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(<p> This work fills the void that has been created by scholars of military institutions. It represents an original analysis of the experience of women of African descent who served their country in the Women's Army Corps during World War II. Her robust analysis of their feelings, motivations and experience within the military provides the reader with a moving tale of accomplishments of black women during a critical point in the history of the country. Professor Moore's separation of race and gender effects in the book is excellent, and brings out the fact that women of African descent must be seen in their own historical light if one is to understand their unique history. This book makes a significant contribution to military sociology, gender studies, American studies, and race and ethnic relations. )-(John Sibley Butler), (The University of Texas at Austin, author of Entrepreneurship and Self-Help Among Black Americans: A Reconsideration of Race and Economics )

In an original contribution to the extensive WW II literature, Moore (Sociology/SUNY, Buffalo) has compiled oral histories of African-American women who served in the Women's Army Corps (WAC) 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion. Although racism and sexism were rampant in the military as in civilian life, powerful allies like Mary McLeod Bethune, Eleanor Roosevelt, and the NAACP helped to persuade President Roosevelt to remove one barrier after another that prevented black women from participating in the war effort. As a result, many African-American women volunteered, bravely facing their lot as members of a segregated army because of patriotism, activism, and the desire to better themselves. Moore presents the stories of some of these women, members of the only battalion to be stationed overseas during the war. Despite gripes that all soldiers share, the accounts claim that morale was high. Moore's subjects seemed to enjoy the humor of 850 women in a barracks - especially when all of them needed to have their hair done at the same time by the few beauticians in their ranks. They also tell of the hospitality they found among the British and French families they encountered - in sharp contrast to the racial discrimination of Americans. Moore shows that these women faced sex discrimination, as well, and repeated slanders against their reputations as either companions to black soldiers or butch lesbians. Still, the women's reports about the army are mainly positive. For most of these WACs, military training gave them the tools of upward mobility: discipline, education (through the GI bill), maturity, a work ethic, job training, experience, pride, and confidence. Although perhaps of more interest to students of sociology than to the general reader, Moore's study warmly tells a success story about a little-known aspect of WW II. (Kirkus Reviews)

<p> A fascinating account of black women in the armed forces in World War II. We are indebted to Brenda Moore for recording this story while these women are still with us. Moore gives powerful new insights for African American studies, gender studies, and military history.

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Brenda L. Moore is Associate Professor of Sociology at the State University of New York, Buffalo. A Presidential Appointee to the American Battle Monuments Commission, she served on active duty for six years in the US Army in the United States and Europe.

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