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.

"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 -- "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.