audiobook And If I Perish: Frontline U.S. Army Nurses in World War II by Evelyn Monahan; Rosemary Neidel-Greenlee in History

Review

0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. gritty heroism from an unsung cornerBy David A. BaerEvelyn Monahan's and Rosemary Neidel-Greenlee's AND IF I PERISH is an exceptional—I am tempted to say 'must-read'—book for two reasons.First; the story of U.S. Army nurses in World War II's European theatre is largely an untold tale. Who knew that these women; for whose work almost no forethought paved the way; played such a critical role in the Allied forces' campaigns in North Africa and Europe? Once told; the story seems inevitable. Yet it is alarming how much one can read about and ponder World War II history without ever giving a thought to the *nurses* who saved so many lives and provided final comfort to those whose bodies could not be repaired.Second; the story is told in exceptional style. The authors weave in military strategy in unexpected volumes; which provides a welcome context for the self-sacrificing labor of this nearly all-volunteer cadre of frontline nurses. One of the book's virtues is that it is not a 'soft' history over against the 'hard' history of soldiers and generals. The result is compelling history and a very fine read.I purchased and read this book as a small means of honoring the legacy of a nurse from my Pennsylvania hometown who died on the Anzio beach head. The poignantly tragic way in which Carrie Sheetz and too many others died is told movingly in these pages.Others lived; who perhaps reluctantly and nearly always self-effacingly relieved themselves of the burden they carried in late-in-life interviews with the authors.The Greatest Generation was comprised of both genders. We have grown to know and honor the stories of the generation's soldiering men. We are only learning the deep debt we owe to our mothers and grandmothers. Sisters and daughters belonging to that same generation; they are no less great for the shadow in which they labored; sacrificed; died; and healed.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Every nurse shoud read this.By Hull GirlAbsolutely superb book. I was amazed to read how the US did not have nursing staff at the beginning of the war. As an RN; a truly inspiring story of what nurses can and will do to give their patients the care they need; even under such horrific conditions. But the nurse were treated as second class service people; with their "pseudo" rank. I could not put the book down. Every nurse should read this.The British have had the Queen Alexandra's Royal Army Nursing Corp (Nursing Sisters) in place as part of the frontline care. The Americans soon caught up. These nurses deserve such a well researched book that is never boring. As a WWII survivor from England and a nurse; I felt privileged to belong to a profession that produced such amazing women. Notice I did not say men; men were not allowed to be active nurses until after WWII.Field Marshall Montgomery said the nurses were the biggest and best morale boosters for injured soldiers.3 of 3 people found the following review helpful. Greatest generation Army nurses in WWIIBy Ole DocDetailed; inspiring; sometimes chilling tale of how young American nurses; most with no military experience; dove into the thick of battle in WWII; and played key roles in saving our soldiers' lives. The women are allowed to tell their own stories in many places; with humor and humility. It can be hard to keep straight the many numbered medical units; battles; and locales; but if one just reads on; everything becomes clearer. The story is not for the faint of heart or weak of stomach; battle injuries; bodies; blood; and decay are described frankly. But the reader should come away impressed by and grateful for the nurses' accomplishments; endurance; and bravery in the face of death. Even the worst depictions in the TV show "MASH" did not come close to showing how tough war can be in the medical units.