In this groundbreaking new history of the role of American women in World War II, a top military analyst for the CIA presents the inspiring, shocking and heartbreaking stories of these servicewomen that reveal a fundamental misunderstanding of the nature of combat in the war and illustrates important realities about modern warfighting.

Part I: The problem. "The fighting Filipinos": The war arrives ; "They can't do any more, but you can": The arsenal of democracy ; "I'm in this war too!": Women's army auxiliary corps ; "Release a man to fight!": building the WAAC; "Bring him home sooner, join the WAVES": Women accepted for voluntary emergency service ; "Wish I could join too!": Building the WAVES ; "Your duty ashore, his afloat": Marine Corps Women's Reserve and Coast Guard SPARS; "The Army Air Forces want you!": Women's Airforce Service Pilots; "Are you a girl with a star-spangled heart?": Recruiting and training WAACs; "Learn a skill you'll value all your life": Black women join the WAAC; "That was the day I joined the WAVES": Recruiting and training sailors; "The girl of the year is SPAR": SPARS and MCWR recruitment and training; "If you want to fly": Recruiting and training the WASPs; "Someone talked!": Rumors; Part II: The solution. "Going where we're needed most!": North Africa ; "Don't miss your great opportunity": Italy ; "Which one of these jobs would you like?" Stateside service; "Have you got what it takes to fill an important job like this?": Disappointment and disillusionment; "Make a date with Uncle Sam": Controversy; "Now is the time to investigate the opportunities offered": Court-martials; "Give us more P-47's": WASPs in the field; "WACs are going places!": France; "I'd rather be with them--than waiting": Europe; "Blueprint for victory": The Pacific; "To make men free": Victory won; Epilogue: "Good soldier".