Women have served in the US Military since the very beginning – serving in every conflict since the Revolutionary War. March, Salute 2 Service recognizes and honors the contributions of these female heroes as part of Military Women’s History month.
Women veterans have distinguished themselves across all branches, excelling in diverse fields from aviation and intelligence to medicine and leadership.
Credit: Salute 2 Service
While historically relegated to support roles, they now serve in combat and other traditionally male-dominated positions, including pilots, infantry soldiers, and special operations forces.
Their contributions are undeniable. During World War II, 350,000 women joined the U.S. Armed Forces, with 432 servicewomen losing their lives and 88 becoming prisoners of war.
Over 1,000 women trained as Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP), flying vital missions, including ferrying aircraft to military bases. Tragically, 38 WASP pilots died in service, and because they were not initially classified as “military,” their colleagues had to raise funds for their funerals.
Despite their dedication, female veterans faced significant gender discrimination and, for women of color, the added burden of racism.
The films “The Hello Girls” and “The Six Triple Eight” being shown this month shed light on these struggles (more information below). We encourage you to further explore their stories through the recommended books for adults and children listed below, and to join us in celebrating the remarkable contributions of women veterans!
Together, we can ensure that no veteran is left behind.