Florence started her life as Loring May Ebersole. Her father, Charles Ebersole, was an American who fell in love with the Philippines and decided to stay. He met Maria Hermoso who he wanted to marry but she was already married. He convinced her to leave her husband and live with him. They have several children together along with her daughter from her marriage. When her daughter, Flaviana, was old enough and got married, Charles decided he wanted her to be his wife instead of Maria. He and Flaviana began living together and had children. Charles wanted his children to be taught by American teachers and sent them away. It was at that time Loring became Florence.
After graduating from high school, she began working for the United States military. It was there she met her husband Charles Edward Smith. They were still newlyweds when he was called to active duty and sent off to fight the Japanese. She left her job and began working for a job authorizing vouchers for fuel. This was her way to help out the U.S. forces.
What an amazing woman! She was so strong and literally went to Hell and back during the war. She was the first woman to be decorated for her part in the war effort. I learned so much about her but still wanted to know more. I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in memoirs and especially of strong women.
