The Girls Who Stepped Out of Line: Untold Stories of the Women Who Changed the Course of World War II

by Mari K. Eder

Overview

They defied the rules. They shaped the war. And they've been left out of history—until now.

In The Girls Who Stepped Out of Line, Major General Mari K. Eder unearths the remarkable true stories of 15 unsung heroines whose courage, brilliance, and defiance altered the course of World War II. These women didn't serve for recognition, they served because it was right.

This powerful work of narrative nonfiction transports you into the lives of resistance fighters, medics, spies, scientists, and ordinary women who accomplished the extraordinary. With meticulous research and vivid storytelling, Eder restores these women to their rightful place in history—making the invisible unforgettable.

Inside you'll discover:

• The tennis champion-turned-intelligence courier who gathered Nazi secrets between matches
• The Jewish prisoner who nursed fellow captives at Bergen-Belsen—including Anne Frank
• The British sisters who used opera and evening gowns to smuggle refugees out of Nazi territory
• And twelve other gripping, real-life accounts of defiance, sacrifice, and transformation under fire

Written by one of the U.S. military's highest-ranking female officers, this book is both a tribute and a reckoning. These stories are not just history—they are a legacy of resistance, courage, and the unbreakable spirit of women who refused to be written out.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781728242729
Publisher:	Sourcebooks
Publication date:	05/01/2022
Pages:	464
Product dimensions:	5.50(w) x 8.10(h) x 1.40(d)

About the Author

Mari K. Eder is a retired U.S. Army Major General, a renowned speaker and author, and a thought leader on strategic communication and leadership. General Eder is the former Commanding General of the U.S. Army Reserve Joint and Special Troops Support Command, former Deputy Chief of the Army Reserve and former Deputy Chief of Public Affairs for the U.S. Army. General Eder is the author of “Leading the Narrative: The Case for Strategic Communication,” published by the Naval Institute Press.

Editorial Reviews

"This brisk and informative survey is a worthy tribute to the trailblazing women of WWII." — Publishers Weekly

"My appreciation for the veterans in my own family who served during World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War, coupled with the tragedy of 9/11 and the sacrifices made since, led me to absolutely consider myself a ‘grateful American’—for the blessings of freedom provided by those who wear the cloth of our nation. Major General (Ret.) Mari K. Eder has without a doubt elevated my sense of gratitude even higher. The stories of extraordinary courage, service, and sacrifice by the women she highlights in this book, and all others who served similarly yet have not had their stories told, should inspire all who read this to be grateful Americans as well!" — Gary Sinise, Actor and humanitarian

"We don’t think of the women of WWII as young girls determined to make a difference. But these women, and thousands like them, did. They networked, connected, and supported one another. When the war ended, that network collapsed, a victim of culture and society’s focus on a ‘return to normal.’ We can’t forget what they sacrificed and what they’ve given to us, and this book helps us do just that." — Michelle Tillis Lederman, author of The Connector’s Advantage and The 11 Laws of Likability

"This book fills a historic void about Lieutenant Colonel Charity Adams and others who stepped out of line to succeed, because the "lines" did not support race, gender, or mission. Their moral courage and leadership knocked down many barriers within the military and beyond." — Colonel (Ret.) Edna W. Cummings, U.S. Army Six Triple Eight Advocate/Producer

"A tennis star who became a spy, a Polish immigrant who went to work for the OSS, a Jewish refugee who fought the Nazis as a partisan: these are some of the remarkable women whose incredible stories come to life in this engaging and important book. Mari Eder helps us to complete our history of the Second World War through voices that had been forgotten until now. A must-read for all who want to know more about women's history, the Second World War, and America in the twentieth century." — Michael S. Neiberg, author of Potsdam: The End of World War II and the Remaking of Europe

"A fascinating page-turner about a mostly forgotten contingent of people—women who willingly stepped ‘out of line’ to contribute to the Allied victory in WWII. It is a fresh set of gripping stories, from world tennis champ Alice Marble to far less well known heroines. Each story is moving and deeply inspirational." — Admiral James Stavridis, USN Supreme Allied Commander at NATO (Ret.)

"The Girls Who Stepped Out of Line is a must-read. Each chapter highlights a different woman who stepped out of line and did what was right—not what was easy or expected. These warriors defied the odds in their fight against bigotry, hatred, and prejudice of all kinds. Many of them helped save the lives of others or helped pave the path for a brighter and equal future for other women. Thankfully, we have someone such as Mari K. Eder, a woman and veteran who also led a selfless life, to bring these stories to life and to preserve the legacies of these heroic women. And while Eder may not be looking for accolades or recognition for this beautifully written tribute, we all owe her a debt of gratitude. I know I will be purchasing a copy of this book for each female warrior and hero in my life." — Adena Bernstein Astrowsky, author of Living Among the Dead

"Military women, intelligences agents, and partisan fighters who served in World War II remained much too modest about their accomplishments, and we are indebted to Major General Mari K. Eder (U.S. Army retired) for bringing to light their remarkable stories of dedication and heroism. An engaging and fast-paced work, this book will interest anyone who wants to fully understand why the Allies won the war. The Girls Who Stepped Out of Line offers accounts of remarkable role models that will inspire future generations of women and men who embark on a career in military service. Highly recommended." — G. Kurt Piehler, PhD, Director of the Institute on World War II and the Human Experience

"Inspiring stories of women warriors who deserve greater attention." — Kirkus Reviews

"Straightforward, eye-opening, and invaluable collection... this group biography offers a breezy tone, historic photographs, and plenty of lively anecdotes to bring its subjects to vivid life. " — Booklist

Eder’s engaging writing makes these compelling histories read like a suspense novel. A highly recommended account that will draw in readers of U.S. history and women’s history.

From the Publisher