20 Female Resistance Fighters Who Took on Nazi Germany
Reading Time: 33 minutes During World War II, countless female resistance fighters risked their lives to oppose against Nazi occupation, playing crucial roles in espionage, sabotage, and armed resistance. These women, often overlooked in historical accounts, worked alongside underground networks to aid Allied forces, smuggle fugitives, and disrupt enemy operations. Some, like Nancy Wake, led daring missions deep in enemy territory, while others, such as Sophie Scholl, used words to inspire defiance. Despite the dangers, their courage never wavered. The Gestapo hunted them relentlessly, yet many remained undeterred. As historian Margaret Collins Weitz wrote, “Women in the Resistance were not playing at war. They fought and died for liberty.” Their stories reveal the unbreakable spirit of the female resistance fighters who stood against oppression.
Nancy Wake (New Zealand/Australia)
Nancy Wake, a fearless operative during World War II, became one of the most decorated female resistance fighters. Born in New Zealand in 1912 and raised in Australia, she moved to Europe in the 1930s, where she witnessed the rise of Nazi Germany firsthand. As the war escalated, she joined the French Resistance, helping to smuggle Allied soldiers and Jews out of occupied France. Her ability to elude capture earned her the nickname “The White Mouse”, as the Gestapo placed a price on her head, yet failed to catch her despite relentless pursuit.
Wake’s daring resistance work caught the attention of the British Special Operations Executive (SOE), who recruited her for covert operations. She trained in parachuting, weapons, and guerrilla tactics before being deployed back into France in 1944. She became a vital figure in coordinating sabotage missions against German supply lines, leading attacks on Nazi installations, and organizing resistance fighters. According to historical accounts, she once killed a German soldier with her bare hands to prevent him from raising an alarm, a testament to her ruthless efficiency in combat.
Despite the constant danger, Wake survived the war and continued to fight for freedom. After the liberation of France, she worked with British intelligence before eventually returning to Australia. She was awarded multiple honors, including the George Medal from Britain, the Médaille de la Résistance from France, and the Medal of Freedom from the United States. Her wartime efforts made her one of World War II’s most highly decorated women.
Nancy Wake lived an extraordinary life well beyond the war, later moving to London and writing her autobiography, The White Mouse, which recounts her time as a female resistance fighter. She passed away in 2011 at the age of 98, leaving behind a legacy of courage, resistance, and determination.
Violette Szabo (United Kingdom)
Violette Szabo, a courageous British secret agent, played a critical role in the resistance against Nazi Germany. Born in France in 1921 but raised in Britain, she was recruited by the Special Operations Executive (SOE) after her husband, Étienne Szabo, a French Foreign Legion officer, was killed in combat. Determined to fight back, she trained in espionage, sabotage, and combat techniques before being parachuted into occupied France. As an SOE agent, she carried out missions that included delivering messages, gathering intelligence, and aiding the French Resistance in their efforts to disrupt Nazi control.
On her second mission in June 1944, Szabo was tasked with coordinating sabotage efforts against German forces retreating after D-Day. She worked closely with local resistance fighters, helping to train recruits, organize ambushes, and destroy key infrastructure such as rail lines and supply routes. Her fluency in French and her ability to blend in made her a highly effective operative. However, during a mission near Limoges, her team was intercepted by German troops. Despite being outnumbered, she held off the enemy with a submachine gun, covering for her comrades before she was eventually captured.
Szabo was subjected to brutal interrogation by the Gestapo, yet she refused to reveal any information. She was transferred to Ravensbrück concentration camp, a notorious site where many female resistance fighters were imprisoned and executed. According to survivor accounts, she remained defiant even in captivity, boosting the morale of fellow prisoners. The Nazis executed Szabo in early 1945, along with two other SOE agents, Denise Bloch and Lilian Rolfe. She was only 23 years old.
After the war, Violette Szabo was posthumously awarded the George Cross, Britain’s highest civilian honor for bravery, recognizing her extraordinary sacrifice. Her story has been immortalized in books and films, including Carve Her Name with Pride, ensuring that her legacy as one of World War II’s most fearless resistance fighters endures.
Andrée de Jongh (Belgium)
Andrée de Jongh, a Belgian resistance hero, risked her life to help downed Allied pilots escape Nazi-occupied Europe. Born in 1916, she was inspired by her father, a veteran of World War I, to fight against oppression. As Nazi forces occupied Belgium, de Jongh took action, establishing the Comet Line, an underground network that guided Allied soldiers and airmen out of Nazi territory through France and into neutral Spain. Operating under constant danger, she recruited trusted allies to create safe houses, forge documents, and provide disguises to help pilots avoid capture.
De Jongh was more than just an organizer—she personally escorted 118 Allied airmen to safety, leading them on treacherous journeys across the Pyrenees Mountains into Spain. These missions required extreme caution, as German patrols frequently searched for resistance members and escapees. Her success drew admiration from both the Allies and fellow resistance fighters, earning her a reputation as one of the most daring operatives of the war. British intelligence recognized the effectiveness of the Comet Line, which became one of the most successful escape networks of World War II.
In 1943, de Jongh’s luck ran out when she was captured by the Gestapo in France. Despite intense interrogation, she refused to betray her network. She was eventually sent to Ravensbrück concentration camp, a brutal facility for female prisoners, where many resistance fighters perished. Miraculously, de Jongh survived the horrors of captivity. Her resilience and refusal to cooperate with the Nazis demonstrated her unwavering commitment to the resistance.
After the war, de Jongh was honored with numerous awards, including the George Medal from Britain and the U.S. Medal of Freedom. She later dedicated her life to humanitarian work, serving as a nurse in leprosy clinics across Africa. Andrée de Jongh’s incredible bravery and selflessness ensured that many Allied pilots made it home, cementing her legacy as one of World War II’s most remarkable female resistance fighters.
Sophie Scholl (germany)
Sophie Scholl was a young German student and activist who stood against the Nazi regime at significant personal risk. She was born in 1921 and grew up in a family that valued independent thought and moral integrity. While initially drawn to the Nazi youth organizations like many German children, she became disillusioned with the oppressive regime. Along with her brother Hans and other students, she co-founded the White Rose, a non-violent resistance group that called for an end to Hitler’s dictatorship. Their movement emphasized justice, freedom, and humanity in a time when dissent was met with brutal punishment.
As part of the White Rose, Scholl helped distribute anti-Nazi leaflets across Munich University and beyond. These pamphlets condemned the atrocities committed by the regime, particularly the mass murders on the Eastern Front. One leaflet declared, “We will not be silent. We are your bad conscience. The White Rose will not leave you in peace!” The group’s aim was to awaken the German people to the truth of Hitler’s crimes, urging them to resist. Scholl and her fellow activists risked everything, knowing that discovery would mean certain death.
In February 1943, while distributing leaflets at Munich University, Sophie and Hans were caught by a janitor who was loyal to the Nazis. They were arrested and interrogated by the Gestapo. Despite severe questioning, Scholl remained defiant, taking full responsibility to protect others in the group. After a swift show trial, she was sentenced to death. On February 22, 1943, at just 21 years old, she was executed by guillotine alongside her brother Hans and fellow activist Christoph Probst.
Even in her final moments, Sophie remained steadfast. Witnesses recall her saying, “What does my death matter, if through us thousands of people are awakened and stirred to action?” Her courage and sacrifice made her a symbol of resistance against totalitarianism. Today, she is remembered as one of Germany’s most revered heroes, inspiring generations to stand against oppression and defend justice, no matter the cost.
Noor Inayat Khan (United Kingdom/India)
Noor Inayat Khan was an unlikely but fearless hero of World War II. Born in 1914 to an Indian father, a Sufi mystic and musician, and an American mother, she was raised in a family that valued peace and nonviolence. Despite this background, she chose to fight against Nazi oppression, joining the British Special Operations Executive (SOE) as a secret radio operator. Sent to France under the codename “Madeleine,” she became a key figure in the resistance, transmitting intelligence to Allied forces. She operated in extreme danger, as the Gestapo aggressively hunted radio operators, often capturing them within weeks.
Khan’s mission in occupied France was both critical and treacherous. She worked as the last active radio link between the Paris Resistance and London after many SOE agents were arrested. Refusing orders to return to safety, she continued sending intelligence that proved vital for sabotage operations. Despite being constantly on the move, she eluded capture for months, demonstrating remarkable courage and resourcefulness. The Gestapo eventually tracked her down and arrested her in October 1943 after a French informant betrayed her. Even in captivity, she refused to reveal information or cooperate with her captors.
Khan endured months of brutal interrogation at the hands of the Gestapo. She was repeatedly beaten, yet she never disclosed sensitive details about SOE operations or her fellow agents. After attempting to escape twice, she was deemed highly dangerous and was transferred to Pforzheim prison, where she was kept in solitary confinement and chained for ten months. On September 13, 1944, she was taken to Dachau concentration camp, where she was executed. Her final word before being shot was reportedly “Liberté” (Freedom).
After the war, Khan was posthumously awarded the George Cross, Britain’s highest civilian honor for bravery, and the French Croix de Guerre. Despite being overlooked for years, her legacy has since been recognized as an example of extraordinary sacrifice and courage. Today, Noor Inayat Khan is remembered not only as a war hero but also as a symbol of quiet strength and defiance against tyranny.
Virginia Hall (United States)
Virginia Hall was one of the most remarkable spies of World War II, serving with both the Special Operations Executive (SOE) and the Office of Strategic Services (OSS), the forerunner of the CIA. Born in the United States in 1906, she initially pursued a career in diplomacy but was rejected from the U.S. Foreign Service due to a hunting accident that left her with a wooden leg. Undeterred, she volunteered for the SOE and was sent to occupied France, where she quickly became one of the most effective operatives in the resistance against Nazi Germany.
Known as “The Limping Lady” due to her prosthetic leg, which she nicknamed “Cuthbert,” Hall defied expectations and became a master of espionage. She built resistance networks, trained fighters, and organized sabotage missions, including attacks on German supply lines and infrastructure. The Gestapo became aware of her activities and declared her one of the most dangerous Allied agents in France. A Nazi manhunt forced her to escape to Spain by trekking across the Pyrenees, a grueling journey made even more challenging by her disability.
Despite the risks, Hall returned to France in 1944, this time working for the OSS. To evade detection, she disguised herself as an elderly peasant woman and continued her sabotage efforts, helping coordinate resistance attacks ahead of the D-Day invasion. She provided intelligence on German troop movements, arranged weapons drops for resistance fighters, and orchestrated successful guerrilla warfare tactics against the Nazis. Her ability to outmaneuver the enemy, despite the added difficulty of her prosthetic leg, made her a legend among Allied forces.
After the war, Hall became one of the first female officers in the CIA, dedicating her life to intelligence work. She was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross, making her the only civilian woman to receive this honor during World War II. Virginia Hall’s courage, resilience, and determination in the face of immense danger ensured her place as one of history’s most extraordinary female resistance fighters.
Lucie Aubrac (France)
Lucie Aubrac was a fearless leader in the French Resistance, playing a critical role in defying Nazi occupation. Born in 1912, she was a history teacher who, along with her husband, Raymond Aubrac, became deeply involved in the fight against the Nazis. As a key member of the resistance movement Libération-Sud, she helped coordinate sabotage efforts, smuggled arms, and provided safe houses for fugitives. Her intelligence and courage made her one of the most effective female operatives in the underground network working to free France from German control.
One of Aubrac’s most daring exploits was the rescue of her husband and several resistance fighters from Gestapo custody in 1943. After Raymond was arrested in Lyon by Klaus Barbie, the infamous “Butcher of Lyon,” Lucie devised an elaborate plan. Posing as a concerned pregnant wife, she convinced the Gestapo to allow her a meeting with Raymond, gathering crucial information about his whereabouts. Shortly after, she led a carefully coordinated attack on the German convoy transporting him, successfully freeing her husband and several other prisoners. This act of defiance remains one of the most legendary rescue missions of the French Resistance.
Despite the constant danger, Aubrac never wavered in her commitment to the resistance. She fought until France’s liberation, helping to organize underground operations and rally support for the resistance movement. Her story became a powerful symbol of resilience and determination, proving that female resistance fighters were just as instrumental in the struggle against Nazi oppression as their male counterparts. After the war, she worked tirelessly to ensure that the sacrifices of the resistance fighters were never forgotten.
In post-war France, Aubrac became an advocate for preserving the history of the resistance. She dedicated herself to education, speaking about her experiences and the importance of standing against tyranny. Her legacy was honored through numerous awards and recognitions, and her memoir, Outwitting the Gestapo, remains a vital account of the resistance movement. Lucie Aubrac’s bravery and unwavering defiance against Nazi rule continue to inspire generations.
Mila Racine (France)
Mila Racine was a courageous member of the French Resistance who dedicated her life to saving Jewish children from Nazi persecution. During World War II, as the Nazis escalated their deportations, she worked with the Oeuvre de Secours aux Enfants (OSE), an organization focused on rescuing Jewish youth. Operating in secrecy, Mila helped smuggle children out of occupied France, guiding them through the treacherous paths to Switzerland. Her actions provided hope to families facing the horrors of deportation, ensuring that hundreds of innocent lives were spared from Auschwitz.
Working under constant threat, Mila and her team coordinated safe houses, forged documents, and organized escape routes. She personally led groups of children across the heavily guarded borders, facing German patrols and harsh conditions. Many of those she helped later recalled her unwavering determination and kindness, describing her as a guardian angel in their darkest moments. Her bravery was not just in the physical dangers she faced, but in her refusal to abandon those who relied on her.
In 1943, while attempting to escort another group of children to safety, Mila was captured by the Nazis. Arrested by the Gestapo, she was interrogated and later deported to Ravensbrück concentration camp, known for its brutal conditions and forced labor. Even in captivity, she remained a source of strength for fellow prisoners, embodying the spirit of resistance. She endured unimaginable hardship, yet her commitment to protecting others never wavered.
Mila Racine perished in Ravensbrück, but her legacy lives on. She is remembered as a hero who risked everything to become a revered female resistance fighter for the innocent. Her story is a testament to the power of courage and compassion in the face of overwhelming evil. Through her sacrifices, countless children survived the Holocaust, a lasting reminder of her extraordinary bravery.
Yvonne Rudellat (United Kingdom/France)
Yvonne Rudellat was one of the first female agents recruited by the Special Operations Executive (SOE) to operate behind enemy lines in Nazi-occupied France. Born in France in 1897 but later settling in Britain, she joined the war effort despite being in her mid-40s. Her fluency in French and fierce determination made her an ideal candidate for espionage. Trained in sabotage, weapons handling, and communications, she was deployed in 1942 under the codename “Jacqueline” to assist resistance efforts in France.
Working with the SOE’s Prosper network, Rudellat played a crucial role in gathering intelligence and organizing acts of sabotage. She helped derail Nazi supply trains, cut communication lines, and provided logistical support to underground resistance cells. Her mission was high-risk, as the Gestapo actively hunted down SOE operatives. Despite constant surveillance and the danger of betrayal, she worked fearlessly, ensuring that vital information reached the Allies. Her presence strengthened the resistance, and her actions disrupted Nazi operations.
In June 1943, the Prosper network was compromised due to an SOE betrayal, leading to mass arrests. Rudellat was captured alongside other agents by the Gestapo. She was interrogated but refused to reveal any information, demonstrating immense courage under pressure. After being transferred through various prisons, she was eventually sent to Belsen concentration camp, where she endured inhumane conditions. Weakened by mistreatment and illness, she did not live to see the liberation of the camp in 1945.
Yvonne Rudellat’s contributions to the resistance were extraordinary, yet her story remains lesser known than those of other SOE agents. Her bravery in the face of unimaginable adversity is a testament to the resilience and determination of women who risked everything for the cause of freedom.
Fernande Keufgens (Belgium)
Fernande Keufgens was only a teenager when she made the life-altering decision to resist Nazi rule in Belgium. Born in 1925, she was just 17 when German forces occupied her country. In 1942, she was ordered to report for forced labor in Germany, like many young Belgians. Instead of complying, she escaped and went into hiding, eventually joining the Belgian Resistance. Despite her youth, she quickly became an invaluable operative, risking her life to fight back against Nazi oppression.
Keufgens played a critical role in sabotage efforts designed to disrupt German military operations. She helped derail Nazi supply trains, cut communication lines, and provided intelligence to the Allied forces. She also worked to assist Allied escapees, guiding downed airmen and persecuted individuals to safe houses and secret routes out of occupied territory. The work was incredibly dangerous, with betrayal or capture often leading to torture and execution. Despite this, Keufgens remained committed to the cause, understanding that freedom came at a cost.
Throughout her time in the resistance, Keufgens witnessed the horrors of war firsthand. The Gestapo constantly searched for resistance members, and survival required secrecy, quick thinking, and an unbreakable spirit. Her involvement in covert operations gave her a unique perspective on the war and the resilience of those who refused to surrender to tyranny. Unlike many of her fellow resistance fighters, she survived, though the memories of what she endured would remain with her for the rest of her life.
After the war, Keufgens dedicated herself to sharing her story so that future generations would understand the sacrifices made by the resistance. She spoke publicly about her experiences, ensuring that the bravery of those who stood against the Nazis would never be forgotten. Her remarkable journey from an ordinary teenager to a female resistance fighter and hero is a powerful reminder of the impact one person can have in the fight against oppression.
Hannie Schaft (Netherlands)
Hannie Schaft was one of the most fearless members of the Dutch resistance during World War II. Born in 1920, she was a university student in Amsterdam when the Nazis occupied the Netherlands. Outraged by their brutal policies, she abandoned her studies and joined the resistance. Her striking red hair made her recognizable, yet she carried out some of the most daring missions of the war. To avoid detection, she eventually dyed her hair black, but she remained known as “the girl with the red hair,” a symbol of defiance against Nazi rule.
Schaft was involved in sabotage, espionage, and assassinations of Nazi officers and Dutch collaborators. Working with the Communist resistance group Raad van Verzet, she gathered intelligence, transported weapons, and took part in high-risk missions to eliminate key Nazi targets. She and her fellow female resistance fighters, Truus and Freddie Oversteegen, ambushed enemy operatives, sometimes luring them into traps before executing them. Her most notable assassinations disrupted Nazi operations and struck fear into those who betrayed the resistance.
Despite her skills and caution, Schaft was captured by the Gestapo in early 1945 at a checkpoint when she was found carrying underground newspapers and a pistol. She endured brutal interrogations but refused to betray her comrades. When her black died hair grew out her red hair was revealed at the roots betraying her true identity. On April 17, 1945, just weeks before the Netherlands was liberated, she was taken to the dunes of Bloemendaal and executed. According to witnesses, her final words were, “I shoot better,” after the first bullets only wounded her. She was then shot again and killed.
Hannie Schaft’s legacy as a resistance fighter endures in the Netherlands. She was posthumously honored as a national hero, and her story continues to inspire those who value courage in the face of tyranny. Every year, the Netherlands commemorates her sacrifice, ensuring that the memory of “the girl with the red hair” and her unwavering fight for justice is never forgotten.
Maria Gulovich (Slovakia)
Maria Gulovich was a young Slovak schoolteacher whose life took a dramatic turn when she became a resistance fighter and spy during World War II. Born in 1921, she was teaching in her hometown when she was recruited by the underground resistance to help Jews escape Nazi persecution. Risking her own safety, she provided shelter and guided escapees through German-occupied Slovakia. Her bravery caught the attention of the American Office of Strategic Services (OSS), the precursor to the CIA, and she soon became a key operative in their mission to undermine Nazi control in Eastern Europe.
Gulovich played a crucial role in assisting Allied soldiers trapped behind enemy lines. She served as a courier, carrying classified messages and supplies to resistance groups while evading detection. In 1944, she joined a secret OSS mission in the Slovak mountains, enduring harsh winter conditions and constant pursuit by German forces. Her resourcefulness and courage saved many lives, and she became an invaluable asset to the American intelligence network. Despite her lack of formal training, her quick thinking and bravery made her one of the most effective operatives in the region.
As German forces intensified their crackdown on resistance movements, Gulovich and her team were constantly on the run. She faced starvation, extreme cold, and near capture multiple times but never wavered in her commitment to the cause. Her determination to protect Allied operatives and resistance fighters ultimately helped turn the tide in Slovakia, where the resistance played a significant role in disrupting Nazi operations. By the end of the war, her contributions had been recognized by the American military, and she was offered an opportunity to relocate to the United States.
After the war, Maria Gulovich moved to the United States, where she was awarded the Bronze Star for her extraordinary service. She continued to lead a quiet life, rarely speaking about her wartime experiences until later years. Her story remains a testament to the incredible bravery of women in the resistance, proving that even those with no military background could rise to the occasion and change the course of history.
Josette Durrieu (France)
Josette Durrieu was a dedicated member of the French Resistance during World War II, risking her life to fight against Nazi occupation. As a young woman in occupied France, she joined the underground movement, working with resistance networks to sabotage German operations. She helped organize attacks on Nazi infrastructure, gathering intelligence and coordinating missions that disrupted enemy supply routes. Her commitment to the resistance was driven by a deep belief in justice and the urgent need to reclaim her country from oppression.
One of Durrieu’s most critical roles was assisting in the destruction of railway lines used by the Nazis. These sabotage efforts were crucial in delaying German troop movements and disrupting their supply chains. Resistance fighters, including Durrieu, often worked at night, using explosives to damage railways and bridges, making it difficult for the Nazis to reinforce their positions. Her actions contributed to the larger resistance efforts that helped weaken German control over occupied France in the final years of the war.
Despite the constant danger of arrest and execution by the Gestapo, Durrieu continued her resistance activities until France was liberated. After the war, she did not retreat from public service but instead dedicated her life to rebuilding and strengthening her country. She became an influential figure in post-war France, continuing to serve her nation in various political and governmental roles. Her transition from resistance fighter to stateswoman highlighted her enduring commitment to democracy and justice.
Josette Durrieu’s legacy is one of resilience and dedication. Her bravery in the face of Nazi occupation and her continued service to France make her a powerful example of how resistance fighters not only helped win the war but also shaped the future of their nations. Her story remains an inspiration to those who fight for freedom and justice in the face of adversity.
Lise Børsum (Norway)
Lise Børsum was a courageous member of the Norwegian Resistance who risked her life to save others during World War II. As the Nazis occupied Norway, she became actively involved in an underground network dedicated to smuggling Jews and other persecuted individuals out of the country. Working with fellow resistance fighters, she helped secure safe passage for those targeted by the Nazi regime, guiding them to neutral Sweden. Her work was incredibly dangerous, as the Gestapo constantly sought to dismantle escape networks and arrest those involved.
In 1943, Børsum was betrayed, arrested, and sent to Grini prison before being deported to Ravensbrück concentration camp in Germany. Ravensbrück was notorious for its inhumane treatment of prisoners, particularly female resistance fighters. Despite the brutal conditions, Børsum endured, witnessing firsthand the horrors inflicted on her fellow inmates. Her survival was a testament to her resilience and mental strength. She later recalled the extreme cruelty of the camp and the desperate struggle for survival among the prisoners.
After surviving the war, Børsum dedicated herself to ensuring that the atrocities of Nazi concentration camps were never forgotten. She wrote extensively about her experiences, providing harrowing accounts of life inside Ravensbrück. Her writings became an essential part of post-war literature, shedding light on the suffering endured by thousands of women imprisoned for their defiance. She also became an advocate for human rights, warning against the dangers of totalitarianism and political oppression.
Lise Børsum’s legacy lives on through her contributions to history and human rights advocacy. Her bravery in the resistance and her determination to expose the truth about Nazi war crimes made her an influential voice in Norway and beyond. Through her writings and activism, she ensured that the sacrifices of those who fought against tyranny would never be forgotten.
Zoya Kosmodemyanskaya (Soviet Union)
Zoya Kosmodemyanskaya was one of the most famous Soviet partisans to resist the Nazi occupation during World War II. Born in 1923, she grew up in a patriotic family that strongly supported the Soviet Union. When Germany invaded the Soviet Union in 1941, she joined a secret sabotage unit of the Red Army known as the partisan movement. Her mission was to disrupt German operations in occupied territories by setting fire to supply depots, cutting communication lines, and attacking enemy positions. Despite being just 18 years old, she showed exceptional courage and determination in the face of overwhelming danger.
During a mission near the village of Petrishchevo in November 1941, Kosmodemyanskaya was captured by the Nazis after setting fire to buildings used by German forces. She endured brutal torture at the hands of her captors but refused to betray her comrades or reveal any information about her partisan group. According to reports, even as she was beaten and interrogated, she remained defiant, declaring her loyalty to the Soviet cause. Her refusal to break under pressure made her a powerful symbol of resistance.
On November 29, 1941, the Nazis executed Kosmodemyanskaya in front of the villagers as a warning against resistance. Before her death, she reportedly addressed the crowd, saying, “You can’t hang all 170 million of us,” emphasizing that the Soviet people would never submit to Nazi rule. Her bravery inspired those who witnessed her execution, and after the war, she became one of the most celebrated heroes of the Soviet Union. Her final words were seen as a rallying cry for those continuing to fight against the occupation.
After her death, Kosmodemyanskaya was posthumously awarded the title of Hero of the Soviet Union, the country’s highest honor. Her story was widely publicized, and she became a symbol of Soviet resistance and patriotism. Schools, streets, and monuments were named in her honor, ensuring that her sacrifice was never forgotten. Today, she is remembered as a fearless partisan whose unwavering commitment to her country continues to inspire generations.
Zivia Lubetkin (Poland)
Zivia Lubetkin was one of the few female leaders of the Jewish resistance during World War II. Born in Poland in 1914, she was an active member of Zionist youth movements before the war. When the Nazis occupied Poland and confined Jews to ghettos, she became a key figure in organizing armed resistance against German forces. As a founding member of the Jewish Fighting Organization (ŻOB), she played a leading role in planning the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising, one of the most significant acts of Jewish defiance during the Holocaust.
During the uprising in April 1943, Lubetkin fought alongside her comrades in the ghetto’s underground bunkers, using homemade bombs and limited weapons against heavily armed German troops. She witnessed the destruction of the ghetto and the deaths of many fellow fighters but refused to surrender. She and a small group of resistance members managed to escape through the sewers, reaching the Aryan side of Warsaw, where they continued to fight in the Polish resistance during the broader Warsaw Uprising in 1944. Her survival was nothing short of miraculous, given the overwhelming odds.
Lubetkin later recalled the uprising, saying, “We saw the ghetto burning, we saw our people being slaughtered, and we understood that history had placed us in a unique moment—we had to fight.” Her words captured the desperation and determination of those who chose to resist rather than accept certain death in concentration camps. Despite the crushing defeat of the Jewish resistance, her bravery proved that the Nazis could not eliminate the spirit of defiance.
After the war, Lubetkin helped Jewish survivors rebuild their lives. She immigrated to Israel, where she co-founded Kibbutz Lohamei HaGeta’ot, dedicated to remembering the Holocaust and the resistance movement. She later testified in the trial of Adolf Eichmann, ensuring that the stories of those who perished would never be forgotten. Her legacy remains a powerful symbol of courage, resilience, and the will to fight against oppression, even in the darkest times.
Odette Sansom (France/United Kingdom)
Odette Sansom was one of World War II’s most courageous female spies, serving as an agent for the Special Operations Executive (SOE). Born in France but later living in Britain, she was recruited by the SOE in 1942 and sent undercover into Nazi-occupied France. Working under the codename “Lise,” she assisted the French Resistance by coordinating sabotage missions, relaying intelligence to London, and securing safe houses for Allied agents. Her work placed her in constant danger, as the Gestapo actively hunted down SOE operatives.
In 1943, Odette was betrayed by a double agent and captured by the Gestapo along with fellow SOE agent Peter Churchill. She was taken to the notorious Fresnes Prison, where she was subjected to brutal torture. Despite being burned, beaten, and deprived of food, she refused to reveal any information about the resistance. To protect her comrades, she convinced the Gestapo that she was Churchill’s wife and that he was an important figure, hoping to divert their attention. Her resilience under unimaginable suffering became legendary.
After months of torture, Odette was transferred to Ravensbrück concentration camp, where she endured further hardship. She was placed in solitary confinement, suffered extreme malnutrition, and witnessed the horrors of Nazi atrocities. Despite the dehumanizing conditions, she never lost her will to survive. As the war neared its end, she was moved to another location, where a sympathetic German officer, fearing Allied retribution, surrendered her to American forces in April 1945. Her survival was nothing short of miraculous.
Following the war, Odette became the first woman to receive the George Cross, Britain’s highest civilian honor for bravery. She testified against her captors in war crime trials, ensuring that justice was served. Her story was later immortalized in the film Odette (1950), bringing her heroic tale to the world. She remains a symbol of resistance, proving that courage and determination can withstand even the most horrific circumstances.
Cécile Rol-Tanguy (France)
Cécile Rol-Tanguy was a fearless leader in the French Resistance, playing a crucial role in organizing the Paris Uprising of 1944. Born in 1919, she grew up in a politically active family that opposed fascism, which shaped her determination to resist the Nazi occupation. When France fell under German control, she joined the communist resistance alongside her husband, Henri Rol-Tanguy. She worked as an underground courier, relaying vital intelligence between resistance groups and distributing weapons and sabotage plans. Her efforts were instrumental in keeping the resistance organized and prepared for battle.
One of her most significant contributions was during the liberation of Paris. As part of the French Forces of the Interior, she helped coordinate the August 1944 Paris Uprising, which led to the city’s liberation from Nazi rule. She operated from secret locations, ensuring that resistance fighters had the information they needed to launch attacks on German positions. She helped distribute the call to arms that mobilized Parisians into action, reinforcing barricades and securing key locations. Her efforts were a turning point in the war, contributing to the Allies’ final push against Nazi forces in France.\
Beyond gathering intelligence, Rol-Tanguy played a role in sabotage missions, ensuring that German communication lines were disrupted. She also provided shelter and forged documents for resistance members at risk of capture. The Gestapo was constantly searching for resistance operatives, and her work placed her in extreme danger. However, she remained undeterred, knowing that every mission brought France closer to liberation. Her ability to stay undetected while handling crucial resistance operations was key to the movement’s success.
After the war, Rol-Tanguy became a lifelong advocate for recognizing the contributions of resistance fighters, particularly women, whose roles were often overlooked. She continued to speak about the importance of fighting oppression and preserving the memory of those who sacrificed their lives for freedom. Her legacy remains one of courage, commitment, and an unyielding belief in justice, making her one of France’s most honored resistance figures.
Lepa Radić: (Yugoslavia)
Lepa Radić was a fearless young fighter in the Yugoslav Partisan resistance against Nazi Germany. Born in 1925 in Bosnia, she was just a teenager when she joined the resistance, following in the footsteps of her family, who actively opposed the Axis occupation. She became a member of the Communist Youth League and later joined the Partisans, fighting against the Nazis and their collaborators. Despite her young age, she proved to be a determined and courageous soldier, helping to distribute propaganda, assist in sabotage operations, and transport weapons to resistance units.
In early 1943, during the Battle of Neretva, Radić was captured by German forces while defending civilians who were trying to escape an attack. The Nazis interrogated her, demanding that she reveal the names of her comrades. She refused to betray them, even under threats of torture and execution. As she stood on the gallows, the German officers gave her a final chance to save herself by disclosing resistance leaders’ identities. She boldly refused, reportedly saying, “I am not a traitor to my people. My comrades will avenge me.” Moments later, she was executed at just 17 years old.
Her defiance in the face of death made her a powerful symbol of Yugoslav resistance. The image of Lepa Radić standing on the gallows, fearless even in her final moments, inspired generations of resistance fighters and civilians alike. She became one of the most honored figures of the Partisan movement, representing the sacrifices made by countless young people in the struggle against fascism. Her unwavering bravery proved that even the youngest resistance members played a crucial role in the fight for freedom.
After the war, Radić was posthumously awarded the Order of the People’s Hero, one of Yugoslavia’s highest honors. Streets, schools, and monuments were dedicated in her memory, ensuring that her story was never forgotten. Today, she remains a symbol of resistance, courage, and loyalty, reminding the world that age is no barrier to standing up against tyranny.
Hélène Viannay (France)
Hélène Viannay was a key figure in the French Resistance, using words and actions to fight against Nazi oppression. Along with her husband, Philippe Viannay, she co-founded Défense de la France, one of the most influential underground newspapers of the resistance movement. The publication spread anti-Nazi messages, exposed German atrocities, and encouraged resistance efforts, reaching nearly half a million copies by 1944. Despite the risks, she remained committed to providing truthful information and rallying the French people against their occupiers.
Beyond her role as a journalist and publisher, Viannay actively helped those persecuted by the Nazis. She played a crucial role in securing safe passage for Jewish families, forging documents, and finding safe houses to protect them from deportation. Many who escaped the Gestapo owed their survival to her bravery and resourcefulness. She also aided downed Allied pilots and resistance fighters, ensuring they could evade capture and continue their mission against the German forces.
Even as the Gestapo cracked down on resistance networks, Viannay refused to abandon her work. She helped sustain Défense de la France until the liberation, ensuring that the newspaper remained a powerful tool of defiance. Her dedication to spreading the truth and protecting the innocent made her one of the unsung heroines of the resistance. She understood that fighting against Nazi rule required not only weapons but also the power of information and solidarity.
After the war, Viannay continued her humanitarian efforts. She helped establish institutions that supported former resistance fighters and worked on social programs to assist displaced individuals. Her commitment to justice and freedom endured long after the war ended, making her a lasting symbol of courage and compassion. Through her actions, she demonstrated that resistance could take many forms, from the written word to acts of selfless bravery.
Wanda Gertz (Poland)
Wanda Gertz was a fearless leader in the Polish resistance during World War II, defying both the Nazis and societal norms. Born in 1896, she had already made history by disguising herself as a man to fight in World War I. When Poland fell under Nazi occupation, she joined the underground resistance, becoming a key figure in the Home Army (Armia Krajowa). Her extensive military experience made her an effective commander, leading sabotage missions and training female fighters to support the resistance.
Gertz played a crucial role in coordinating covert operations against German forces. She oversaw intelligence-gathering missions and acts of sabotage, targeting Nazi supply lines and military infrastructure. As the war intensified, she worked tirelessly to strengthen the resistance network, recruiting and training women to aid in the fight. Her leadership during the Warsaw Uprising in 1944 was particularly significant, as she commanded an all-female sabotage unit, proving that women were just as capable in warfare as men.
Despite her remarkable contributions, Gertz was eventually captured by the Gestapo in late 1944. She endured brutal interrogations and was deported to the Ravensbrück concentration camp, where many female resistance fighters were imprisoned. Even in captivity, she remained defiant, determined to survive and one day see Poland free from Nazi control. After months of suffering, she was liberated when the war ended, though the physical and emotional scars of her ordeal remained with her for the rest of her life.
After the war, Gertz continued to serve her country, though Poland’s post-war communist government did not recognize many former resistance fighters. She lived quietly but remained a symbol of strength and resilience. Her legacy endures as a testament to the courage of the women who fought in the Polish resistance, proving that their contributions were vital in the struggle against Nazi tyranny.
Krystyna Skarbek (Poland)
Krystyna Skarbek was one of the most daring female spies of World War II, working for the British Special Operations Executive (SOE). Born in Poland in 1908, she had a strong sense of patriotism and was determined to fight against Nazi occupation. After the German invasion of Poland in 1939, she volunteered for British intelligence, becoming one of the first female agents recruited by the SOE. Her mission was to gather intelligence, aid the resistance, and sabotage Nazi operations in occupied Europe.
Skarbek’s ability to evade capture and think quickly made her an invaluable asset. She operated in Poland, Hungary, and France, using fake identities and charm to infiltrate Nazi-controlled areas. One of her most famous exploits involved bluffing her way into securing the release of fellow SOE agents from the Gestapo by convincing the Germans that killing them would bring immediate Allied retaliation. Her quick wit and bravery saved countless lives and made her one of the most respected spies of the war.
Despite her successes, Skarbek lived under constant danger. She was once arrested by the Gestapo but managed to escape using her cunning and fluent German. Her resourcefulness and ability to manipulate situations in her favor earned her the admiration of fellow resistance fighters and intelligence officers. She was awarded the George Medal and the Croix de Guerre for her extraordinary service, cementing her place among the war’s greatest heroes.
After the war, Skarbek struggled to find her place in post-war Britain. Despite her sacrifices, she was not given British citizenship or proper recognition for her work. Tragically, in 1952, she was murdered in London by a former colleague. Though her life ended too soon, Krystyna Skarbek’s legacy as one of the most courageous and ingenious female resistance fighters of World War II remains a lasting testament to her heroism.
Female Resistance Fighters & Unsung Heroes of the Resistance
The stories of these 20 women highlight the extraordinary courage and sacrifice of female resistance fighters during World War II. However, they represent only a fraction of the thousands of women who risked their lives in the fight against Nazi oppression. Many operated in complete secrecy, their names lost to history, yet their contributions were no less significant. Whether carrying messages through occupied cities, sabotaging supply lines, or taking up arms in open rebellion, these women played a crucial role in weakening the Nazi war machine and aiding the Allied victory.
For every known hero, there were countless others whose bravery will never be fully recognized. They fought not for fame, but for freedom, justice, and the hope of a better world. Their sacrifices remind us that resistance is not only found on the battlefield but in acts of defiance, courage, and unwavering determination against tyranny. Their legacy lives on in the freedoms we enjoy today, ensuring that their stories, even if untold, are never forgotten.
