An Encyclopedia of American Women at War

August 1, 2013
A ban on women in combat roles has been in place since 1994. However, in January 2013, then secretary of defense Leon Panetta announced that the Pentagon would begin a move toward the integration of women into the military's combat units. Women have found themselves on the front lines many times, and this action will make reality into policy. An Encyclopedia of American Women at War is a timely publication as the military begins planning this major policy shift with regard to women in combat. This two-volume encyclopedia includes more than 300 signed entries on individual women, specific professions, organizations, court cases and laws, military policies, wars, branches of the military, American ethnic and racial groups, and places. Each entry contains a list of references and further readings, and most have see also references. Women profiled in this encyclopedia have done extraordinary things, such as disguising themselves as men to be able to fight, serving as spies, driving ambulances in combat zones, and piloting helicopters and airplanes as well as pioneering work in defense-industry factories; their stories are well told in this encyclopedia. An introductory essay provides a brief summary of American women and their roles on the home front and on the battlefields. A chronology lists events and defining moments from 1676 to 2012. The set also includes a comprehensive bibliography, a categorical index, a general index, and a list of contributors. This would be an excellent purchase for high-school, academic, and public libraries.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2013, American Library Association.)