Forged in Fire: Grief, Purpose, and Devotion of a Woman at War

The Untold Story of the WWII Red Cross Clubmobile Girls

They weren’t soldiers, but they served in war zones. They didn’t carry weapons, but they fought every day—to lift morale, restore humanity, and bring a taste of home to battle-weary troops.

Forged in Fire tells the true story of the Red Cross Clubmobile Department—an innovative wartime effort that deployed courageous American women on a remarkable mission across Europe during WWII. Driving 2½-ton trucks loaded with coffee and doughnuts, these women braved bombings, buzz bombs, and battlefield trauma to serve those risking their lives.

Through the eyes of Blanche Barnes, a shy Midwestern woman transformed by tragedy and service, we follow the clubmobilers from England’s foggy airfields to the ruined cities of France and Germany. They flew in B-17s, danced with spies, and crossed paths with generals and journalists—showing resilience and humor in the face of war.

More than just a support operation, the clubmobiles became a lifeline to thousands of soldiers—and a proving ground for a generation of strong, capable women.

For readers of World War II history and biographies, this is an unforgettable, true account of grit, compassion, and an untold story on the front lines of World War II.