During World War II, women played critical and multifaceted roles, breaking barriers and making invaluable contributions to the war effort across the globe. From spies to pilots, entertainers to medics, the women of World War II were trailblazers who not only shaped the outcome of the war but also helped to redefine gender roles for generations to come.
As we commemorate Women’s History Month, it’s the perfect time to reflect on these incredible women who defied expectations and emerged as key figures in a tumultuous era. Among them are several remarkable individuals, including Josephine Baker, Lee Miller, Jacqueline Cochran, and Virginia Hall—each who left an indelible mark on history through her courage, resilience, and talent.
Josephine Baker: The Dazzling Entertainer Turned Resistance Fighter
Josephine Baker, an African American dancer and singer, is perhaps best known for her sensational performances in Paris during the 1920s. But her legacy took a turn during World War II when she became a spy for the French Resistance. At a time when racial discrimination was rampant, Baker transcended boundaries to fight for freedom in a way that few women of her time dared.
Baker was recruited by the French Resistance due to her status as an international celebrity, which allowed her to travel across Europe without raising suspicion. Using her fame as a cover, she gathered crucial intelligence while performing for audiences at various venues. She would write coded messages on her sheet music, passing them along to the Resistance, and she also used her connections with high-ranking officials to gain vital information.
Her bravery wasn’t just about espionage. Baker also risked her life to hide Jewish families from Nazi forces in France. Throughout the war, she stood as a symbol of courage, proving that women, particularly women of color, had a place at the front lines of the battle for freedom and justice.
Lee Miller: The War Photographer Who Captured History
Another remarkable woman who rose to prominence during World War II was Lee Miller, an American photographer who became one of the most celebrated photojournalists of the war. Miller was an established model before the war, but it was her later work as a war correspondent that cemented her place in history.
Miller’s photography captured the grim reality of war, from the aftermath of the D-Day landings to the liberation of concentration camps. As a correspondent for Vogue, she became one of the first women to document combat zones, bringing the world face-to-face with the horrors of the conflict. Her photos are not only visually striking but also carry a sense of humanity that draws the viewer in.
Perhaps most notably, Miller was among the first to photograph the liberation of the Nazi concentration camp at Dachau. Her iconic image of a soldier standing by a pile of dead bodies remains one of the most haunting visual records of the war. Through her lens, she provided a unique and invaluable perspective on the devastating impact of World War II, particularly on the lives of those affected by the atrocities of the Holocaust.
Jacqueline Cochran: The Aviation Pioneer Who Broke Barriers
While the skies were often seen as a male-dominated domain, Jacqueline Cochran defied those norms and became one of the most successful female aviators of her time. Cochran’s contributions to aviation during World War II were groundbreaking, and her story is one of perseverance, ambition, and unmatched skill.
During the war, Cochran was instrumental in the formation of the Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP) program, which allowed women to fly military aircraft and perform crucial duties such as transporting planes, towing targets, and delivering supplies. She herself flew combat missions, becoming the first woman to break the sound barrier in 1953. Her determination to prove that women could be just as capable as men in the skies pushed the boundaries of aviation and paved the way for future generations of female pilots.
As a result of her tireless service, Cochran was awarded numerous honors, and her legacy is one of both aviation excellence and groundbreaking gender equality.
Virginia Hall: The Spy Who Defied the Nazis
Perhaps one of the most remarkable and lesser-known figures of World War II is Virginia Hall, an American who became one of the most successful spies of the war. Born into a wealthy family in the United States, Hall could have led a comfortable life. Instead, she chose to serve in the British Special Operations Executive (SOE) and later the U.S. Office of Strategic Services (OSS) after the outbreak of World War II.
Despite losing a leg in a hunting accident in her youth, Hall’s determination and resourcefulness allowed her to operate in Nazi-occupied France as a spy, recruiting resistance fighters and facilitating the flow of intelligence back to the Allies. She became so notorious that the Gestapo referred to her as “the most dangerous of all Allied spies.” Her courage was unparalleled as she evaded capture multiple times, continuing her mission at great personal risk.
Today, Virginia Hall is celebrated as a trailblazer in the field of espionage, and her life is the subject of a seasonal exhibit on espionage, where visitors can learn about her extraordinary accomplishments and contribution to the war effort.
Mark your calendars! For more on espionage, come visit our seasonal exhibit, “From Spies to Satellites: The Cold War Era,” from June 1 – September 1, 2025!
The Legacy of Women in World War II
As we reflect on the extraordinary stories of these women, we are reminded of the immeasurable impact they had on the course of history. Their achievements were not just acts of patriotism but of defiance against societal norms as well, showing the world that women could—and did—shape the future of warfare, intelligence, and equality.
These women of World War II laid the groundwork for the women’s rights movements of the coming decades, pushing for opportunities in fields once dominated by men. Whether in the skies, on the frontlines, or behind enemy lines, they proved that gender would no longer limit a woman’s potential.
During Women’s History Month, it’s important to not only recognize their accomplishments but also to continue building upon the foundation they created. The stories of Josephine Baker, Lee Miller, Jacqueline Cochran, and Virginia Hall inspire us to carry forward their legacy, acknowledging that women have always been at the heart of history.
As we honor these trailblazing women, let us ensure that their contributions are never forgotten and that we continue to celebrate their courage, intelligence, and groundbreaking achievements.
Sources:
Josephine Baker: From Poverty to Stardom to Espionage
Lee Miller’s Legacy: From Fashion Model to War Correspondent
Jacqueline “Jackie” Cochran Virginia Hall: An American Agent in Britain’s Special Operations Executive
