Guns of war sounded a century ago in WWI.  Over 200 Montana women volunteered for military service in that terrible war, mostly as nurses in the Army Nurse Corps.  They served an indifferent federal government that denied them equal rights as the men.  Knapsacks and Roses tells true stories of heroism, courage, dedication and resolve: told among panoramic settings of America's involvement in WWI.  While America's doughboys went to war with cheers and parades, these women went to war mostly alone.  Many women served overseas in terrible conditions.  They endured sickness, U-boat menace, hostile fire, exhaustion and cold miserable weather.  They faced terrible shortages of critical supplies to treat the wounded and sick.  They saved countless lives.  Two Montana nurses were officially sited for heroism under fire in France.  Other Montana women served as war zone telephone operators ensuring desperately needed battle messages were sent through rudimentary telephones.  Typewriters also became  weapons of war.

When America's victorious military came home to celebrations and accolades, these women came home alone: their names forgotten, their service unnoticed.  These women then faced another long, lonely battle-a battle for recognition and for the honor they rightfully earned.

Saunders deeply researches these forgotten Montana women and brings their stories alive using their words and official reports.  He follows many of them from their youth, through their womanhood and to their decisions to enter war.  Knapsacks and Roses shines the light of honor on these unheralded women who walked a road few dared.

Edward Saunders is a retired lieutenant colonel, U.S. Army.  He served a career in the regular Army and is a veteran of the Persian Gulf War.  Sanders grew to manhood in the American West.  He and his wife live in Laurel, Montana.