In June 1917, General John Pershing found himself in need of operators who could swiftly and accurately connect multiple calls, remain steady under fire, and be utterly discreet. At the time, nearly all well-trained telephone operators were women - but women were not permitted to enlist. Nevertheless, the U.S. Army Signal Corps promptly began recruiting them. More than 7,600 women responded. Sometimes mocked as the "hello girls", the women of the U.S. Army Signal Corps served with honour and played an essential role in achieving the Allied victory. Their story has never been the focus of a novel - until now.
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