These Are the Most Important Allied Women of World War 2

"Over the course of World War II, many women stepped out of societal norms to take on roles that were essential to the Allied victory. Many took to the skies while others worked behind the scenes in covert operations behind enemy lines. (While Soviet women served in combat as snipers, pilots, and machine gunners, women in the U.S. and U.K. were not allowed formal frontline combat roles.) These women were pivotal in shaping the war's outcome."

"These groups of female pilots were responsible for ferrying military aircraft across the country, from factories to bases. These groups marked an important moment in military history, where traditional gender roles were left behind for a greater calling. While WASPs paved the way for broader military integration, they were civilian pilots and, at the time, were not considered to be in the military."

"Over 350,000 American women served in the armed forces (including WAAC/WAC, WAVES, SPARS, and Navy nurses), while countless others worked in factories. Any woman working such a job became affectionately known as "Rosie the Riveter." These efforts were incredibly vital to maintaining the home front and supporting the war effort. These times significantly altered gender roles and paved the way for future civil rights advancements in the United States."

During World War II, women assumed essential roles across military and civilian spheres. In the United States, Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP) and the Women's Auxiliary Ferrying Squadron (WAFS) ferried military aircraft from factories to bases; WASPs were civilian pilots later granted retroactive military status in 1977. Over 350,000 American women served in organizations such as WAAC/WAC, WAVES, SPARS, and as Navy nurses, while countless others worked in factories as "Rosie the Riveter." The British Special Operations Executive recruited roughly 39 female secret agents for espionage, reconnaissance, and sabotage. The Soviet Union deployed women as pilots and front-line combatants.

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