“Women who stepped up were measured as citizens of the nation, not as women. This was a people’s war and everyone was in it.” – Colonel Oveta Culp Hobby

Throughout history, women have played vital yet often overlooked roles in wartime efforts—whether on the battlefield, in the service, or supporting from behind the lines. From battlefield nurses and spies to resistance fighters and military pilots, these women defied societal expectations and fought, sometimes literally, for freedom, justice, and equality. Their stories are not just about heroism but also about resilience, sacrifice, and the fight for recognition in a world that often overlooked their contributions. 

Whether you are interested in the historical accounts of wars or in the personal stories of courage and endurance, these books provide valuable insights into the complex roles women have played, and they honor the often untold contributions that have shaped the course of history. They offer a range of perspectives on the experiences of women in wartime, each one shining a light on the unique challenges faced across different conflicts and time periods, and they showcase courage, resilience, and determination in the face of adversity.

The Women With Silver Wings: The Inspiring True Story of the Women Airforce Service Pilots of World War II by Katherine Sharp Landdeck

Chronicling the lives of the women who served in the Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP) during World War II, this book documents the women who went aloft to serve their nation.These brave women were among the first to fly military aircraft, ferrying planes across the United States and providing crucial support to the military, and their contributions helped pave the way for future generations of women in aviation.

 The Hello Girls: America’s First Women Soldiers by Elizabeth Cobbs

This book tells the story of the first American women soldiers, who served as telephone operators during World War I. These women, known as the “Hello Girls,” played a crucial role in the communications efforts that kept Allied forces connected during the war. This fascinating history highlights the intersection of gender, technology, and wartime service. 

Women at War: The Story of Fifty Military Nurses Who Served in Vietnam by Elizabeth Norman

Telling the dramatic story of 50 women nurses who were members of the Army, Navy, and Air Force Nurse Corps, this book chronicles why they went to war and the experiences they had there. These women’s stories reveal the emotional and physical toll of war and the strength needed to endure it.

Double Victory: How African American Women Broke Race and Gender Barriers to Help Win World War II by Cheryl Mullenbach

This inspiring book highlights the stories of African American women who made significant contributions during World War II. Within these pages, you will meet women who were war workers, political activists, military women, volunteers, and entertainers. These women fought discrimination at home and abroad in order to contribute to the war effort and these stories are incredible. 

Florence Nightingale: A Life Inspired by Lynn M. Hamilton

Florence Nightingale is one of the most iconic figures in nursing, and this biography by Lynn delves into her life and her pioneering work during the Crimean War. Florence’s efforts to reform hospital care and nursing practices revolutionized medical treatment and made a lasting impact on women’s roles in healthcare during wartime. 

Joan of Arc: A History by Helen Castor

One of the most legendary figures in history, Joan of Arc defied gender norms and led the French army to several key victories during the Hundred Years’ War. Helen’s biography delves into the life of this remarkable young woman, focusing on her military leadership and the religious and political forces that shaped her fate. Joan’s story continues to inspire as a symbol of courage and conviction.

Women and War in Antiquity edited by Jacqueline Fabre-Serris and Alison Keith

This collection of essays explores the roles of women in the wars of Ancient Greece and Rome. Although the martial virtues were central to male identity, the scholars who author these essays reveal that women played a much more active role in battle than was previously assumed. Spanning topics from Homer to Seneca, here women are portrayed as spectators, critics, victims, and beneficiaries of war. 

Liar, Temptress, Soldier, Spy: Four Women Undercover in the Civil War by Karen Abbot

In this gripping work of historical non-fiction, Karen Abbott tells the fascinating stories of four women who served as spies during the American Civil War. Operating behind enemy lines, these women risked their lives to gather crucial intelligence and aid in the war effort. Their courage and resourcefulness provide a thrilling glimpse into the often-hidden role women played in wartime espionage.

The Light of Days: The Untold Story of Women Resistance Fighters in Hitler’s Ghettos by Judy Batalion

This powerful and harrowing book shines a light on the often-overlooked role of Jewish women who fought in the resistance during the Holocaust. From smuggling weapons to engaging in direct combat against the Nazis, these women played an essential role in the struggle for survival in occupied Europe. Judy’s narrative honors their bravery and resilience.

Looking at Women Looking at War: A War and Justice Diary by Victoria Amelina

When Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022, Victoria was writing a novel but ended up becoming someone new: a war crimes researcher and a chronicler of women like herself who joined the resistance. She once again became a storyteller as she wrote down the incredible stories of the women around her. Although she was killed on July 1st, 2023 from a Russian cruise missile, this book shows the ravages of war and the cost of resistance. 

Featured in the March 22, 2025 issue of The Independent