Allowing women to serve in the military during wartime has been a subject of controversy since World War I, when, for the first time in history, thousands of American women volunteered, answering the same patriotic call to duty as the men. Unlike the men, however, these pioneers were targets of gossip and branded as "camp followers" by some. Since that time, some 3.5 million American women have served their country as spies, nurses, guerrillas, or war correspondents.

Many of these volunteers were wounded or died in the line of duty, others suffered as prisoners of war - all with little or no recognition. War and American Women brings to life the compelling stories of the ordinary and extraordinary women who served their country in times of war.