Coming Out under Fire: The History of Gay Men and Women in World War Two

I purchased this book for a class in college and found it an easy read. The subject matter is not one that generally interests me but the author keeps you engaged. The book has a good historical summary and does a good job at tying the issues it brings up to the world of today. An easy to enjoy book.

This is a very well-researched study of a subject that has long been hidden and ignored. In addition to being a top-quality study of America's treatment of gay & lesbian citizens in the WW II era, it is also important to help understand today's attitudes and problems. Most revealing is how the military's post-war changes in attitude propelled America's evolution into a homophobic nation.

"Coming Out Under Fire: The History of Gay Men and Women in World War II," by Allan Berube, is a fascinating and well-written piece of American history. The author draws from a rich variety of sources in order to tell this story. Among the topics he covers are the following: the process of being inducted into the armed forces in that era, the experiences of gay people in the training phase, gay social life stateside (particularly in the major port cities), the threat of harassment by military police, the role of military psychiatrists in our culture's evolving understanding of homosexuality, and the experiences of gay soldiers in combat. Berube also reveals the tensions that occurred within the military establishment as efforts were made to refine and reform policies dealing with homosexuality. He discusses the interrogation and imprisonment of gay troops. Other interesting topics covered are gay slang and coded language, and the use of female impersonators in GI shows like "This Is the Army." The book includes a number of black-and-white photographs and reproductions. There is also a note on sources used, such as interviews, letters, and government documents. There are also extensive endnotes. Throughout the book, Berube brings forth the voices of many WW2 veterans. Ultimately he looks at the impact of WW2 on the evolution of gay culture and political activism. I consider this book to be an essential companion to Randy Shilts' monumental "Conduct Unbecoming: Gays & Lesbians in the U.S. Military," which focuses on the post-WW2 era. "Coming Out Under Fire" is a remarkable achievement: poignant and inspiring, it is a valuable addition to the fields of both lesbian and gay studies and military history.

A fascinating look at how the US military treated gays and lesbians during WWII. Especially interesting is the military's double standard: allowing gays and lesbians in the military during the war years because they were much needed, but taking a tougher line towards them after the war was over.

Berube's book is a mighty history in the lives of gay American men and women in WWII military. Berube is meticulous in his research and documentation, and presents the information well. This book has been his work for several years, armed, as he says, with the "Freedom of Information Act." What others have relegated to the dusty shelf, Berube brings back to the forefront, and proclaims how integral a part of our history it is. A monumental work, and a great read as well.