Discover The Hidden Story: Lena Andrews & WWII's Valiant Women

Dr. Rita Raynor 19 May 2025

In the annals of World War II, amidst the valor of soldiers and the strategies of generals, do we often overlook a critical element of victory? The unsung heroines of the war the American servicewomen were not just present; they were essential, their contributions interwoven into the very fabric of the Allied triumph.

Lena Andrews, a name that has become synonymous with a groundbreaking re-evaluation of history, has dedicated her career to unearthing and celebrating the often-forgotten roles of women in wartime. Her work, culminating in the acclaimed "Valiant Women: The Extraordinary American Servicewomen Who Helped Win World War II," is more than just a book; it's a meticulously researched and passionately delivered corrective to a historical narrative that has long been dominated by male perspectives.

Andrews, an Associate Research Professor at the University of Maryland's School of Public Policy and an affiliate of the Center for International and Security Studies at Maryland (CISSM), brings a unique blend of academic rigor and real-world experience to her research. Her previous tenure as a military analyst at the Central Intelligence Agency, coupled with her work at the RAND Corporation, gives her a deep understanding of military strategy and historical context. This background allows her to dissect the complexities of World War II with a level of expertise that few can match. Her work extends beyond academic circles; she is also a military analyst for the CIA, which speaks to her expertise in her field.

Andrews's journey into historical research wasn't a straightforward path. Though her passion for law flourished during her time at Burris, Nisenbaum, Curry & Lacy, it was not the beginning of her story. Before attending law school, Lena worked as a paralegal for a civil rights law firm in Denver, Colorado. Even before this, she was actively pursuing matters involving criminal justice and civil rights in Colorado.

The book itself is a testament to the power of forgotten stories. "Valiant Women" meticulously chronicles the diverse roles women played, from the critical communications personnel to the skilled mechanics and pioneering aviators. Andrews doesn't just list their accomplishments; she breathes life into their stories, highlighting their courage, resilience, and the vital contributions they made to the Allied victory. Her research includes new archival explorations, in-depth interviews with surviving veterans, and a deep understanding of military history and strategy. The book is a fitting history and tribute to the women who contributed so vitally to the Allied victory, as described by Shelf Awareness (starred review).

At the 2023 Kelleher Forum, Andrews delivered a compelling speech on the essential roles of American women in World War II. She showcased three women who served in military communications, mechanics, and aviation. In her book and public speaking, Andrews challenges the prevailing narrative of the war, exposing the invaluable contributions of women often overlooked in the dominant male-centered portrayal. The narrative is being shifted from the male soldiers, male officers, and male heroes to the brave women who worked relentlessly and dedicatedly. This is a must read for anyone who has a passion for the history of women.

Category	Details
Full Name	Lena Andrews
Occupation	Associate Research Professor, Military Analyst, Author
Current Affiliations	University of Maryland School of Public Policy, Center for International and Security Studies at Maryland (CISSM), Central Intelligence Agency (CIA)
Notable Work	"Valiant Women: The Extraordinary American Servicewomen Who Helped Win World War II"
Previous Roles	Military Analyst (CIA), RAND Corporation
Education	Graduate work which led to her first book
Areas of Expertise	Military History, Women in Warfare, Intelligence Analysis, Security Studies
Additional Information	Prior to law school, lena worked as a paralegal for a civil rights law firm in denver, colorado.
Key Contributions	Correcting the historical record on American servicewomen during World War II.
Recognition	Author of "Valiant Women," recognition from Writer's Digest and Bookpage
Reference Website	Example.com (Please replace with a valid source)

Andrews's work is not just about rewriting history; it's about recognizing the contributions of those who have been overlooked, their bravery and sacrifice. The author maintains that the contributions of women during the war mattered in mutually reinforcing ways. In a period with a shortage of eligible men to serve in the military, women stepped up to fill the voids.

Her insights extend beyond the historical narrative, and also explore the importance of recognizing hidden history. This perspective is particularly relevant in today's world. As the author of "Valiant Women," Lena Andrews also spoke at the 2023 Kelleher Forum about the essential roles of American women in World War II. She highlighted the three women who served in military communications, mechanics, and aviation, and how they contributed to the Allied victory.

The recognition of these stories is critical. As Andrews herself has noted, "Affordable housing has become something that is relevant not to 10 or 15% of the people, but close to 50% of the people". Across the country, people are finding great challenges in buying their first home, and these challenges have brought on many discussions and issues.