I N T R E P X

“Propaganda Girls: The Secret War of the Women in the OSS” by Lisa Rogak, published on March 4, 2025, unveils the remarkable and previously untold stories of four women whose clandestine efforts significantly influenced the outcome of World War II. This meticulously researched work sheds light on their covert operations within the Office of Strategic Services (OSS), the precursor to today’s CIA.

The Women Behind the Operations

The book chronicles the lives of:

• Betty MacDonald: A 28-year-old reporter from Hawaii who leveraged her journalistic skills to craft deceptive narratives aimed at misleading Axis forces.

• Zuzka Lauwers: A polyglot from a small Czechoslovakian village, fluent in five languages by age 21, who utilized her linguistic abilities to forge documents and disseminate false information.

• Jane Smith-Hutton: The wife of a naval attaché in Tokyo, whose unique position allowed her to gather intelligence and contribute to psychological warfare strategies.

• Marlene Dietrich: The renowned German-American actress and singer, who used her celebrity status to broadcast anti-Nazi messages and recordings designed to demoralize German troops.

Their Covert Missions

Operating across various theaters—including Europe, occupied China, and Washington, D.C.—these women engaged in activities such as:

• Forging official documents and military orders to mislead enemy forces.

• Producing counterfeit newspapers filled with fabricated stories to sow discord.

• Scripting and broadcasting radio programs and songs aimed at undermining enemy morale.

• Developing and spreading rumors through undercover agents to deceive and confuse Axis powers.

Their collective efforts in psychological warfare were instrumental in weakening enemy resolve and contributed to the Allied victory.

Critical Acclaim

“Propaganda Girls” has garnered praise from various reviewers:

• The Wall Street Journal describes it as “gripping,” highlighting the engaging narrative that brings these women’s stories to life. 

• BookPage commends it as “a clean, compact story about four amazingly successful soldiers in one of our first information wars.” 

• Kirkus Reviews labels it “an enjoyable and briskly told group biography,” noting the book’s accessible and engaging storytelling. 

Author’s Background

Lisa Rogak, a New York Times bestselling author, has an extensive portfolio of over 40 books, including biographies of notable figures such as Barack Obama, Jon Stewart, and Stephen King. Her expertise in uncovering and narrating compelling life stories is evident in “Propaganda Girls,” where she brings to light the significant yet overlooked contributions of these four women during World War II. 

Conclusion

“Propaganda Girls” serves as a poignant tribute to the unsung heroines of the OSS, illuminating their vital roles in the shadows of history. Rogak’s narrative not only educates readers about these women’s extraordinary contributions but also ensures their legacies are rightfully acknowledged in the annals of wartime history.