Dr. Lena Andrews from the University of Maryland will speak at the MIT Security Studies Program's Wednesday Seminar.

Summary/Abstract:
Lena will discuss her recent book, Valiant Women, which tells the story of the 350,000 American women who served in uniform during World War II and whose work, both individually and in total, was at the heart of the Allied strategy that won World War II. While these stories have traditionally been relegated to the dusty shelves of military archives or a passing mention in the local paper, Valiant Women corrects the record with the definitive and comprehensive historical account of American servicewomen during World War II. Using new archival research, firsthand interviews with surviving veterans, and a deep professional understanding of military history and strategy, Lena argues that fully understanding this war requires that we understand the contribution of these women.