American women played important roles during World War II, both at home and in uniform.

World War II wasn't just a man's war—350,000 American women answered the call and served their country.

Despite the restrictions on ranks, force strength, and combat, the 1948 Women’s Armed Services Integration Act still represented a major step in women’s military participation. Most significantly, it allowed women to pursue military service as a career. 

Despite facing resistance and discrimination, more than 150,000 women served in the Women's Army Corps during World War II, performing vital noncombat roles and paving the way for women's permanent inclusion in the US military.

The end of World War II brought unexpected challenges for American servicemembers in both Europe and the Pacific. Fighting forces turned into forces of occupation, working to maintain a fragile peace while living amongst former enemies.