Discover the International Intrigue of Mollie’s Life in WWII - 4/17

Monday, April 17, 1:00-2:30 p.m., Harper College Main Campus, Building D, Room 195
Free and Open to the Public – Registration Required

The Lifelong Learning Institute and Harper College’s One Book One Harper program bring you an extraordinary talk on “Mollie’s War.” Cyndee Schaffer discusses the role of women in the military and, in particular, her mother’s WWII experiences as a WAC (Women’s Army Corps). Cyndee reviews the book “Mollie’s War” and traces the footsteps of her mother and other WACs stationed in London before and after D-Day, when V-1 rockets rained overhead. After D-Day, it was on to Paris and finally to Frankfurt with the Army of Occupation. Using excerpts from Mollie’s letters, Cyndee provides a romantic yet frightening glimpse into the life of a woman in uniform during wartime. Refreshments will be served.

Click here to register online or call 847.925.6300.

About the Book: Why did an average American woman become a WAC during World War II and place herself in peril?

Authors Cyndee Schaffer and Mollie Weinstein Schaffer answer this question and more in the book “Mollie’s War,” a story woven around the collection of letters that Mollie wrote home to her family during WWII along with historical commentary concurrent with the letters. Her story documents the human side of life during the war—a life that alternates between fear and romance, exhaustion and leisure.

It took many letters home telling everything from daily challenges to exciting experiences (when the censors allowed) for her story to emerge. “Mollie’s War” details Mollie’s experiences assigned to the Medical Intelligence division of the U.S. Army, living under perilous conditions, assisting the forces fighting but also taking advantage of her surroundings. This book provides a glimpse into the life of a woman in uniform during this crucial time in history.

What was it like to be in England while the country was under constant bombardment by unmanned German missiles? Imagine being among the first WACs to enter Normandy after the D-Day invasion. Did you ever wonder about your foreign language skills from high school? Well, Mollie used those skills when she was transferred to Paris, acting as an interpreter in both work and social situations. Envision being a young Jewish woman in Frankfurt Germany on Rosh Hashanah 1945 and walking with other G.I’s to the re-dedication of the only standing synagogue.

The story vividly depicts Mollie’s experiences from her first train trip to Daytona Beach, Florida for basic training in October 1943 to the dramatic picture of seeing the illuminated figure of the Statue of Liberty in the midst of darkness as her ship approached the U.S. shores when she returned in November 1945.