Forged in Fire tells the true story about the women who joined the American Red Cross’s Clubmobile program during World War II, sharing what life was like for the courageous young women who served in war zones to bring some humanity to the soldiers. Why was this an important book for you to write?

Because my mother was in the clubmobile program and the program served as the perfect way for her to get past a personal tragedy, and assist American GIs directly.   Her World War II experiences helped shape the person she was to become. 

How much research did you undertake for this book, and how much time did it take to put it all together?

My research for this book stretched over four decades, including extensive interviews, and the actual writing of the book took seven years.

What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?

I wanted to underscore and highlight how unique and brave the women of the Red Cross clubmobile program were, and the substantial contribution they made to the war effort.  But I didn’t want to sugarcoat the story or ignore the real issues they all faced with sexism, sexual assault, racism, and people undervaluing their efforts.  

What is one thing that you hope readers take away from Forged in Fire?

Although the sexism of the 1940s severely limited what American women were allowed to contribute to the war effort, millions of women found a way to get involved at home and abroad.  The women of the clubmobile program left home and family for years at a time and risked their lives simply to bring a little taste of home to millions of GIs and to help their morale.  In that effort they were highly successful.  And it should not be forgotten that at least eleven clubmobile volunteers were killed and never returned home.

Author Website