Girls in a World War
After visiting a friend who had returned from World War II confined to a body cast, Nancy Ewing Munro felt a strong urge to join the war effort. In 1944, at 23 years old, she enlisted in the Army. Despite her privileged upbringing as a college-educated dietitian and having attended the 1936 Berlin Olympics, Kathy soon realized that nothing could fully prepare her for the harsh realities of war. *Girls in a World at War* offers a firsthand account of Kathy and four other young women who served in the 223rd General Hospital. Stationed in France, they worked out of a converted horse barn near the 82nd Airborne Division, close to the Battle of the Bulge. Among their patients were survivors recently liberated from Dachau concentration camp.
The narrative is filled with vivid details, from their transatlantic crossing to staying in a castle, working alongside German prisoners of war, and attempting to make dehydrated food and Spam palatable. The book also recounts personal experiences, including weddings, a paratrooper jump-off dance, and the unexpected birth of a baby, pulling readers into their world. Their adventures extended to Switzerland, sailing the Mediterranean, and celebrating Victory in Europe (VE) Day. They also visited Paris, Biarritz, and the breathtaking Reims Cathedral, where they admired "The Angel of the Smile" statue and attended a memorable Christmas Eve service.
Romantic entanglements add complexity to their journey, but throughout the highs and lows of wartime, these women leaned on one another for strength, navigating the tragedies of war with resilience and camaraderie. As readers follow their story, they will laugh, perhaps shed a tear, and gain a rare glimpse into the experiences of women at war, all based on true events.