Angels of Mercy: The Army Nurses of World War II

by Betsy Kuhn

"You Are Needed Now," the posters proclaimed. "Join the Army Nurse Corps." And so they Over 59,000 American women signed up to serve their country in the war effort. Some joined expecting to experience the romance and adventure of war in faraway places while working to save lives. Many more quickly learned war's harsh realities -- and that their own lives could also be in danger.
The Army nurses of World War II served in the United States and abroad, in dense jungles, war-torn villages, and on barren ice fields. Many encountered bombings, crude living conditions, inadequate food. They also experienced the frustration of receiving lesser pay and privileges than their male counterparts as they worked, sometimes around the clock, to treat the wounded while confronting air raids, the threat of invasion, and capture by the enemy.
Nonetheless, in additon to their devotion to saving lives, some of the most important things the nurses brought to their units were courage and cheer. From holiday parties in makeshift hospitals to fudge making and softball games amid the grueling conditions of war, these angels of mercy brought light -- and life -- to the American forces of World War II.

Genres: Nonfiction, History, Biography, World War II

114 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1999

About the author

Betsy Kuhn grew up in Pennsylvania and now lives in Maryland. She loves history, gardening, hard crossword puzzles, John Candy movies, and spending time with her husband and two sons.

Reviews

[PJ CASSADA · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book gives a glimpse into the lives of several military nurses in World War II. If a bit unspecific at times, I found it an exciting, inspiring, and helpful read.
Just a warning: There are several gruesome pictures and an image or two of women in inappropriate clothing.

[Michelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

Actually a JUV book, it was great tribute to the Army nurses of WWII. I like that it told true stories from the bottom up. Did you know FDR was planning on drafting nurses at one point?

[John · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very well researched and written.

Mature Kuhn researched and found great women to interview for this outsrnding book. Written to where even preteens would be interested and can easily read. Love the stories and history here.

[Christine Keleny · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Book! Good overview of nursing through history.
Got to know a couple nurses from the 95th Evac Hospital because of this book.

[Duane · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great reference book for anyone wanting to know the complete story on how women got to serve in the military during World War 2. Filled with great photographs, the reader will follow the story of a few women who served in different fields of war and see their true stories and adventures. I really enjoyed this read because I learned so much that I had no clue happened during the war. A great read for any age and level reader.

[Deb · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great pictures! Cherry's ghost flits through each chapter, but the real stories are so much better and sadder than hers.
Holly loved it too.

[Deborah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Meant for younger readers, but a quick read that tells the story of several different units of nurses during World War 2 including 66 nurses who were captured by the Japanese in the South Pacific

[Cynthia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Quick, easy overview, actually of WWII, as well as the nurses that served during that war.

[Aren Lerner · Rating 5 out of 5]

So inspiring!