7 Most Badass Women of WWII

Spies, aviators, soldiers, snipers – men were not the only ones who showed courage, ingenuity, and determination during World War II. During that time, there were thousands of amazing women who showed courage, skill, and energy, just like their husbands, fathers, and brothers. It is very likely that you have not heard anything about these women before, but here are 7 most badass ladies of WWII.

1. Nancy Wake (1912-2011)

During one of the raids, Nancy allegedly killed an SS soldier with her bare hands to prevent him from raising the alarm. Being an agent for the Office of Special Operations, Wake was an essential link between the French Resistance Movement and London at the end of World War II.
The Nazis gave her the nickname “”White Mouse.”” During the war, she was one of the most wanted Gestapo agents. After it was over, she worked for British intelligence in Paris and Prague embassies. In 1985, she published the autobiography White Mouse, which became a bestseller.

2. Lyudmila Pavlichenko (1916-1974)

German soldiers on the Eastern Front were exposed to many dangers. But there was nothing more dangerous than this young history student, whom the Soviet press called “”Lady Death.”” During the war, Lyudmila Pavlichenko, with the help of her sniper rifle, downed 309 enemy soldiers. Today she is considered the most successful female sniper in the history of the Soviet Union. In 1942, Pavlichenko became the first Soviet citizen to meet with Roosevelt. After her death in 1974, Pavlichenko was awarded a portrait on two commemorative coins and on several stamps in Russia.

3. Susan Travers (1909-2003)

Susan Travers came from a wealthy family, she spent her youth in the beautiful palaces of Europe, where she lived for her pleasure. But she was tired of champagne, parties, and endless lovers, she wanted to start an adventure. When the war broke out, Travers enrolled. She began working for the French Red Cross as a nurse. She later worked as a driver in the Foreign Legion and was very active during the heavy fighting in Africa in 1941-1943. She was awarded the Military Cross and the Legion of Honor and became the only woman in history to be accepted to the French special forces.