Code Girls

A terrific read about the women who served in the Army and Navy during WWII as cryptologists, breaking codes of our enemies, allowing our troops along with our Allies to win the war. They came from all parts of the US and all walks of life and lived in less than desirable circumstances for several years in the DC area. The work was tedious with long workdays. There were male cryptologists as well but the majority were these woman who took a sort of correspondence course for 4 weeks but really learned on the job. Before being hired they were asked if they liked to work crossword puzzles and if the answer was yes they were hired. People could spend months and years working on some codes and no code, once broken, ever remained the same. Mundy's research included government documents, letters, memoirs, interviews of some women as well as their descendants. The code of secrecy that they maintained throughout their years of work and for decades after is remarkable. Mundy does an excellent job of capturing the nature of the assignment as well as the lives of these young women who, in spite of their laborious job, managed to enjoy their lives and truly believe in their mission. Another little known facet of women in U.S. history and their little known accomplishments.