The Donut Dollies

We're back with another bonus episode, which also means Sage, our Book Club Correspondent is back with us! It's time to recap the third quarter of this year's book club picks and this quarter found us with some good reads, familiar authors, and some questionable choices but that's half the fun in reading! Susan Tate Ankeny's telling of her father's wartime service in The Girl and The Bombardier walks us through a personal story that was discovered by a daughter long after the events occurred. Celia Imrie's Meet Me At Rainbow Corner brought us back to the Red Cross...

If you've been following along, over the summer we covered the history of the Women's Army Corps from their inception as an auxiliary to the US Army, to the WAC bill that militarized the first women of the war. This week we're uncovering the history of the 401st WAC Band, a journey that Gabby began back in April with a visit to the Fort Hamilton Army Base. Joining us this week are the two individuals who we would consider the keepers of the 401st history; Tracy Bradford and Justin Batt. Tracy is the curator of the US Army Women's...

This week it's two donuts and one...Taff? You read that right! Joining us this week is Leighton Hughes, the man behind Currahee Signings and We Happy Few 506. A military veteran and now a central member of the WWII and Band of Brother's community, he's sharing the story of how it all came to be, and how one idea can quite literally change everything. He's also giving us a look behind the curtain of his newest endeavor; Two Taff's in A Pod, his new podcast with Band of Brothers alumn Nick Aaron and just why they're calling themselves Taff's, so...

The Clubmobile is rolling into the dustbowl once again, for more than just coffee and sinkers! This week we're joined by Ms. Penni Evans who served with the American Red Cross Supplemental Recreational Organization as a Donut Dollie during The Vietnam War, and Emma Spencer, creator of the documentary Welcome Home Sister. The subject? Penni Evans and her service with the SRO during Vietnam. Penni and Emma share a unique, and beautiful friendship that's documented in the way they speak of each other and in the way that Emma has captured Penni's life and spirit on film. The experience...

How do you define a legacy? For Erin Miller, it transcends generations; her mother, Terry Harmon was a Donut Dolly and served in Vietnam. Before that, her grandmother served in The WASP during WWII. Three women, three generations, all carrying a legacy. This week Erin joins us to tell the story of her grandmother, Elaine Harmon, the journey of her service, and the fight after WASP militarization that Erin and her mother Terry undertook to ensure that even in her death, Elaine was buried as part of the US Military and how that fight led her to write her...

We're back for part 2 with the fellas from What's The Scuttlebutt podcast, and Don, Jeff and Dennis have more to share with everyone! As conservators of the history of the greatest generation what exactly does it entail? What are their upcoming projects and how do they plan to further the conservation and history of a generation that is rapidly disappearing. They're also sharing current reads, favorite movies and advice for any budding historians, or someone who wants to get involved in the community of professional and armchair historians. Let us top up your coffee while you grab another fresh...

It's a full house in The Clubmobile this week, as we're joined by the fellas from What's The Scuttlebutt Podcast! Don, Dennis and Jeff are joining us to dig into the nitty gritty of WWII, how the three of them met and came to be a knowledgeable and successful podcast, and just what is the difference between preservation and conservation. From three different historical backgrounds came one question: what's the scuttlebutt? The fellas do their best to answer that question, share what's on the horizon for them as their journey continues. This is a hearty episode, filled with honesty...

An ordinary woman, who ended up doing the extraordinary in a time of war. Kay Summersby was born in Ireland, to a Military father, but didn't immediately seek to follow in his footsteps. When war came knocking on the world's doorstep in 1939, she joined the British Mechanized Transport Corps, and it is there that this story begins, truly. Summersby was already a high-ranking member of the MTC when America joined the war and spent her service from 1942 onwards as the personal driver to General Eisenhower. Her story, like many women in service during the war, is tied closely to...

Where were you 25 years ago? This is a question the world has been asking itself a lot in the last few weeks as we approach the anniversary of The World Trade Center attacks. September 11, 2001 is a day that changed everything, and for the people of New York, it was their lives and homes in the direct line of fire. This week we're joined by Chief Michael Magliano, who is first and foremost Gabby's dad, but was also a first responder on the day of the attacks, and the recovery in the days after. He shares with us how his...

The number of WWII veterans that are still with us and able to tell their stories is dwindling, which is why the stories we do have on record are so important. Kevin Maurer's telling of John 'Lucky' Luckadoo's story is one of those on record that we hold in a special place here in The Clubmobile. This week, we are honored to have Kevin Maurer, author of Damn Lucky, joining us to talk all about the incredible man behind the cover of his book. A pilot with the famed Bloody Hundredth, Lucky Luckadoo lived a life filled with incredible...

During the war, legendary entertainer Josephine Baker put her efforts into more than just performing on stage; she was a valued member of The French Resistance. After marrying and becoming a citizen of France, Baker began using her fame as the ultimate cover story. She would use high society embassy parties in neutral countries across Europe to smuggle military information back to the Allies. Josephine Baker's most famous tactic? Invisible ink! Baker would spend the duration of the war working with The French Resistance, running a refugee shelter out of her own home, and traveling to North Africa to...

This week we're stepping back in time to the golden age of film! If you've been with us a while, you know that we have an affinity for Old Hollywood and a time when going to the picture house was a major event, and the stars on the screen oozed charisma and romance. That's exactly what this week's guest is working to share with the world! Emilia Quaye is the force behind the independent film "Music Maestro, Please" which takes its viewers back to the 1940s and a time when music and dancing were as commonplace as your morning...

During the years leading up to the war, and during wartime, the island of Honolulu produced a nine-million dollar per year business. How, if the entire country was living on fixed incomes and rationing? The answer is both shocking, and simple. Sex. The term "sex sells" dates back to a time long before the war, and in this case, is a direct reference to The 3-Minute Men. Honolulu's infamous Hotel Street was known for being a hot spot for more than just a place to rest your head- brothels lined the streets, filled with women who worked as hostesses...

If you're keeping track, you remember that The Beantown Girls was one of our Book Club picks earlier this year, getting a standing ovation from all three of us in our quarterly recap. Joining us this week is author Jane Healey, who put pen to paper and brought us the story of three lifelong friends from Boston who join the Red Cross together during the war. The story follows Fiona, Viviana and Dottie from home to England as they embark on a journey looking for answers, where they find that the missing pieces are colored in with adventure, friendship...

Joining us this week is a true guest of honor in The Clubmobile, and someone who has truly earned the title of Donut Dollie; Ms. Terry Harmon. Terry is a former Donut Dollie who served with the American Red Cross Supplemental Recreational Organization during the Vietnam War. Nicknamed Donut Dollies, though there wasn't a donut in sight, The SRO division of the American Red Cross was there for the men of the Vietnam War in many of the same ways that Clubmobile Gals were for GI's during the second world war; as moral boosters, friendly faces, and a taste...

Chances are if you google Margaret Bourke-White you will find one of two photos in the top of the search results: a woman on the edge of New York City's Chrysler Building with her camera in hand, or that of a woman in full USAAF flight gear and holding her camera. Bourke-White was the first female staff photographer for Life Magazine, and the first female war correspondent. In fact, she was the first female to do a lot of things! Much like her counterpart, Lee Miller, Margaret chronicled the goings on overseas during the war- except she did it...

It's time for another bonus episode, which means that the Third Girl in The Truck is back with us! Our Book Club Correspondent, Sage, is back to join us for the  quarterly Book Club recap! We're rehashing the selections for April through June and leaving nothing on the cutting room floor! We had some really great picks for this quarter, and we started out with Slinging Doughnuts for The Boys by James H. Madison- because it wouldn't be a Clubmobile book club pick if there weren't donuts and coffee involved! We continue on with And If I Perish, following a...

Many times during our discourse on women's history we've come to a point in discussion where the Women's Army Corps has taken center stage. Whether we're referring to the WAC Bill of 1942, the uniforms, or their training, the Women's Army Corps has always remained a dignified outfit of the US Military; it's women some of the highest caliber. In this first part of a special series on the WAC, we're taking a look at the overall history of this magnificent group, from the woman who spearheaded their inception, to the almost joint affiliation of the WAC and WASP, and...

They are coping and they are capable! They are the women of Britain's Auxiliary Territorial Service! Much like the American women of the WAAC, WAVES and Women's Marine Corps, the women of The ATS filled the roles of cooks, transportation, clerical roles and mechanics. The only difference? The ATS women were conscripted and granted full military status and yes, even their most well-known member, then Princess Elizabeth of Windsor. Grab your coffee and a fresh sinker and join us in The Clubmobile as we dig into the service of The ATS and the differences between the US Women's Military...

If you know us, you know that we will never turn down the opportunity to read a good book; bonus points if the book checks all our wartime boxes. Jan Cress Dondi's book, The Navigator's Letter, does just that! It turns out, a small town where everyone knows each other is not so small when wartime reaches America's doorstep in December 1941, especially for John B. White and Robert Cress. Two young men living in Illinois answer their country's call to serve, finding themselves living an almost parallel life as Navigators on B-24 Liberators. Jan expertly tells her family's story...

This week we're taking a trip back to Thorpe Abbots with Masters of The Air's Spike White! Known for his portrayal of Lt. Charles A. Via- Co-Pilot of Blakely's Crew- part of the 100th's original cadre- Spike is a history buff in his own right! From his audition process to boot camp with the legendary Captain Dale Dye, to getting fully outfitted in authentic USAAF flight gear, Spike is sharing the impact that the 100th has left on him. Along with the history of The Bloody Hundredth there's the story of his own family's wartime history, and how he...

This week we're stepping into the darker side of women in wartime and uncovering the story of Eva Braun. Braun is most well known for being Adolf Hitler's companion for the duration of the war, before becoming his wife, which only lasted a day. The story of how she came to be part of the inner circle of history's most morally corrupt man, and whether she made those decisions of sound mind, remain a hot topic, and one that we've volleyed back and forth a lot in this episode. The age gap, the deception of a young girl, the...

Joining us this week is the man who's laced up the boots of two very important figures in wartime history, Corin Silva! From a hardheaded USAAF Colonel, to a soft-spoken, God-fearing man, Corin has shown us not only two sides of himself, but the juxtaposition of war. He's brought to the screen the 100th Bomb Group's Colonel John Bennett, and SAS Rogue Heroes Jim Almonds, and now he's sitting down with us to talk about his experiences in boot camp, the friendships forged and maybe a small teaser for the third season of Rogue Heroes! But you didn't hear...

Before there was 007 and James Bond there was the SOE. The Special Operations Executive brought some of the first and finest spies into occupied Germany during the war, hiding them in plain sight. Some of their best and most successful? The women of the SOE, of course! Join us as we unpack the history of the SOE and the women who made it famous. Yes you read that right! While The SOE did make a number of it's female spies well known throughout history, it's their actions during wartime that made the history of The SOE what it is...

The Clubmobile is hitting the road! Well, sort of- we're actually in the War Wagon with Jeff Copsetta! If you're part of the history community, then you know Jeff; if not, we can't think of a better introduction! An Army veteran, living history preservationist, teacher and now, President of The Conservators of The Greatest Generation aka COGG. Jeff takes us through his journey of falling in love with history, during his childhood, to his service and now into the preservation of wartime. He also takes us on a brilliant tour of what he has dubbed The War Wagon, and...

It's time for another episode in The Wives of The Bloody Hundredth series! Join us as we welcome Jana Hamilton Gruber to The Clubmobile! Jana is the daughter of 100th Bomb Group Bombardier Howard "Hambone" Hamilton, but her mother has quite a story of her own! One of the three Chicago Wives, famous for the "legs" picture, Gerry Hamilton lived alongside Jean Crosby and Margaret Blakely in 1943 before embarking on her own adventure. With Howard in a POW camp after the events of the Munster Raid, Gerry left Chicago to join the circus as a roller skater! Don't believe...

What happens when you put four wwii history enthusiasts in one room...er, zoom? This week we're joined by Josh and Katie from Foxhole Chat Podcast and bringing you a good old-fashioned chat amongst friends! How did their podcast come to be, and what do they hope their listeners get out of each episode? Which of the Big Three is their favorite of the Hanks/Spielberg miniseries? We're comparing notes and digging down rabbit holes in this laid back episode! Plus, find out what Josh and Katie, and The Dollies have in common! Grab your coffee and a fresh...

Give us the simple life! This week we're joined by Jamie from On The Victory Homefront podcast, and we're talking all about life at home during wartime. Jamie, who's own podcast focuses on the goings on and management of life for those who remained at home during the war, brings her knowledge and expertise to The Clubmobile! How did a few simple changes make a big impact on the health her family? We're talking about the benefits of canning your own vegetables, the simplicity of wartime clothing and of course, the always familiar Victory Gardens! Is the 1940s simple...

This week we're talking hostess'- no- not the cupcakes, the USO Hostess' during the war! These are the women who worked day and night in the USO Clubs so that soldiers had a safe way to socialize with women. A USO Hostess was classified as a respectable, middle-class woman, who worked tirelessly to help keep up the morale of young GIs. These women were trained on how to interact with soldiers and took their job of raising morale very seriously! Their job was just one more that women undertook on the homefront, often taking the Mobile USO trucks out...

TEN-HUT! Beauty is officially on duty, and this one is for the gals! We're falling in line, at the makeup counter, and unpacking the importance of makeup during the war. Don't think we're serious? Well, red lipstick became an act of defiance against Hitler during the war, as he had been open about how much despised it. Morale boosters like Montezuma Red lipstick, made famous by Elizabeth Arden, was created especially for the US Marine Corps Women's Reserve and came with a matching nail varnish! The women of the Land Army also had a special powder and rouge, which...

If you think back to our last round of Book Club picks for 2025, you'll remember that we read When I Think Back: The War Letters of Fitje Pitts. The book, written by her son Tilghman (Tim) puts a timestamp on his mother's wartime service with the American Red Cross. Journeying from home to largely populated New York City, to Washington DC, and back, Fitje finally made the journey to England. Working at the 95th Bomb Group with their Aero Club before going off to 9th Bomber Command, Fitje found her greatest adventure in the countryside of wartime England! Her...

This week we're unpacking the impact of some of wartime's most influential women, who weren't actually real. The history of some of the most impactful women of wartime propaganda is that they were created in offices with the purpose of providing a morale boost to the women who were still at home. Faces like Rosie The Riveter, whose reminded women that they could join the factory workforce and do just as the men had; or Betty Crocker who helped stretch the rations at home became household names. And all that without ever actually existing. Grab your coffee and a...

We're back with a bonus episode! It's time for our quarterly Book Club roundup for January through March, and it wouldn't be a visit to the Book Club-Mobile without our official Book Club Correspondent, Sage! We read some incredible books to start off the year, and we're wasting no time in diving into them! We visit with the American ATA Pilots in Becky Aikman's Spitfires, and stop off for coffee and a sinker with The Beantown Girls by Jane Healey! We also visit the 306th Bomb Group and the 100th respectively, with Steve Snyders Shot Down and John Clark's...

Before joining the war effort in America, female pilots packed their bags and sailed to England. These women were the first to join the war effort, ferrying planes in the Air Transport Auxiliary, or The ATA. Known as Atta Girls, the story of these American women is brought to life by author Becky Aikman in her book, Spitfires. Beginning with Aviatrix Jackie Cochran, Spitfires tells the story of the brave women who left the safety of their homes to serve a country not their own. Joining us this week is Becky Aikman, who shares her own story of how...

Women's History Month is almost over, but it's not over yet! Helping us close out this incredible month is the newest installment in our Wive's of The Bloody Hundredth series; the story of WASP Josephine Pitz Egan. If her name sounds familiar, that's because she was also the wife of Hundredth Bomb Group pilot, John "Bucky" Egan, but a look at her life and story tells us that she was much more than that! Not only was she the first woman in Manitowoc to get her private pilot's license, but she held that coveted reward long before WASP Director...

Chances are at some point we've all read The Diary of Anne Frank, more than likely as an assignment in grade school. But how much do you know about the women who crafted the plan to hide Anne and her family in plain sight? Miep Gies and Bep Voskuijl put their lives at risk during the days of Amsterdam's German occupation in order to protect the lives of the innocent. A Small Light tells the story of these brave women and the trusted network of friends and family that were willing to sacrifice their own lives in order to...

We're still celebrating Women's History Month in The Clubmobile and joining us this week is Mel Bloom, founder of The 350 Girls! Chances are you've seen The 350 Girls on social media; from women's history displays to living history talks and an arsenal of wartime uniforms, Mel is just one of many working to keep the legacy of the women who served alive, and she's sharing her journey and the future of The 350 Girls with us! Grab your coffee and a fresh sinker, The Clubmobile is open and celebrating the legacy of women in wartime! 

It's Women's History Month and we're kicking it off with Emily Yellin! Author of what we proclaim to be the encyclopedia on women's history, Our Mother's War, Emily talks with us about her experience in writing the book that brings every avenue of women's wartime to life. Inspired by her own mother's service as a Red Cross Donut Dollie, Emily's research took her down a path that shed light on not just her mother, but all of wartime's mothers. Grab your coffee and a fresh sinker and join us in The Clubmobile for the start of Women's History Month! 

Join us this week as we turn to the airwaves and turn up the volume on the history of two women who dominated the radio during the war. Axis Sally and Tokyo Rose shared the airwaves in two very different ways during the war; bringing some conflict to the European Theater, and sarcasm to the Pacific Theater, the women of the radio used their wit and feminine charm to serve the war effort in two very different ways. Grab your coffee and a fresh sinker and join us as we unpack their stories and discover two sides of the...

If you've joined us for any of our previous episodes featuring members of the HBO War community, you’ve heard stories about Freddie Joe. Well, it's time to meet the man who helped whip them into shape! Joining us this week is the man, the myth, the legend, Freddie Joe Farnsworth. A military man who landed a career working alongside Captain Dale Dye and training some of the biggest actors in the business, Freddie really is a jack of all trades! A Marine, turned military advisor turned stunt man, Freddie takes us down all the different avenues of his ca...