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Valiant Women: The Extraordinary American Servicewomen Who Helped Win World War II
Goodreads Choice Award
Nominee for Readers' Favorite History & Biography (2023)A history of the role of American servicewomen in WWII, illuminating their forgotten yet essential contributions to the Allies' victory.
Valiant Women is the story of the 350,000 American women who served in uniform during World War II. These women served in every service branch, in every combat theater, and in nearly two-thirds of the available military occupations at the time. They were pilots, codebreakers, ordnance experts, gunnery instructors, metalsmiths, chemists, translators, parachute riggers, truck drivers, radarmen, pigeon trainers, and much more. They were directly involved in some of the most important moments of the war, from the D-Day landings to the peace negotiations in Paris. These women--who hailed from every race, creed, and walk of life--died for their country and received the nation's highest honors. Their work, both individually and in total, was at the heart of the Allied strategy that won World War II. Yet, until now, their stories have been relegated to the dusty shelves of military archives or a passing mention in the local paper. Often the women themselves kept their stories private, even from their own families. Now, military analyst Lena Andrews corrects the record with the definitive and comprehensive historical account of American servicewomen during World War II, based on new archival research, firsthand interviews with surviving veterans, and a deep professional understanding of military history and strategy.
Valiant Women is the story of the 350,000 American women who served in uniform during World War II. These women served in every service branch, in every combat theater, and in nearly two-thirds of the available military occupations at the time. They were pilots, codebreakers, ordnance experts, gunnery instructors, metalsmiths, chemists, translators, parachute riggers, truck drivers, radarmen, pigeon trainers, and much more. They were directly involved in some of the most important moments of the war, from the D-Day landings to the peace negotiations in Paris. These women--who hailed from every race, creed, and walk of life--died for their country and received the nation's highest honors. Their work, both individually and in total, was at the heart of the Allied strategy that won World War II. Yet, until now, their stories have been relegated to the dusty shelves of military archives or a passing mention in the local paper. Often the women themselves kept their stories private, even from their own families. Now, military analyst Lena Andrews corrects the record with the definitive and comprehensive historical account of American servicewomen during World War II, based on new archival research, firsthand interviews with surviving veterans, and a deep professional understanding of military history and strategy.
351 pages, Hardcover
First published August 1, 2023
507 people are currently reading
21057 people want to read
About the author
Lena Andrews
1 book53 followersLena Andrews is the author of Valiant Women: The Extraordinary American Servicewomen Who Helped Win World War II and an Associate Research Professor at the University of Maryland’s School of Public Policy. Lena previously served as a military analyst at the Central Intelligence Agency, and has also worked at the RAND Corporation and United States Institute of Peace. Her work has appeared on MSNBC, PBS, CNN, Today, People, and TIME, among other outlets. A native of Boston, Massachusetts, Lena received her Ph.D. in political science from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 310 reviews
February 3, 2024
"Although the United States won [World War II] with men serving on the front lines, it also won the war with the contributions of women in uniform serving in unprecedentedly diverse roles, filling the gaps those men left behind . . . Not only did women work behind thousands of desks doing clerical and administrative tasks, but also in an extraordinarily diverse set of military occupations. They served as pilots, aircraft trainers, photo interpreters, chemists, codebreakers, classification experts, translators, weather observers, mechanics, truck drivers, quartermasters, and much more." -- on page 5
Author Andrews - a CIA analyst who has quite the accomplished scholarly background - presents an interesting debut with her historical tome Valiant Women. It focuses on the formation of the military programs that all begin out of necessity during the dark days of WWII, consisting of the WACs (Women's Army Corps), WASPs (Women's Air-force Service Pilots), WAVES (Women Accepted for Emergency Service - Navy), MCWR (Marine Corps Women's Reserve - they're tough as ****ing leather and don't require a ****ing acronym, ooh rah!), and SPARS (Semper Paratus - Always Ready, the Coast Guard Women's Reserve). Andrews charts the formations and functions of said branches during the timeline of WWII, from America's entry via the late 1941 attack on Pearl Harbor to VJ Day in summer 1945. Although initially and predictably meeting with much resistance from the old-guard factions in charge - who argued that women had no place in the military - said groups soon proved indispensable and did much to help keep things on track during the war effort. (Supreme Allied Commander - and later U.S. President - Dwight Eisenhower also quickly became a staunch supporter and later advocated on their behalf during post-war congressional hearings.). While Andrews features a number of women from differing backgrounds and hailing from all across the nation - nurses, pilots, various clerks, and specialists - their individual character sketches stay at a somewhat superficial level. (Said women get a few pages before the narrative quickly moves on.) I could argue that a more in-depth treatment would've made for a little more effective book, but this was still very much worth reading for giving proper attention and detail to a forgotten or little-remembered but very significant segment of U.S. military history. Hats off to these ladies!
Author Andrews - a CIA analyst who has quite the accomplished scholarly background - presents an interesting debut with her historical tome Valiant Women. It focuses on the formation of the military programs that all begin out of necessity during the dark days of WWII, consisting of the WACs (Women's Army Corps), WASPs (Women's Air-force Service Pilots), WAVES (Women Accepted for Emergency Service - Navy), MCWR (Marine Corps Women's Reserve - they're tough as ****ing leather and don't require a ****ing acronym, ooh rah!), and SPARS (Semper Paratus - Always Ready, the Coast Guard Women's Reserve). Andrews charts the formations and functions of said branches during the timeline of WWII, from America's entry via the late 1941 attack on Pearl Harbor to VJ Day in summer 1945. Although initially and predictably meeting with much resistance from the old-guard factions in charge - who argued that women had no place in the military - said groups soon proved indispensable and did much to help keep things on track during the war effort. (Supreme Allied Commander - and later U.S. President - Dwight Eisenhower also quickly became a staunch supporter and later advocated on their behalf during post-war congressional hearings.). While Andrews features a number of women from differing backgrounds and hailing from all across the nation - nurses, pilots, various clerks, and specialists - their individual character sketches stay at a somewhat superficial level. (Said women get a few pages before the narrative quickly moves on.) I could argue that a more in-depth treatment would've made for a little more effective book, but this was still very much worth reading for giving proper attention and detail to a forgotten or little-remembered but very significant segment of U.S. military history. Hats off to these ladies!
June 1, 2023
I absolutely love when a book gives you new facts and new perspectives. Lean Andrews' Valiant Women takes a look at the role of American women during World War II. Sure, we can all conjure an image of Rosie the Riveter easily. For those in the Army, you probably even know about the WAC (or WAAC). However, there is much more than that in Andrews' book.
First things first. Andrews writes a smooth narrative. Her style makes it easy to zoom right through the book. Also, the organization is even better. Each chapter focuses on a different branch or aspect of the war with a short look at a specific woman involved whether it's a high ranking officer or a brand new recruit. You don't spend a ton of time with any one person, but this allows Andrews to spread the story far and wide.
I think my favorite part of this book is the scale. Andrews covers so much ground that it gave me a better appreciation for the scope of women's efforts during World War II. I love Rosie as much as the next person, but there was a lot more heroic effort than just her.
(This book was provided as an advance copy by Netgalley and Mariner Books.)
First things first. Andrews writes a smooth narrative. Her style makes it easy to zoom right through the book. Also, the organization is even better. Each chapter focuses on a different branch or aspect of the war with a short look at a specific woman involved whether it's a high ranking officer or a brand new recruit. You don't spend a ton of time with any one person, but this allows Andrews to spread the story far and wide.
I think my favorite part of this book is the scale. Andrews covers so much ground that it gave me a better appreciation for the scope of women's efforts during World War II. I love Rosie as much as the next person, but there was a lot more heroic effort than just her.
(This book was provided as an advance copy by Netgalley and Mariner Books.)
July 12, 2023
I thank the publisher, the author, and NetGalley for providing me with a free ebook ARC in exchange for my honest review.
#ValiantWomen #NetGalley
Important topic. Mediocre product.
I really wanted to like this book. Given the topic, I expected to like this book. Everything about it was right in my wheelhouse. WW2 history, under-researched topic, women's role in the military, first-wave feminism...all there, and it was...okay. It was interesting and well researched, but it was like listening to a pretty decent college professor lecture about an interesting topic. I'm not even sure about what I feel is missing, but I just wasn't drawn in. The first part of the book discusses how the various branches of the US military finally saw the advantages of including women in one way or another. At the time, the roles that they were given were very limited and, in general, far away from the front lines, but even that was a completely new concept.
There are short biographical sketches of the women who were chosen to lead the women's divisions of the five branches of the military, and these were all interesting enough, but it was like reading a report rather than a deep dive into their experiences. Even in the later sections where we are introduced to a number of the women who did the daily work that often seemed inconsequential but was essential in the war effort, there was very little that you might not find reading a plaque next to an exhibit at a museum, nothing that made these extraordinary women more than two-dimensional, which perhaps is what I expected.
The stories of the women who served in WW2 deserve to be told. This might be a start, but I had hoped for something much more substantial.
#ValiantWomen #NetGalley
Important topic. Mediocre product.
I really wanted to like this book. Given the topic, I expected to like this book. Everything about it was right in my wheelhouse. WW2 history, under-researched topic, women's role in the military, first-wave feminism...all there, and it was...okay. It was interesting and well researched, but it was like listening to a pretty decent college professor lecture about an interesting topic. I'm not even sure about what I feel is missing, but I just wasn't drawn in. The first part of the book discusses how the various branches of the US military finally saw the advantages of including women in one way or another. At the time, the roles that they were given were very limited and, in general, far away from the front lines, but even that was a completely new concept.
There are short biographical sketches of the women who were chosen to lead the women's divisions of the five branches of the military, and these were all interesting enough, but it was like reading a report rather than a deep dive into their experiences. Even in the later sections where we are introduced to a number of the women who did the daily work that often seemed inconsequential but was essential in the war effort, there was very little that you might not find reading a plaque next to an exhibit at a museum, nothing that made these extraordinary women more than two-dimensional, which perhaps is what I expected.
The stories of the women who served in WW2 deserve to be told. This might be a start, but I had hoped for something much more substantial.
February 27, 2025
This book is everything popular history should be. It is a well-researched look at a familiar subject from a different angle. The author presents the good, the bad, and the ugly experiences of women in the military during WWII.
The author has an easy style that propels the story along, managing her material in such a way that the reader can grasp the enormity of the subject without getting swamped by statistics. I really liked the way she wove the women's experiences into each chapter, giving the reader a way to personalize the subject.
There are parts of the book that make for painful reading. The level of misogyny that the women had to put up with is cringe-inducing. As is the level of unmerited contempt that they faced from the civilian population. The latter was a real eye-opener for me.
This book should take its place on the shelves of any reader interested WWII.
The author has an easy style that propels the story along, managing her material in such a way that the reader can grasp the enormity of the subject without getting swamped by statistics. I really liked the way she wove the women's experiences into each chapter, giving the reader a way to personalize the subject.
There are parts of the book that make for painful reading. The level of misogyny that the women had to put up with is cringe-inducing. As is the level of unmerited contempt that they faced from the civilian population. The latter was a real eye-opener for me.
This book should take its place on the shelves of any reader interested WWII.
February 12, 2025
___________________
"Are You a Girl with a Star-Spangled Heart?” - (1940s Recruitment Poster)
This is the third book I've read over the last few months about American women's contributions to the war effort during WWII. I didn't know much about this topic, but it is an interesting one. After the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, many young women wanted to do their part to defeat our enemies. Women! You give them the vote, and they want to fight in your war.
“I will not stay behind!” - Portia (The Merchant of Venice, Act 2, Scene 6)
At the time, women were not allowed in the American armed forces in any capacity, but by 1941 America was at war with Japan, Italy, and Germany and the country's MANpower was rapidly being transformed into combat soldiers and sailors. As a result, special woman auxiliary forces were created to ease that shortage. Despite the armed forces needs, the formation of these female groups like the WACs, WAVES, etc. were vigorously opposed. Well, in the first place, women were delicate little flowers who couldn't handle serious work. Secondly, it's immoral to allow young women out on their own to associate with soldiers. According to a widespread rumor spawned by the grandmother of QANON in the early 1940s, 90% of the WACS were prostitutes who were there just to service the service men. Making women soldiers in the U.S. was a culture shaking event.
"I know I have the body but of a weak and feeble woman; but I have the heart and stomach of a king . . . and think foul scorn that . . . any prince . . ., should dare to invade the borders of my realm!" - Queen Elizabeth I
Once the female auxiliaries were established, however, they proved to be very valuable. Many of the women were assigned to secretarial or clerical work, of course, but many others were doing important but dangerous jobs: for example, nurses who were treating combat injuries just short distances behind the front lines and female pilots flying thousands of newly built combat planes across country. (They didn't actually take part in combat, however--so just relax new Secretary of Defense for the United States Pete Hegseth.)
“What error drives our eyes and ears amiss?” - Adriana (The Comedy of Errors, Act 2, Scene 2)
🌟🌟🌟 3 Stars While the book is generally well written and interesting, I have docked it ½⭐because I spotted some egregious errors that someone should have caught. For instance, when discussing a female pilot who was flying a P-47, the author says that the "P-47 Thunderbolt had returned from enough combat engagements still flying despite its pockmarked wings, missing propellers, and gaping holes through the fuselage that there was an aura of invincibility around the fighter." Now, I assume the author knew that propeller planes like the P-47 cannot fly without a prop any farther than a blue whale can, but whether she did or didn't, the editor should have caught errors of this kind.
“Though she be but little, she is fierce!” - Helena (A Midsummer Night's Dream, Act 3, Scene 2)
"Are You a Girl with a Star-Spangled Heart?” - (1940s Recruitment Poster)
This is the third book I've read over the last few months about American women's contributions to the war effort during WWII. I didn't know much about this topic, but it is an interesting one. After the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, many young women wanted to do their part to defeat our enemies. Women! You give them the vote, and they want to fight in your war.
“I will not stay behind!” - Portia (The Merchant of Venice, Act 2, Scene 6)
At the time, women were not allowed in the American armed forces in any capacity, but by 1941 America was at war with Japan, Italy, and Germany and the country's MANpower was rapidly being transformed into combat soldiers and sailors. As a result, special woman auxiliary forces were created to ease that shortage. Despite the armed forces needs, the formation of these female groups like the WACs, WAVES, etc. were vigorously opposed. Well, in the first place, women were delicate little flowers who couldn't handle serious work. Secondly, it's immoral to allow young women out on their own to associate with soldiers. According to a widespread rumor spawned by the grandmother of QANON in the early 1940s, 90% of the WACS were prostitutes who were there just to service the service men. Making women soldiers in the U.S. was a culture shaking event.
"I know I have the body but of a weak and feeble woman; but I have the heart and stomach of a king . . . and think foul scorn that . . . any prince . . ., should dare to invade the borders of my realm!" - Queen Elizabeth I
Once the female auxiliaries were established, however, they proved to be very valuable. Many of the women were assigned to secretarial or clerical work, of course, but many others were doing important but dangerous jobs: for example, nurses who were treating combat injuries just short distances behind the front lines and female pilots flying thousands of newly built combat planes across country. (They didn't actually take part in combat, however--so just relax new Secretary of Defense for the United States Pete Hegseth.)
“What error drives our eyes and ears amiss?” - Adriana (The Comedy of Errors, Act 2, Scene 2)
🌟🌟🌟 3 Stars While the book is generally well written and interesting, I have docked it ½⭐because I spotted some egregious errors that someone should have caught. For instance, when discussing a female pilot who was flying a P-47, the author says that the "P-47 Thunderbolt had returned from enough combat engagements still flying despite its pockmarked wings, missing propellers, and gaping holes through the fuselage that there was an aura of invincibility around the fighter." Now, I assume the author knew that propeller planes like the P-47 cannot fly without a prop any farther than a blue whale can, but whether she did or didn't, the editor should have caught errors of this kind.
“Though she be but little, she is fierce!” - Helena (A Midsummer Night's Dream, Act 3, Scene 2)
![Profile Image for laurel [the suspected bibliophile].](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fi.gr-assets.com%2Fimages%2FS%2Fcompressed.photo.goodreads.com%2Fusers%2F1645808644i%2F7494844._UX200_CR0%2C6%2C200%2C200_.jpg&w=128&q=75)
May 19, 2025
A solid and thorough overview of the contribution of American servicewomen in World War II.
I enjoyed this book quite a bit, although I was a little perplexed by Andrews' frequent assertions that there were few to no books about American servicewomen's efforts in WWII, because...there are a lot? At least, there are a TON more than about women serving in other wars.
Anywho, this ambitious book covers women's military service across the services, noting the triumphs and tribulations many faced in their service, and how women in the military are an important (if somewhat overlooked) part of the feminist movement and women's march toward equality.
One thing I was disappointed in, however, was the minimization of the impact of queer women in the military during WWII—from the general tolerance in the beginning when women were needed to serve to the persecution in the last parts of the war when the military started kicking people out (especially the women). There's a chapter dedicated to courts martial, but it's minimized and Andrews even calls lesbianism and homosexuality among women a red herring in what happened to the women who served. I dunno, while what else happened in the processing of women from the military and minimization of their impact was also huge, homosexuality was still prevalent among female military servicemembers and it did matter in how they conducted themselves.
I enjoyed this book quite a bit, although I was a little perplexed by Andrews' frequent assertions that there were few to no books about American servicewomen's efforts in WWII, because...there are a lot? At least, there are a TON more than about women serving in other wars.
Anywho, this ambitious book covers women's military service across the services, noting the triumphs and tribulations many faced in their service, and how women in the military are an important (if somewhat overlooked) part of the feminist movement and women's march toward equality.
One thing I was disappointed in, however, was the minimization of the impact of queer women in the military during WWII—from the general tolerance in the beginning when women were needed to serve to the persecution in the last parts of the war when the military started kicking people out (especially the women). There's a chapter dedicated to courts martial, but it's minimized and Andrews even calls lesbianism and homosexuality among women a red herring in what happened to the women who served. I dunno, while what else happened in the processing of women from the military and minimization of their impact was also huge, homosexuality was still prevalent among female military servicemembers and it did matter in how they conducted themselves.
August 7, 2023
4.5
Thank you to Book Club Girl for this giveaway win! So exciting!
Humility, cutting edge, diverse…
A perceptive accounting of the women’s contribution to the WWII wartime effort. 350,000 were involved in diverse roles including pilots, instructors, ferrying supplies and planes, codebreakers, translators, signal units, and artists. Positions went far beyond nursing, typists, and “Rosie the Riviters” (check the connection to Pittsburgh & Westinghouse to that!) An important chronicle of their stories, especially since the number of survivors is dwindling.
Available August 1, 2023
*Author Lena Andrews has a very impressive resume!
*Highly sourced!
*Thank you for the organization chart at the beginning.
I referred to it often, especially at the beginning.
* I loved the methods of faking height, weight, age requirements!
*Love US history! Even better if it’s something I can go see when traveling!
*Don’t miss the WWII Museum in NOLA. If you are interested in history, it’s a must-see!
*This book is NOT historical fiction. This non-fiction book is a definite for anyone thirsty for knowledge.
*Although I had read bits & pieces previously (especially concerning the men), much of the women’s role was unknown to me.
*Liked the focus on & inclusion of so many women & their stories in each chapter.
*Don’t skip the epilogue! What a tribute!
*To Lena Andrews— Yes, it’s an inspiring story!
Thank you to Book Club Girl for this giveaway win! So exciting!
Humility, cutting edge, diverse…
A perceptive accounting of the women’s contribution to the WWII wartime effort. 350,000 were involved in diverse roles including pilots, instructors, ferrying supplies and planes, codebreakers, translators, signal units, and artists. Positions went far beyond nursing, typists, and “Rosie the Riviters” (check the connection to Pittsburgh & Westinghouse to that!) An important chronicle of their stories, especially since the number of survivors is dwindling.
Available August 1, 2023
*Author Lena Andrews has a very impressive resume!
*Highly sourced!
*Thank you for the organization chart at the beginning.
I referred to it often, especially at the beginning.
* I loved the methods of faking height, weight, age requirements!
*Love US history! Even better if it’s something I can go see when traveling!
*Don’t miss the WWII Museum in NOLA. If you are interested in history, it’s a must-see!
*This book is NOT historical fiction. This non-fiction book is a definite for anyone thirsty for knowledge.
*Although I had read bits & pieces previously (especially concerning the men), much of the women’s role was unknown to me.
*Liked the focus on & inclusion of so many women & their stories in each chapter.
*Don’t skip the epilogue! What a tribute!
*To Lena Andrews— Yes, it’s an inspiring story!
June 13, 2023
I learned so much from this book! I have read quite a few books about different aspects of World War II, but there is so much in this book that was new information to me! This book should be required reading for all students of World War II history. Well done!
Received from Goodreads Firstreads, but all opinions are my own.
Received from Goodreads Firstreads, but all opinions are my own.
March 22, 2024
4.5 stars.
I knew a little about the role of American women in the military during World War II before reading this book. After reading it I have a much greater appreciation of the hard work, dedication, persistence and courage of these brave pioneers who made a significant difference in the ultimate victory of America and the allies over Germany and Japan.
I knew a little about the role of American women in the military during World War II before reading this book. After reading it I have a much greater appreciation of the hard work, dedication, persistence and courage of these brave pioneers who made a significant difference in the ultimate victory of America and the allies over Germany and Japan.
September 16, 2023
Valiant Women is a summary of how women became a part of the United States military during World War II, and how they contributed to the war effort. What surprises me is that women were involved in all branches of the US military, and their work was far more extensive than I previously thought. There were nurses, secretaries, code breakers and spies, but also women pilots, test pilots, engineers, training officers, drivers, etc…
I find it an important book. These military women were trailblazers. It wasn’t easy. The amount of obstacles, hardship, discrimination and harassment they had to face was daunting. They had to not only fight against enemies, but also men on their own side, and at the same time do their job.
The author includes not only white women, but also black women and Asian women, in the book. Apart from the shared gender issue, black and Asian women faced race obstacles. The person who interests me most is Dr. Margaret Chung, a Chinese American woman doctor who “adopted” many American servicemen, tried to join the US Navy but was turned down, especially since she was highly likely a lesbian!
The author conducts interviews and digs in the National Archives, but the outcome is a group portrait of sorts, with each person only brief mentions. If you are looking for details about each woman and how they felt, this is not the book.
I find it an important book. These military women were trailblazers. It wasn’t easy. The amount of obstacles, hardship, discrimination and harassment they had to face was daunting. They had to not only fight against enemies, but also men on their own side, and at the same time do their job.
The author includes not only white women, but also black women and Asian women, in the book. Apart from the shared gender issue, black and Asian women faced race obstacles. The person who interests me most is Dr. Margaret Chung, a Chinese American woman doctor who “adopted” many American servicemen, tried to join the US Navy but was turned down, especially since she was highly likely a lesbian!
The author conducts interviews and digs in the National Archives, but the outcome is a group portrait of sorts, with each person only brief mentions. If you are looking for details about each woman and how they felt, this is not the book.
April 8, 2025
Not gonna lie, there were large portions of this book that felt very slow, but I’m so glad I read this. A lot of the stories I had expected, but it showed me that I never learned about what went on in the background of WW2. Sorting mail, making maps, and teaching soldiers how to use aviation systems were just a few of the things touched on that I had no idea had such a huge impact. So much respect to the women who signed up for these programs, they’re the reason we won the war and are the foundation of the women’s liberation movement🥹
December 6, 2025
I read the book and it is very good. I was expecting some in depth stories of about a dozen women and instead the book covers many more women and doing a multitude of jobs both in the service and in their civilian lives before, during and after the war.
I definitely recommend this book.
I definitely recommend this book.
January 17, 2025
Yay, I learned so much! This book recounted not the Red Cross volunteers or victory garden-growers on the home front, but the actual units of women who played crucial behind the scenes roles in every branch of the service during WW2. I learned more about WW2 logistics and strategy too. Easy read but lots of names and acronyms. But that’s the army’s fault.
If you opt to not read it, watch The Six Triple Eight! I discovered the movie while I was reading the book, and their experience was referenced in it. Crazy timing. Good movie too.
If you opt to not read it, watch The Six Triple Eight! I discovered the movie while I was reading the book, and their experience was referenced in it. Crazy timing. Good movie too.
October 21, 2023
Loved this book! Like many of us I was unaware of the tremendous contributions women made to the US military during WWII. The stories of these women are truly inspirational. I recommend this book for all nursing students! (You know who you are.) The book is about much more than nurses though, as the women in the book held a wide variety of positions. Also beyond that, the book serves as a very good intro to WWII history.
January 27, 2024
Exciting history that shows the forgotten role of American servicewomen in WW11. It shares the heroic and essential contributions to the Allies victory.
March 2, 2024
4.5 stars
#2024 reading challenge #read a book set during WWII
#2024 reading challenge #read a book set during WWII
February 20, 2024
I really loved this--thought it struck a great balance between entertaining and informative.
The part of the book that's really stuck with me since finishing it is the image of the women in the warehouse sorting through thousands of pieces of mail for those stationed overseas. It brought me a lot of joy thinking of how many people were part of connecting my great-grandpa to his family while he was overseas, and how their care in keeping track of those letters, and ultimately returning them to his family after he was killed, has allowed his story to live on for so many decades since.
The part of the book that's really stuck with me since finishing it is the image of the women in the warehouse sorting through thousands of pieces of mail for those stationed overseas. It brought me a lot of joy thinking of how many people were part of connecting my great-grandpa to his family while he was overseas, and how their care in keeping track of those letters, and ultimately returning them to his family after he was killed, has allowed his story to live on for so many decades since.
January 29, 2025
Almost gave it a 3 because at times it was a bit dry but the overall message and stories are so important to remember and keep with us as we move forward. Women in the military paved the way for the women’s rights movement and broke down barriers I can’t even imagine
January 15, 2024
In the last few years I have been seeing books pop up about American service women in WWII and have been wondering which one to start with. Valiant Women, unlike other books, covers all of the different branches that created a women's corps. These groups have been called WAAC (army), WASPS (army air force), SPARS (coast guard), MCWR (marines), and WAVES (navy.)
Even before the first women signed up, the groups were viewed with a great deal of scrutiny. In order to prove the naysayers wrong, the directors searched for women with high education, and a good social standing. If they wanted to be taken seriously they had to be perfect. They could not afford a single misstep (which, as we know, is impossible for any group.) Almost immediately there were scandalous and unsubstantiated rumors flying about. Soldiers threatened to divorce or disown their wives, daughters, and mothers who would dare join up. Most of these women had no idea the uphill battle they would have to fight at home for simply wanting to do their part in the war effort.
In an interesting twist, it was the military leaders who saw the need for women's service behind the front lines. They were struggling to find the manpower to not only to fight the war but to run the war: clerical work, supply work, training instructors, etc. They needed men at the front and, when shown the women's worth, were glad to have their support behind the scenes. Understandably, there were many soldiers who resented being pulled from their noncombat jobs to be replaced by a woman. It wasn't the women's fault, the men would have been pulled anyway, but they were an easy target to vent their frustration on.
When these groups started they were NOT officially a part of the military, they were auxiliary groups were took orders from the military but had none of the protection or benefits of being truly enlisted: healthcare, military burial, etc. In the WASPS, when a pilot died, the women would use their own money to give their fellow soldier a proper burial. The WASPS were disbanded before the end of the war, never getting fully integrated into the military the way the other groups eventually did.
I was fascinated by the lives and courage of these women. Their service had been mostly forgotten, but now, with this book and the others that have come out recently, they can be remembered with pride as the women who helped to win World War II.
Even before the first women signed up, the groups were viewed with a great deal of scrutiny. In order to prove the naysayers wrong, the directors searched for women with high education, and a good social standing. If they wanted to be taken seriously they had to be perfect. They could not afford a single misstep (which, as we know, is impossible for any group.) Almost immediately there were scandalous and unsubstantiated rumors flying about. Soldiers threatened to divorce or disown their wives, daughters, and mothers who would dare join up. Most of these women had no idea the uphill battle they would have to fight at home for simply wanting to do their part in the war effort.
In an interesting twist, it was the military leaders who saw the need for women's service behind the front lines. They were struggling to find the manpower to not only to fight the war but to run the war: clerical work, supply work, training instructors, etc. They needed men at the front and, when shown the women's worth, were glad to have their support behind the scenes. Understandably, there were many soldiers who resented being pulled from their noncombat jobs to be replaced by a woman. It wasn't the women's fault, the men would have been pulled anyway, but they were an easy target to vent their frustration on.
When these groups started they were NOT officially a part of the military, they were auxiliary groups were took orders from the military but had none of the protection or benefits of being truly enlisted: healthcare, military burial, etc. In the WASPS, when a pilot died, the women would use their own money to give their fellow soldier a proper burial. The WASPS were disbanded before the end of the war, never getting fully integrated into the military the way the other groups eventually did.
I was fascinated by the lives and courage of these women. Their service had been mostly forgotten, but now, with this book and the others that have come out recently, they can be remembered with pride as the women who helped to win World War II.
January 18, 2025
This was an enjoyable look at the women of the armed forces in WWII. It highlights the difficulties faced by women, often by childish men. It does a very nice job balancing the different service branches without getting book down into the details of the war extraneous to the narrative.
April 10, 2023
Valiant Women is an important history of how women contributed to the winning of the American WWII efforts on multiple fronts; the struggles and prejudices they faced to even be allowed to participate; their lasting legacy in a society where men were supposed to be the actors and women were supposed to be submissively waiting at home. This reader was appalled at how several service branches refused their women recruits the same basic military status support that male soldiers received and the fear by women pilots that the maintenance done on planes they flew wasn’t necessarily as thorough as it was for the male pilots. Segregation issues also are addressed. Author Lena S. Andrews has done a wonderful job gathering information from multiple sources including as many of these pioneers or their relatives as possible and sharing their insights and stories. I voluntarily reviewed an advance copy of this book from NetGalley. Most highly recommend.
February 11, 2024
It's unfortunate that this excellent history of American servicewomen in WWII came along so late, when most of these brave women have passed away. Reading the history and recognizing the accomplishments of thousands of patriotic women in both forming and serving in the various women's branches of an entrenched all-male (and mostly all-white) military, you wish you had known about it long before, and that these women had received the recognition they deserved at the time.
In the 60s when we were burning bras and taking assertiveness training, it would have been great to read a book like this about so many everyday but heroic women.
In the 60s when we were burning bras and taking assertiveness training, it would have been great to read a book like this about so many everyday but heroic women.
May 18, 2024
There were really great elements to this book. I loved hearing many stories of the women who paved the way for equal rights, however, I thought this book lacked heart.
If you’re looking for a good book about the contribution of women in WWII, I would recommend The Unwomanly Face of War about the Russian women who served in combat roles in WWII.
If you’re looking for a good book about the contribution of women in WWII, I would recommend The Unwomanly Face of War about the Russian women who served in combat roles in WWII.
January 3, 2025
An amazing, entertaining book about the unsung role American women played during WWII. Loved the many individual stories and vignettes about their challenges, hardships, and successes. They put up with so much crap and still did an amazing job at everything they were involved in. Very inspiring!
May 24, 2024
Andrews relates the creation of the WACs, WAVES, and all the other women's branches of the military during WWII, what and who spurred the creation of each one, what kinds of jobs the women who signed up did, why this was important to the successful victory of the Allies, and what the experiences of some of the women in those roles were.
I've read a few other WWII history books that focused on women but this one was definitely the broadest and revealed the start up of each branch that was quite interesting to learn. Andrews also introduces readers to the women in leadership in each branch, and some of the women who worked in each division. Some of the roles revealed were ones I had never heard about before, such as women who were sent overseas just to deal with the mail for the troops or the marine biologists who helped with planning for movements in the Pacific arena. I liked that she highlighted not just White ladies, but also several Black and Asian American women who did vital work and the extra challenges they faced (she also points out challenges a vast majority of the women faced). There were some chapters which felt like they included information that really wasn't necessary, but for the most part it was a good read. My rating would likely be 3.5, so I'll round it up to 4. It was most interesting to learn about women in WWII on beyond the pilots, nurses, spies, and secretaries (though those ladies certainly get their page time too).
Notes on content:
Language: One or two swears in quotes.
Sexual content: One chapter talks about how each branch dealt with preparing the ladies to be healthy in their newfound freedom away from home, including sexual health and protecting themselves from unwanted advances. The book mainly talks about education measures and how many women faced sexual harassment in their work places, no sex scenes or anything.
Violence: Deaths during the war and perilous circumstances are mentioned, but they are few and nothing graphic.
Ethnic diversity: Biographical information is provided for White, Black, and Asian American women.
LGBTQ+ content: The chapter on sexual matters also talks about lesbianism during the war and what those accused of or caught in acts of such activity faced from their military supervisors.
Other: Obviously, with a book on such a topic gender disparities, inequalities, and injustics during WWII come up a lot.
I've read a few other WWII history books that focused on women but this one was definitely the broadest and revealed the start up of each branch that was quite interesting to learn. Andrews also introduces readers to the women in leadership in each branch, and some of the women who worked in each division. Some of the roles revealed were ones I had never heard about before, such as women who were sent overseas just to deal with the mail for the troops or the marine biologists who helped with planning for movements in the Pacific arena. I liked that she highlighted not just White ladies, but also several Black and Asian American women who did vital work and the extra challenges they faced (she also points out challenges a vast majority of the women faced). There were some chapters which felt like they included information that really wasn't necessary, but for the most part it was a good read. My rating would likely be 3.5, so I'll round it up to 4. It was most interesting to learn about women in WWII on beyond the pilots, nurses, spies, and secretaries (though those ladies certainly get their page time too).
Notes on content:
Language: One or two swears in quotes.
Sexual content: One chapter talks about how each branch dealt with preparing the ladies to be healthy in their newfound freedom away from home, including sexual health and protecting themselves from unwanted advances. The book mainly talks about education measures and how many women faced sexual harassment in their work places, no sex scenes or anything.
Violence: Deaths during the war and perilous circumstances are mentioned, but they are few and nothing graphic.
Ethnic diversity: Biographical information is provided for White, Black, and Asian American women.
LGBTQ+ content: The chapter on sexual matters also talks about lesbianism during the war and what those accused of or caught in acts of such activity faced from their military supervisors.
Other: Obviously, with a book on such a topic gender disparities, inequalities, and injustics during WWII come up a lot.
August 3, 2023
Valiant Women gives you insider perspective into the women's entry into the US Military. This book focuses solely on WWII and the different roles served by women in the US Army, Navy, Air Force etc. While many of us know that women served as nurses on the battle fields, few of us know that women also served in clerical roles, pilots, instructors, code breakers, artists, translators. When the opportunities opened for women to serve their countries women stepped up and showed out - despite the many hurdles they needed to overcome.
Andrews writes such a great narrative. I loved that there is a chapter dedicated to the different sections of the military where women served. I was also happy to see that she included chapters on the experience of women of color and same sex relationships. I also loved that each chapter focuses on the story of at least one woman's experience before panning out to a general discussion.
Definitely recommend this read especially if you love military history. It's well researched and well written. About damn time that these women's service gets some recognition.
Thank you NetGalley & Mariner Books for the advanced copy.
Andrews writes such a great narrative. I loved that there is a chapter dedicated to the different sections of the military where women served. I was also happy to see that she included chapters on the experience of women of color and same sex relationships. I also loved that each chapter focuses on the story of at least one woman's experience before panning out to a general discussion.
Definitely recommend this read especially if you love military history. It's well researched and well written. About damn time that these women's service gets some recognition.
Thank you NetGalley & Mariner Books for the advanced copy.
November 28, 2023
This book provided excellent insight into women's role in WWII, a story that has been overlooked despite the images of "Rosie the Riveter" that were prominent in popular culture in the recent past. Author Andrews provides great background to the build-up of manpower, material and logistics prior years prior to Pearl Harbor and the steps that ultimately resulted in the creation of WAVES, WACs, SPAR, WAFS, and more. Those steps were not taken without resistance from many in the military and Congress. But the female leaders persisted and women were recruited and assigned to important tasks: decoding, mapping, equipment repair and maintenance, test flying, ferrying supplies and personnel to the front, clerical support, etc. Then as now there was sexual harassment and racial segregation and racism at all levels.
May 15, 2025
This was an excellent read. I am still thinking about the women in this book, and grateful the author dug in archives and talked to these women to bring us their stories in one place. I came away moved and impressed.
"Women in uniform fought the first battles of women's liberation movement. Before Betty Friedman wrote the Feminine Mystique, the US military published Sex Hygiene. Before Gloria Stein started Ms. magazine, the Navy started the WAVES newsletter. And before Mary Tyler Moore donned capris, the Army Air Forces allowed its women pilots to wear pants. Long before the women's liberation movement existed, the women of World War II changed the way Americans thought about the role of women in the workplace, the nature and content of femininity, homosexuality, and intersectionality."
"Women in uniform fought the first battles of women's liberation movement. Before Betty Friedman wrote the Feminine Mystique, the US military published Sex Hygiene. Before Gloria Stein started Ms. magazine, the Navy started the WAVES newsletter. And before Mary Tyler Moore donned capris, the Army Air Forces allowed its women pilots to wear pants. Long before the women's liberation movement existed, the women of World War II changed the way Americans thought about the role of women in the workplace, the nature and content of femininity, homosexuality, and intersectionality."
August 14, 2025
This book is the story of some of the women who helped shape what it’s like to be in the military. As a women who was in the military, I loved reading about them and how they got where they were and all they sacrificed.
It’s so sad and makes me so angry just how they were all treated. What makes it more frustrating is that when I was in, we still dealt with so much of the same thing. The only difference was they had to be more discreet about it.
You add on what our country is currently like, and it’s hard to imagine this all was the 1920s-1950s. These women need to be talked about more so that we don’t forget all their sacrifices.
It’s so sad and makes me so angry just how they were all treated. What makes it more frustrating is that when I was in, we still dealt with so much of the same thing. The only difference was they had to be more discreet about it.
You add on what our country is currently like, and it’s hard to imagine this all was the 1920s-1950s. These women need to be talked about more so that we don’t forget all their sacrifices.
December 26, 2023
It's a bit of a pet peeve of mine when non-fiction books are advertised as a "never before told story", especially when the author cites other books about women in world war II in the bibliography. I also wouldn't say that a 300 page book can be a "definitive and comprehensive historical account". That being said, this book is a good starting point for anyone who doesn't know anything about women in world war II since it gives a summary of how each branch of the military incorporated women into their ranks.
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