Switchboard Sisters by Jennifer Chiaverini

War has broken out in Europe and all over America families are sending their loved ones "over there" to fight in the Great War. A group of patriotic young women want to do their part and respond to a unique opportunity for telephone operators who speak French to participate in the first military program of its kind. The women of the U.S. Army Signal Corps "manned" the switchboard connecting calls from the military headquarters in various locations to the frontlines. They not only acted professionally being trusted not to repeat sensitive information but performed much faster and with greater accuracy than their male counterparts. While exposed to much of the same dangers as the men, that of gas, bombs and the first deadly influenza epidemic, they were expected to act like the military but were denied military benefits after their service was finished. Many of them were awarded high military honors for their contribution and won the respect of General Pershing himself. A wonderful addition to the hidden stories of heroic women during war and a sure bet for Chiaverini's and historical fiction fans.  4 stars