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It's My Country Too: Women's Military Stories from the American Revolution to Afghanistan
This inspiring anthology is the first to convey the rich experiences and contributions of women in the American military in their own words—from the Revolutionary War to the present wars in the Middle East.
Serving with the Union Army during the Civil War as a nurse, scout, spy, and soldier, Harriet Tubman tells what it was like to be the first American woman to lead a raid against an enemy, freeing some 750 slaves. Busting gender stereotypes, Josette Dermody Wingo enlisted as a gunner’s mate in the navy in World War II to teach sailors to fire Oerlikon anti-aircraft guns. Marine Barbara Dulinsky recalls serving under fire in Saigon during the Tet Offensive of 1968, and Brooke King describes the aftermath of her experiences outside the wire with the army in Operation Iraqi Freedom. In excerpts from their diaries, letters, oral histories, and pension depositions—as well as from published and unpublished memoirs—generations of women reveal why and how they chose to serve their country, often breaking with social norms, even at great personal peril.
Serving with the Union Army during the Civil War as a nurse, scout, spy, and soldier, Harriet Tubman tells what it was like to be the first American woman to lead a raid against an enemy, freeing some 750 slaves. Busting gender stereotypes, Josette Dermody Wingo enlisted as a gunner’s mate in the navy in World War II to teach sailors to fire Oerlikon anti-aircraft guns. Marine Barbara Dulinsky recalls serving under fire in Saigon during the Tet Offensive of 1968, and Brooke King describes the aftermath of her experiences outside the wire with the army in Operation Iraqi Freedom. In excerpts from their diaries, letters, oral histories, and pension depositions—as well as from published and unpublished memoirs—generations of women reveal why and how they chose to serve their country, often breaking with social norms, even at great personal peril.
376 pages, Hardcover
Published July 1, 2017
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
June 15, 2017
It’s My Country Too: Women’s Military Stories from the American Revolution to Afghanistan by Tracy Crow and Jerry Bell
Let me start by saying that this book isn’t about whether or not you agree if women should be in the armed forces or in combat positions. This book is about the women who have served. This is a collection of their stories and it is told by these women. What Crow and Bell did with It’s My Country Too is collect the stories of many of the women who have served throughout the history of the United States. They used the words of these women, whether it was letters home, blog post, interviews, articles and essays written for this book, to tell each individual story. Each story highlighted a different aspect of life in the armed forces as a woman. The stories spoke to each woman’s individual choice, stress, pressure and career. The stories differ vastly because each woman has had a different experience, but each made the decision to serve.
One of things that I appreciate about this book is how it is formatted. Told in chronological order, there is an introduction to each era/war which allows the reader to understand the political nature of each war and the political nature of women serving during that time. What would follow is a short introduction to the woman being discussed and then each individual story. There was a wide range of experience, age and nationality, which I also really appreciated. I was intrigued by the stories. Each was enlightening in its own way. I found the collection of the stories as a whole to be worth reading. It’s important to understand and really grasp the fact that women have always played a role in the armed forces. They have put aside the determined “normal” for women, to take part in something bigger. If nothing else this collection shows how invested women have been for hundreds of years in serving in the United States.
Let me start by saying that this book isn’t about whether or not you agree if women should be in the armed forces or in combat positions. This book is about the women who have served. This is a collection of their stories and it is told by these women. What Crow and Bell did with It’s My Country Too is collect the stories of many of the women who have served throughout the history of the United States. They used the words of these women, whether it was letters home, blog post, interviews, articles and essays written for this book, to tell each individual story. Each story highlighted a different aspect of life in the armed forces as a woman. The stories spoke to each woman’s individual choice, stress, pressure and career. The stories differ vastly because each woman has had a different experience, but each made the decision to serve.
One of things that I appreciate about this book is how it is formatted. Told in chronological order, there is an introduction to each era/war which allows the reader to understand the political nature of each war and the political nature of women serving during that time. What would follow is a short introduction to the woman being discussed and then each individual story. There was a wide range of experience, age and nationality, which I also really appreciated. I was intrigued by the stories. Each was enlightening in its own way. I found the collection of the stories as a whole to be worth reading. It’s important to understand and really grasp the fact that women have always played a role in the armed forces. They have put aside the determined “normal” for women, to take part in something bigger. If nothing else this collection shows how invested women have been for hundreds of years in serving in the United States.
April 3, 2024
I read this for a work book club and we were lucky enough to then meet the author and talk about the book and some of her experiences in the Navy.
I wouldn't have picked this up on my own so I appreciated reading something out of my comfort zone. I take issue with a lot of what my government does and how they use the military for imperialistic gain so I approach anything having to do with the military wearily. What I appreciated about this book was seeing so many first hand accounts from women clear back to the Revolutionary War. The lengths women went to to fight for something they believed in was/is inspiring.
I don't think I'd ever have that much gumption or want to do something and defend this country so badly when everyone else in that country (men) treated me so horribly. Honestly, I'd be too angry.
I wouldn't have picked this up on my own so I appreciated reading something out of my comfort zone. I take issue with a lot of what my government does and how they use the military for imperialistic gain so I approach anything having to do with the military wearily. What I appreciated about this book was seeing so many first hand accounts from women clear back to the Revolutionary War. The lengths women went to to fight for something they believed in was/is inspiring.
I don't think I'd ever have that much gumption or want to do something and defend this country so badly when everyone else in that country (men) treated me so horribly. Honestly, I'd be too angry.
August 11, 2019
The content of this book is intriguing, and I appreciate getting to read so many first-hand accounts of women’s military service. However, the structure of the book itself left a lot to be desired for me. There is no synthesis of these first hand narratives and little to fully frame the narratives. I consider this more a reference book than a thorough non-fiction account of women’s military history.
March 18, 2019
Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom: "Iraq was a beautiful hell... This is my war story. It's part military history, part personal revelation, part therapy... In war, like in life, truth is a reflection, a perspective on past events....I now believe there is no cure, per se, or route back to who I was. The only path is forward and by telling my story I can apply a comforting salve to wounds that will never heal." - Miyoko Hikiji, U. S. Army
I hold a great deal of respect and awe for those who serve or have served in our Military. This collection of experiences is powerful and authentic as women, in their own voices- from letters, diaries, reports, and essays - share their struggles, successes, and emotions. God bless you.
A very few selections:
The Korean War: Sarah Griffin Chapman, a below-the knee amputee, U. S. Navy Nurse Corps: "We had a ward full of patients - forty-some patients. They were both below-the-knee, above-the-knee, and quadruples....I told them that if they put their minds to it, they could walk again. I actually didn't do any nursing. ...I'd talk to a patient who was despondent and refused to walk. I was determined that he was going to walk. ...He'd complain, 'You don't know my pain. You have two legs...you can't possible know what I'm going through.' At that point, I'd reach down and knock on my prosthesis. That would generally set them straight. From then on, they had no more excuses."
Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom: "We emailed frequently and talked by phone when...the third world technology allowed. I'd shielded them from much. I didn't talk about the creeping fear that even fifty pounds of body armor couldn't keep away; the local attacks that sent ripples of paranoia through our tiny, vulnerable compound. I didn't mention the frustration and hopelessness that clouded daily operations, each small victory overshadowed by corruption, violence, or bureaucratic red tape." Lauren Kay Halloran, U.S. Air Force
"Desert Storm. First woman to command a ship in the Navy: "I realize that as a first there are not only roadblocks, but hazards that must be met with honorable intentions, assertiveness, and a willingness to push boundaries that have not been breached." - Darlene Iskra
Desert Storm. "...a reporter asked me if I felt the Marine Corps had trained me adequately to be able to live in the field, and I told him, no, I didn't think they had. However, the Girl Scouts had."
1863 Civil War nurse: "I am very tired tonight; have been on the field all day....There are no words in the English language to express the sufferings I witnessed today. ... I received nothing but the greatest politeness from even the lowest private. ... It took nearly five days for some three hundred surgeons to perform the amputations that occurred here..." - Cornelia Hancock
Civil War Spy: "That brought me face to face with my rebel captain, to whom I owed such a debt of gratitude. Thinking this would be a good time to cancel all obligations in that direction, I discharged the contents of my pistol in his face." Sarah Emma Edmonds
Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom: (After three men die from a suicide bomber.) "Even though there was chaos at the job site, I had also detected a strange calm. I had the distinct impression that the dead were looking down at us, calmly surveying the scene, and that they were enlightened. ...Death did not equate to hell and punishment. Rather it was an experience of love, forgiveness, and enlightenment. ... I came to believe that whether or not I lived was not my prerogative, but the prerogative of something bigger that me. My time to die would come when my purpose had been served, whether or not I knew it had been served. ..Thus my conviction: there are no freak accidents." - Lori Imsdahl U.S. Army
Utah Mention
Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom: "Herrera, 43, was gently, soft-spoken leader from Salt Lake City. After he died, a soldier from Support Platoon characterized him as "that rare individual you meet and trust five minutes later." Herrera had a wife named Traci, four children, and two grandchildren. Traci's name was tattooed across his chest."
Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom: "The pundits should know that God is taken care of here. We have church on Sunday, synagogue on Friday, prayer groups on Tuesdays, witness services on Wednesday, a Muslim prayer rug lives behind a screen in the chapel under the ninety-nine names of Allah. Buddhists meditate alone and the Wiccan stays indoors on Saturdays with her boyfriend. Someone said to someone in the bomb shelter next to the parking lot during an attack that Mormons do their best work in war zones, and I believe it."
I hold a great deal of respect and awe for those who serve or have served in our Military. This collection of experiences is powerful and authentic as women, in their own voices- from letters, diaries, reports, and essays - share their struggles, successes, and emotions. God bless you.
A very few selections:
The Korean War: Sarah Griffin Chapman, a below-the knee amputee, U. S. Navy Nurse Corps: "We had a ward full of patients - forty-some patients. They were both below-the-knee, above-the-knee, and quadruples....I told them that if they put their minds to it, they could walk again. I actually didn't do any nursing. ...I'd talk to a patient who was despondent and refused to walk. I was determined that he was going to walk. ...He'd complain, 'You don't know my pain. You have two legs...you can't possible know what I'm going through.' At that point, I'd reach down and knock on my prosthesis. That would generally set them straight. From then on, they had no more excuses."
Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom: "We emailed frequently and talked by phone when...the third world technology allowed. I'd shielded them from much. I didn't talk about the creeping fear that even fifty pounds of body armor couldn't keep away; the local attacks that sent ripples of paranoia through our tiny, vulnerable compound. I didn't mention the frustration and hopelessness that clouded daily operations, each small victory overshadowed by corruption, violence, or bureaucratic red tape." Lauren Kay Halloran, U.S. Air Force
"Desert Storm. First woman to command a ship in the Navy: "I realize that as a first there are not only roadblocks, but hazards that must be met with honorable intentions, assertiveness, and a willingness to push boundaries that have not been breached." - Darlene Iskra
Desert Storm. "...a reporter asked me if I felt the Marine Corps had trained me adequately to be able to live in the field, and I told him, no, I didn't think they had. However, the Girl Scouts had."
1863 Civil War nurse: "I am very tired tonight; have been on the field all day....There are no words in the English language to express the sufferings I witnessed today. ... I received nothing but the greatest politeness from even the lowest private. ... It took nearly five days for some three hundred surgeons to perform the amputations that occurred here..." - Cornelia Hancock
Civil War Spy: "That brought me face to face with my rebel captain, to whom I owed such a debt of gratitude. Thinking this would be a good time to cancel all obligations in that direction, I discharged the contents of my pistol in his face." Sarah Emma Edmonds
Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom: (After three men die from a suicide bomber.) "Even though there was chaos at the job site, I had also detected a strange calm. I had the distinct impression that the dead were looking down at us, calmly surveying the scene, and that they were enlightened. ...Death did not equate to hell and punishment. Rather it was an experience of love, forgiveness, and enlightenment. ... I came to believe that whether or not I lived was not my prerogative, but the prerogative of something bigger that me. My time to die would come when my purpose had been served, whether or not I knew it had been served. ..Thus my conviction: there are no freak accidents." - Lori Imsdahl U.S. Army
Utah Mention
Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom: "Herrera, 43, was gently, soft-spoken leader from Salt Lake City. After he died, a soldier from Support Platoon characterized him as "that rare individual you meet and trust five minutes later." Herrera had a wife named Traci, four children, and two grandchildren. Traci's name was tattooed across his chest."
Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom: "The pundits should know that God is taken care of here. We have church on Sunday, synagogue on Friday, prayer groups on Tuesdays, witness services on Wednesday, a Muslim prayer rug lives behind a screen in the chapel under the ninety-nine names of Allah. Buddhists meditate alone and the Wiccan stays indoors on Saturdays with her boyfriend. Someone said to someone in the bomb shelter next to the parking lot during an attack that Mormons do their best work in war zones, and I believe it."
July 9, 2019
As someone who’s mother and aunt have served in the military, I was drawn to this book considering that the military stories of women are often left untold.
While this book is by no means an complete history, the authors do an excellent job in presenting military stories from women who served from the American Revolution to Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom.
The book is divided into eleven chapters and each chapter begins with a war story followed by first hand accounts by women serving in the army, navy, air force, marines, and coast guard. I really enjoyed the photos of women in various branches of the military as well as reading their stories of bravery.
In the closing epilogue, the author express the ongoing battle women servicewomen face in being allowed to serve in the same capacity as men. It’s a shame that the stories of women military services are rarely printed and that women veterans are still overlooked and have to fight for their military benefits. This book is inspiring and makes me proud to be the daughter of a female veteran.
While this book is by no means an complete history, the authors do an excellent job in presenting military stories from women who served from the American Revolution to Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom.
The book is divided into eleven chapters and each chapter begins with a war story followed by first hand accounts by women serving in the army, navy, air force, marines, and coast guard. I really enjoyed the photos of women in various branches of the military as well as reading their stories of bravery.
In the closing epilogue, the author express the ongoing battle women servicewomen face in being allowed to serve in the same capacity as men. It’s a shame that the stories of women military services are rarely printed and that women veterans are still overlooked and have to fight for their military benefits. This book is inspiring and makes me proud to be the daughter of a female veteran.
July 24, 2024
Two military veterans realized women's experience in the military was a hidden history. Their anthology complies first-person accounts of war experiences so that silenced women finally have their say.
Full review at https://amyloujenkins.com/war-antholo...
Difficulties for Women in Every Era
Stories of women in the U.S. Military in It’s My Country Too follow a chronologic path of war across every era in United States history. The editors have collected women’s stories and, mostly, left it to the reader to draw meaning from the first-person accounts. Certainly, It's reasonable to assume that ‘treatment of women in the military has never been equitable.’ The assumption becomes fact as the narratives accumulate through the decades of U.S. Military History. While the military didn’t create misogyny, the pressures of service and war and codification by the singularity of men in charge magnify the worst of our culture. When men dominate leadership, women suffer.
Full review at https://amyloujenkins.com/war-antholo...
Difficulties for Women in Every Era
Stories of women in the U.S. Military in It’s My Country Too follow a chronologic path of war across every era in United States history. The editors have collected women’s stories and, mostly, left it to the reader to draw meaning from the first-person accounts. Certainly, It's reasonable to assume that ‘treatment of women in the military has never been equitable.’ The assumption becomes fact as the narratives accumulate through the decades of U.S. Military History. While the military didn’t create misogyny, the pressures of service and war and codification by the singularity of men in charge magnify the worst of our culture. When men dominate leadership, women suffer.
July 26, 2020
My Review
The history of women in the military was enlightening. I admire the determination of these early women warriors to serve regardless of the obstacles set before them. They set the president for opening the way forward for women to serve in all branches of the military regardless of the role or position available.
The history of women in the military was enlightening. I admire the determination of these early women warriors to serve regardless of the obstacles set before them. They set the president for opening the way forward for women to serve in all branches of the military regardless of the role or position available.
January 22, 2018
Excellent book, great job on which pieces to include, VERY thought provoking.
May 13, 2020
This is an excellent collection of women's military service throughout the history of the United States starting with the American Revolution.
May 10, 2023
Amazing stories from amazing women. Highly recommended for any female in or retired from the military.
August 31, 2017
This book gave me insight into the many women who have served in the US military in active service, disguised as men, 'under contract' and in other ways. Truly an enlightening book with stories from many women. Thank you ladies for your book and effort to bring these stories to light!
September 17, 2019
A thoroughly engaging, amazing series of heroic accounts by women as warriors, nurses, spies, under fire, behind enemy lines, in wartime. And i know other living warriors for whom these women blazed a trail. their stories could fill more pages.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews