Original sentence: Growing out of the Soviet experience of World War II, in which more than 8 percent of the Soviet Union’s mobilized troops were women, the image may reflect more the propaganda efforts of the Soviets than reality.Nevertheless, the Soviet Union is one of the first contemporary societies to employ women extensively in its armed forces.The common historical perception of the woman in the Soviet Army is that of a heroic, highly motivated, well-disciplined, tenacious soldier fighting in defense of the Motherland.Women served as “women soldiers” in World War I, fought in the Revolution, and even provided combat units during World War II, when three women’s air regiments flew combat aircraft and 23 of their fliers were named Hero of the Soviet Union
Edited sentence: Despite performing various duties in the armies throughout Russian history, it was in the 20th century that women began to be given a more prominent role.Women in the Russian and Soviet military, as in other nations, have played an important role in their country's military history, in particular during the Great Patriotic War.Women of Russia and the Soviet Union played a significant role in World Wars, especially during World War II; arguably a greater role than in other combatant nations, although attitudes towards their contribution was occasionally paternalistic and reluctant