts, and only honorary rank. (They got to wear the bars but were not entitled to salutes.)
I devoured this book in a few days. Extremely well-researched and full of reminiscences from the women who where there. The authors (both former Army nurses themselves) did a wonderful job combining the history you need to know about the battles with the history you don't know about the nurses who risked their lives under enemy fire.
I'm a fan of both military history and stories about extraordinary women so I found this one to be fascinating.
I devoured this book in a few days. Extremely well-researched and full of reminiscences from the women who where there. The authors (both former Army nurses themselves) did a wonderful job combining the history you need to know about the battles with the history you don't know about the nurses who risked their lives under enemy fire.
I'm a fan of both military history and stories about extraordinary women so I found this one to be fascinating.
November 13, 2012
This is a great read but also a very important book for anyone interested in military history, women's issues, or nursing as a profession.
Unknown to many Americans, US Military Nurses served in battle, on the front lines, at great personal risk. Some were POWs in Europe and the Pacific, some were killed, many injured, and their sacrifices were almost immediately hidden from the world by politicians who did not want to upset the status quo. They were not paid fairly, were not afforded the official respect they deserved, and somehow were not embittered.
Unknown to many Americans, US Military Nurses served in battle, on the front lines, at great personal risk. Some were POWs in Europe and the Pacific, some were killed, many injured, and their sacrifices were almost immediately hidden from the world by politicians who did not want to upset the status quo. They were not paid fairly, were not afforded the official respect they deserved, and somehow were not embittered.
October 14, 2018
Amazing. The role of women who served overseas during WWII has been woefully neglected in most accounts of the war. Fortunately, the authors of this book felt the urgency to record their stories before it was too late. This book chronicles the experiences of women who served on the front lines as US Army nurses, adding another dimension and perspective from which to view the war. The authors are to be applauded for the hundreds of interviews and sheer mass of research they compiled in order to tell their stories. Beautifully and thoughtfully written.
April 5, 2021
The topic of this book, American Army nurses in WWII, is quite interesting and not discussed or written about enough. I wish I had liked the book better. Too many details about where hospitals were set up, which regiments were fighting and being injured, and not quite enough detail about the nurses themselves.
January 1, 2019
PG Library Book Club Oct 2018
We got to meet an actual US Army Nurse WWII Veteran at the library. It was awesome. She was 97 years old. This is a very interesting book that I almost didn't finish. I skimmed a lot towards the end. But I was told the last two chapters were worth it. The stories of the frontline Army nurses are really amazing. And everyone agreed how important it is that these womens' war experience stories have been collected and written as part of the war experience. Women were in the war. Women were war heroes.
I learned a lot about WWII that I had never heard before, mainly the North African campaign, and Italy, too. I was very sad reading about the Anzio Beach campaign, it was so long and grueling, and then we lost. And they put the hospital right there on the beach and told everyone they would be safe. I cried at the end of that part. I also learned a lot about how medicine was practiced in the war, and about penicillin coming into popular use.
Someone at book club pointed out that it is probably because of women's war experiences both in combat zone hospitals, and at home in factories, that things began to change for women socially. WWII was a big precursor to the Women's Movement. As a woman and a feminist I am terribly indebted to these Army nurses, and I loved reading their stories.
We got to meet an actual US Army Nurse WWII Veteran at the library. It was awesome. She was 97 years old. This is a very interesting book that I almost didn't finish. I skimmed a lot towards the end. But I was told the last two chapters were worth it. The stories of the frontline Army nurses are really amazing. And everyone agreed how important it is that these womens' war experience stories have been collected and written as part of the war experience. Women were in the war. Women were war heroes.
I learned a lot about WWII that I had never heard before, mainly the North African campaign, and Italy, too. I was very sad reading about the Anzio Beach campaign, it was so long and grueling, and then we lost. And they put the hospital right there on the beach and told everyone they would be safe. I cried at the end of that part. I also learned a lot about how medicine was practiced in the war, and about penicillin coming into popular use.
Someone at book club pointed out that it is probably because of women's war experiences both in combat zone hospitals, and at home in factories, that things began to change for women socially. WWII was a big precursor to the Women's Movement. As a woman and a feminist I am terribly indebted to these Army nurses, and I loved reading their stories.
October 25, 2018
I never cease to be amazed by how much I don't know. The more than 59,000 World War II nurses are an inspiring group. One of them, Audrey Kent, attended Bookenders last night. She's 97 years old and is very matter of fact about her service.
Reading the last chapter of the book and the epilogue was an emotional experience. Liberating the German concentration camps was horrific. I felt sick as I read about the by-the-book officer who prevented the U.S. from feeding the Dachau survivors because military rations were not to be given to civilians. There was a warehouse full of food to which an officer who was no longer there had the key in his pocket. Many of the survivors starved after they had been liberated. Starved.
I'm saddened that these heroic women were largely unremembered and unheralded. As a group, they even had a negative reputation, at least among those who were likely looking for reasons not to volunteer.
Reading the last chapter of the book and the epilogue was an emotional experience. Liberating the German concentration camps was horrific. I felt sick as I read about the by-the-book officer who prevented the U.S. from feeding the Dachau survivors because military rations were not to be given to civilians. There was a warehouse full of food to which an officer who was no longer there had the key in his pocket. Many of the survivors starved after they had been liberated. Starved.
I'm saddened that these heroic women were largely unremembered and unheralded. As a group, they even had a negative reputation, at least among those who were likely looking for reasons not to volunteer.
July 14, 2020
Incredible book of little known history. I knew women served as nurses in later wars but never knew they served overseas in WWII until recently. This book goes into great detail of the conditions these women and hospitals endured. Some truly disturbing.
What incredible ladies. The ending of the book felt a bit rushed. I would have liked more detail on how they came home or if any went to the Pacific theatre to continue to serve. Also, some more detail on what they did with their lives after the war, other than "got married".
What an inspiration they all are.
Having served in the military myself it was sad to read how these veterans were treated after their service. They didn't receive VA assistance or support in any other capacity. That truly angers me. But I am grateful that someone heard their stories and wrote them down so that we can all learn what these ladies endured and accomplished.
What incredible ladies. The ending of the book felt a bit rushed. I would have liked more detail on how they came home or if any went to the Pacific theatre to continue to serve. Also, some more detail on what they did with their lives after the war, other than "got married".
What an inspiration they all are.
Having served in the military myself it was sad to read how these veterans were treated after their service. They didn't receive VA assistance or support in any other capacity. That truly angers me. But I am grateful that someone heard their stories and wrote them down so that we can all learn what these ladies endured and accomplished.
August 22, 2024
This was a long but incredible read. I can’t imagine the time and research that went into compiling these amazing stories. Appreciated the chronological structure around different war fronts while keeping a thread of key people. Long and worth it.
April 28, 2019
If you're a history buff and you enjoy learning about WWII and little known history about what some of the women did in the service, then you really enjoy this book. I would highly recommend it!
August 4, 2021
One of the best historical non-fiction books I have read. Normally books that are non-biographical, or non-autobiographical, are difficult for me to read through effectively, but this book gripped me like few can. Watching the lives of young men and women who gave up their comforts and lives for their country, and for the boys of their country, was deeply stirring and impactful—highly recommend!
March 12, 2024
A lot of information, but what amazingly brave women.
September 11, 2024
Incredible stories and history of women in the armed forces. Just a little repetitive with information overload at times.
July 31, 2025
Amazing. So good. Kinda long but totally ate (I ate and it ate.) women kick ass
July 9, 2025
An incredible story of women who served honorably and thanklessly. I’m proud and honored to continue to carry the torch that they lit in Army Medicine.
January 21, 2022
This book took a while for me to read with all its detailed descriptions of the U.S. army's movements at each theater, hospital procedures and equipment, and the battles themselves. However, I found it very interesting and was glad that I was able to learn more about the U.S. army nurses who served in World War II.
The book was eye-opening for me and gave great insight into what the nurses went through during the War. The authors, Monahan and Neidel-Greenlee, both active in Women's Veteran committees, dedicated their time to holding interviews with former U.S. Army Corps nurses and researching nurse duties and stories that occurred during World War II. This book is a collection of their research.
The courage that these Army nurses had was truly amazing. Despite the dangers of war that were happening overseas, they volunteered to help their troops and care for the injured. They were committed to the American cause and had a fierce affection for their troops. Often, nurses continued performing surgeries on soldiers while bullets whistled by and German planes flew overhead. They witnessed horrible wounds, men with missing faces, disease, amputations, and men with PTSD. Many of the nurses worked round the clock with no time to rest, for the causalities increased more and more each day. More often than not, there were more injured soldiers than beds for them to lay on. Nurses lived on miniscule rations most days, and an occasional Coca-Cola was considered a luxury. Many times, they had to wear the same clothing for weeks on end due to poor supply from the U.S. government.
Not only were they poorly supplied with clothing, but the nurses and surgeons were often irritated that their hospital equipment supply was running low, was outdated, or that whole blood, that the wounded soldiers so desperately needed, was almost unattainable. Thankfully, as the course of the war went on, the nurses grew more adept at working around these issues, and the U.S. worked on sending pints of blood to the war hospitals.
However, there were a few bright spots for the nurses during the War. Depending on their new location, the nurses were allowed to visit the nearby towns and go to markets and see movies. Often, a nurse would pair up with one of the officers and go out on a date. They were able to enjoy good food and dress up for the occasion. Holidays were also a special time. Nurses would put together small gifts for the soldiers and try to compile a holiday dinner. They also would decorate the hospital for Christmas with various materials and have a dance.
Through out the terrible war, the nurses stuck together and became life-long friends. When a nurse became victim to a causality, there was a united sorrow that one of their "sisters" had been lost.
The nurses and their work in World War II is not well-known to most Americans. In fact, when these nurses returned home to the States after having served to close to 4 years overseas, they were expected to fit back into society by fitting in their "traditional" roles as homemakers and mothers and were not openly offered other jobs or college opportunities that the male veterans were. They had been paid lower wages than the men during the war, and, now, they were not allowed to be part of veteran committees and organizations because they were women. No effort was made to reach out to these women and hear their stories. The nurses had a tough time when they came back to the States, but, over the years, Women's Veteran committees were organized, and the nurses were shown recognition for their service.
Although many of these nurses have passed away, those who are still alive deserve our recognition and gratitude for their service. While the troops were fighting, they were working behind-the-scenes, tending the wounded and saving lives. Without them, our country would not enjoy the freedom that it enjoys today.
The book was eye-opening for me and gave great insight into what the nurses went through during the War. The authors, Monahan and Neidel-Greenlee, both active in Women's Veteran committees, dedicated their time to holding interviews with former U.S. Army Corps nurses and researching nurse duties and stories that occurred during World War II. This book is a collection of their research.
The courage that these Army nurses had was truly amazing. Despite the dangers of war that were happening overseas, they volunteered to help their troops and care for the injured. They were committed to the American cause and had a fierce affection for their troops. Often, nurses continued performing surgeries on soldiers while bullets whistled by and German planes flew overhead. They witnessed horrible wounds, men with missing faces, disease, amputations, and men with PTSD. Many of the nurses worked round the clock with no time to rest, for the causalities increased more and more each day. More often than not, there were more injured soldiers than beds for them to lay on. Nurses lived on miniscule rations most days, and an occasional Coca-Cola was considered a luxury. Many times, they had to wear the same clothing for weeks on end due to poor supply from the U.S. government.
Not only were they poorly supplied with clothing, but the nurses and surgeons were often irritated that their hospital equipment supply was running low, was outdated, or that whole blood, that the wounded soldiers so desperately needed, was almost unattainable. Thankfully, as the course of the war went on, the nurses grew more adept at working around these issues, and the U.S. worked on sending pints of blood to the war hospitals.
However, there were a few bright spots for the nurses during the War. Depending on their new location, the nurses were allowed to visit the nearby towns and go to markets and see movies. Often, a nurse would pair up with one of the officers and go out on a date. They were able to enjoy good food and dress up for the occasion. Holidays were also a special time. Nurses would put together small gifts for the soldiers and try to compile a holiday dinner. They also would decorate the hospital for Christmas with various materials and have a dance.
Through out the terrible war, the nurses stuck together and became life-long friends. When a nurse became victim to a causality, there was a united sorrow that one of their "sisters" had been lost.
The nurses and their work in World War II is not well-known to most Americans. In fact, when these nurses returned home to the States after having served to close to 4 years overseas, they were expected to fit back into society by fitting in their "traditional" roles as homemakers and mothers and were not openly offered other jobs or college opportunities that the male veterans were. They had been paid lower wages than the men during the war, and, now, they were not allowed to be part of veteran committees and organizations because they were women. No effort was made to reach out to these women and hear their stories. The nurses had a tough time when they came back to the States, but, over the years, Women's Veteran committees were organized, and the nurses were shown recognition for their service.
Although many of these nurses have passed away, those who are still alive deserve our recognition and gratitude for their service. While the troops were fighting, they were working behind-the-scenes, tending the wounded and saving lives. Without them, our country would not enjoy the freedom that it enjoys today.
December 5, 2015
Monahan and Neidel-Greenlee have done a superb job of reporting this little known history. In the epilogue they mention two incidents that should inspire every feminist to write to her congressman, write to every history teacher or professor they know and demand that the contributions of these women be not only recognized but lauded at every level of education. One writer tells the story of lobbying a state senator from Georgia for the Equal Rights bill (prior to performing this research) he asked her "Why should women have equal rights? They aren't on the battlefields. I was at Guadalcanal and there weren't any women there." ONE: equal rights should be based on basic human rights -- not a pay back. TWO: Why would a senator, a person with access to the best education available be ignorant of the facts? Because the contributions of women are not taught in our schools. Another story is told about a conversation between one of the nurses featured in this book and Senator Jesse Helms. He, too, had no idea that women had served in WWII. Once again, our education system has failed to give children the FACTS. They have failed to inspire girls with what they can do and what they can be.
I am presently immersing myself in reading about the women of WWII -- the first book that I ordered this month to arrive was And If I Perish -- this book is extremely well written and researched. I just wish that the research available to the authors was freely available to everyone interested in WWII and historians in general. Unfortunately it is all buried in the National Archives. Stories are being digitized every day -- why not ours???? Write your congressman.
I am presently immersing myself in reading about the women of WWII -- the first book that I ordered this month to arrive was And If I Perish -- this book is extremely well written and researched. I just wish that the research available to the authors was freely available to everyone interested in WWII and historians in general. Unfortunately it is all buried in the National Archives. Stories are being digitized every day -- why not ours???? Write your congressman.
June 22, 2022
As much as I've read about WWII, I never came across anything about the nurses that served in the U.S. forces. After reading Monahan's book, I am amazed at what they endured and angered at how they were treated by their own government.
The book clearly shows that these women were courageous, determined to help the injured, and tough as nails. They were on the front lines in Africa, Italy, Europe, and the Pacific and faced atrocious conditions, terrifying events, personal injury, and death. I don't think I will ever forget the horrifying death of a nurse on the hospital ship Newfoundland when it was sunk (illegally) by the Germans.
What angered me was their treatment by the government. They were only paid 1/2 of what male personnel received, even though they had the same rank and did the same jobs. When they returned from war, the VA was not set up for women and didn't serve them. Also, they had no recourse for their PTSD. The government sent them to the front lines, didn't supply them with appropriate clothing or supplies, expected them to take care of the wounded, clean the medical facilities and supplies after the soldiers were cared for (often resulting in 20 hour days), and come home to no recognition and no veterans' opportunities or treatment.
These women held no grudges and simply got on with life. But it is high time they were recognized for their service.
The book clearly shows that these women were courageous, determined to help the injured, and tough as nails. They were on the front lines in Africa, Italy, Europe, and the Pacific and faced atrocious conditions, terrifying events, personal injury, and death. I don't think I will ever forget the horrifying death of a nurse on the hospital ship Newfoundland when it was sunk (illegally) by the Germans.
What angered me was their treatment by the government. They were only paid 1/2 of what male personnel received, even though they had the same rank and did the same jobs. When they returned from war, the VA was not set up for women and didn't serve them. Also, they had no recourse for their PTSD. The government sent them to the front lines, didn't supply them with appropriate clothing or supplies, expected them to take care of the wounded, clean the medical facilities and supplies after the soldiers were cared for (often resulting in 20 hour days), and come home to no recognition and no veterans' opportunities or treatment.
These women held no grudges and simply got on with life. But it is high time they were recognized for their service.
March 28, 2022
This was really well written and researched. I would recommend for anyone interested in women's history, medical history, and World War 2 history. We follow a few different nurses and doctors stories throughout parts of the North African, Mediterranean, and European Theaters of WWII. This book is from the nurses stories about being on the front lines in battle doing extraordinary tasks in some of the worst conditions. It is very sad how these women were treated by the American community at large and have not been recognized until the writing of this book. I can't imagine what these women went through and the innovation they had to continue saving lives of everyone that came to their tents for care even while being actively bombed.
October 21, 2014
This is about the heroic women who served as nurses in WWII. Its funny how the movies were all about the soldiers etc., and the nurses did not receive recognition even as veterans until recently, which is incredible sad. I was truly shocked by the hardships the withstood, about their incredible devotion to the soldiers, and to each other. These stories will stick with you they will make you realize how soft we have become. These ladies were tough, strong, and have received so little recognition that they so deserved.
July 29, 2025
n a country where it is suddenly not PC to suggest that women belong in uniform or can be important members of our armed serviced, books like And If I Perish: Frontline U.S. Army Nurses in World War II, by Evelyn M. Monahan, Rosemary Neidel-Greenlee are that much more important. It has been years since I have bought a book for the purpose of spreading its message and I hope that copy will at least travel from mother to daughter. My wife will be getting my copy.
This is an example of the story, in this case history/herstory is more important that the writing. Authors Monahan and Greenless are more than competent writers. What blasts through is the fact that these women, who were consistently given less than equal treatment gave more than their full measure of professional, military service.
This list of deliberate inequities begins with their only having nominal officer rank and therefore less pay and fewer privileges to too many incidental and deliberate second class treatments. With such casual denegations continuing many years after WW II. This book is a story that has to be told and perhaps shouted at those whose ignorance is incidental, deliberate or political.
A few highlights should be sufficient to make clear to any doubters.
Women Nurses went ashore in the first waves of America’s first “D Day”, this one being North Africa. They were withheld from day one landings in Sicily and Italy but especially in Italy, they were in the same pocket, and under the same kinds of bombings, strafing and shelling that cost the infantry so many casualties at Anzio. Bombings that included attacks on clearly identified hospital ships.
American Army nurses served close to and on occasion at the front. They suffered wounds, privations and deaths but did so with the one mission of serving the injured. Many tens of thousands of injured Army, civilians and captured enemy. For all of this, And If I Perish is only the story of US Army Nurses in the ETO. There is important reason to know that too many of those who served in the Pacific suffered more for their country and their patients.
Respect is due, overdue. The story must be told. Please read And If I Perish: Frontline U.S. Army Nurses in World War II. Please pass it on to others.
This is an example of the story, in this case history/herstory is more important that the writing. Authors Monahan and Greenless are more than competent writers. What blasts through is the fact that these women, who were consistently given less than equal treatment gave more than their full measure of professional, military service.
This list of deliberate inequities begins with their only having nominal officer rank and therefore less pay and fewer privileges to too many incidental and deliberate second class treatments. With such casual denegations continuing many years after WW II. This book is a story that has to be told and perhaps shouted at those whose ignorance is incidental, deliberate or political.
A few highlights should be sufficient to make clear to any doubters.
Women Nurses went ashore in the first waves of America’s first “D Day”, this one being North Africa. They were withheld from day one landings in Sicily and Italy but especially in Italy, they were in the same pocket, and under the same kinds of bombings, strafing and shelling that cost the infantry so many casualties at Anzio. Bombings that included attacks on clearly identified hospital ships.
American Army nurses served close to and on occasion at the front. They suffered wounds, privations and deaths but did so with the one mission of serving the injured. Many tens of thousands of injured Army, civilians and captured enemy. For all of this, And If I Perish is only the story of US Army Nurses in the ETO. There is important reason to know that too many of those who served in the Pacific suffered more for their country and their patients.
Respect is due, overdue. The story must be told. Please read And If I Perish: Frontline U.S. Army Nurses in World War II. Please pass it on to others.
July 25, 2018
This was one of the hardest books I have read in a long time. It was very detailed and I had to read several passages more than once to really understand what happened. It was a long read. I am a retired RN so this book was especially meaningful to me. I had NO idea of what wartime nurses did or went through. The conditions in which they lived and worked were horrifying. As I read I kept saying to myself, "My God, I couldn't do that". But they did. NOTHING got in the way of taking care of the wounded. It also showed how little I know about our war history. I was truly amazed at some of the stupid, uninformed, uncaring decisions that were made by the upper echelon without taking in the suggestions, pleas, and requests from the actual soldiers on the line. It truly is a wonder more troops weren't lost and that we even won the war. And today we hold many of those upper echelon in high regard. The nurses played a huge part in keeping the hospitals running and saving the lives of patients. One minute you are a scrub nurse, the next you are learning how to administer anesthesia.
I grew up hearing about WACs and WAVES. Thought they were really cool. They were badly mistreated. They were not acknowledged as Veterans, not given the opportunity, pay or respect that the males received, and basically ignored until the mid 1980's. Male RN's were not allowed to serve in these hospitals so the females did it all. Black RN's could only take care of black troops. And on it went. The nurses did form bonds and families with their medical teams. And for the most part were respected by them.
As hard as this story was to read I highly recommend it. I will read it again at some point as I am sure there was much I did not absorb.
I grew up hearing about WACs and WAVES. Thought they were really cool. They were badly mistreated. They were not acknowledged as Veterans, not given the opportunity, pay or respect that the males received, and basically ignored until the mid 1980's. Male RN's were not allowed to serve in these hospitals so the females did it all. Black RN's could only take care of black troops. And on it went. The nurses did form bonds and families with their medical teams. And for the most part were respected by them.
As hard as this story was to read I highly recommend it. I will read it again at some point as I am sure there was much I did not absorb.
April 20, 2023
I found this to be an interesting and informative history of nursing on the European front in WW II. That said, I have to admit that the text was challenging to work through, as the narrative is highly uneven, often switching abruptly between tangential tactical details of the movement of field hospitals and the larger strategic movement of troops throughout the theater. Moreover, some of the unevenness stems from the authors' focus on the trials and travails of male patients rather than a more solid spotlight on the female nurses themselves.
But if you're interested in the history of medicine at all (and definitely the conditions of field medicine and combat casualty care), you'll move past those bumps to be amazed at the difficulties front-line medics faced in WW II Europe. The authors reveal everything from difficulties at home with a general public that maligned nurses (and a government that did nothing to dissuade the prejudice), extreme challenges on the front with environmental conditions and the necessary (but often lacking) logistics support to endure in them, the establishment of whole blood pipelines to the front (along with the fight against a medical community's unjustified predilection for plasma for trauma patients over the use of whole blood), difficulties in securing air assets to evacuate patients from the front, and the horrors of an adversary that utterly ignored Geneva conventions with their ruthless assaults on hospitals and medical transports.
All in all, if you'd like to learn more about field medicine as told by the nurses themselves, this is one to add to your must read list.
But if you're interested in the history of medicine at all (and definitely the conditions of field medicine and combat casualty care), you'll move past those bumps to be amazed at the difficulties front-line medics faced in WW II Europe. The authors reveal everything from difficulties at home with a general public that maligned nurses (and a government that did nothing to dissuade the prejudice), extreme challenges on the front with environmental conditions and the necessary (but often lacking) logistics support to endure in them, the establishment of whole blood pipelines to the front (along with the fight against a medical community's unjustified predilection for plasma for trauma patients over the use of whole blood), difficulties in securing air assets to evacuate patients from the front, and the horrors of an adversary that utterly ignored Geneva conventions with their ruthless assaults on hospitals and medical transports.
All in all, if you'd like to learn more about field medicine as told by the nurses themselves, this is one to add to your must read list.
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