About the Book

"An ingenious look at WWII.” —Publishers Weekly (Starred Review)

A groundbreaking new 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 incredible 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.

Critical Praise

“This engrossing book highlights the long-neglected but vital contributions of an entire generation of American women to the decisive allied victory in World War II. Lena Andrews introduces us to these uncommon heroes – including pilots, mechanics, intelligence experts and gunnery instructors – and weaves their exploits into a fresh and surprising chapter of the largest war in history. At turns heartbreaking and inspiring, this unique narrative shares the powerful stories of these fearless women who made that decisive victory possible.” — Lt. General DAVID BARNO, US Army (Ret.), former senior American commander of U.S. and coalition forces in Afghanistan

"Focusing on a fascinating dimension of the Second World War, Lena Andrew’s Valiant Women explores how American women uniquely contributed to the war effort, examining the organizational, cultural and personal dimensions, and demands, associated with their critical contributions. This illuminating account helps explain why World War II continues to cast such a large shadow over American society—and will continue to do so for years to come. Read it to learn about, and to honor, those amazing women that served." — Brigadier General PAULA G. THORNHILL, USAF (Ret.)

“Lena Andrews's lively book uncovers the little-known story of the amazing variety of women—from nurses to scientists, clerks to pilots—who sometimes had to fight a double battle during World War II: against the Axis powers, and against men who belittled their vital contributions.” — ADAM HOCHSCHILD, author of American Midnight and King Leopold's Ghost

“An enlightening revisionist history. …Through interviews with the few servicewomen still alive and comprehensive research, Andrews takes an ingenious look at WWII ‘in a different way.’ It's a must-read for women’s and military history buffs.” — Publishers Weekly (starred review)

"A welcome celebration of military heroes who deserve more recognition. An invaluable addition to our knowledge of the Allied victory." — Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

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Product Details

• ISBN: 9780063088337
• ISBN 10: 0063088339
• Imprint: Mariner Books
• On Sale: 08/01/2023
• Trimsize: 6.000 in (w) x 9.000 in (h) x 1.080 in (d)
• Pages: 368
• List Price: $32.99
• BISAC1 : HISTORY / Military / World War II
• BISAC2 : HISTORY / United States / 20th Century
• BISAC3 : HISTORY / Women