Podcast Summary: "The Extraordinary Women Who Helped Win WWII with Lena Andrews"

Podcast Information:

• Title: Here's Where It Gets Interesting
• Host: Sharon McMahon
• Guest: Historian Lena Andrews
• Episode: The Extraordinary Women Who Helped Win WWII with Lena Andrews
• Release Date: May 26, 2025
• Platform: Audacy Podcast

Introduction

In this compelling episode of Here's Where It Gets Interesting, host Sharon McMahon engages in an enlightening conversation with historian Lena Andrews. Released on Memorial Day, the episode focuses on the often-overlooked contributions of women in World War II, highlighting their pivotal roles in supporting the war effort and ultimately contributing to the victory.

Overview of Lena Andrews' Work

Lena Andrews introduces her book, Valiant Women, emphasizing the extensive and critical roles women played during World War II. She highlights that over 350,000 American women served in military uniforms, contributing across various services and combat theaters. Andrews remarks:

“They were in every service, every theater, every combat theater in operation. And so, you know, it was enormous what they were doing, but it wasn't just their numbers. It was the type of work that they were doing.” ([04:06])

Women’s Contributions Beyond the Battlefield

Andrews underscores that while stories like Rosie the Riveter capture the public imagination, the military contributions of women were equally, if not more, significant yet remain underappreciated. She explains that women were involved in critical support roles, such as map drawing for the Normandy invasion and maintaining aircraft essential for combat operations.

“There were women doing cool things, but there were women doing militarily important things.” ([05:49])

Individual Stories Highlighting Diverse Roles

Jessie Contrabecki and Mail Processing

One standout story Andrews shares is that of Jessie Contrabecki, who worked at Naval Air Station Jacksonville. Tasked with fixing altimeters and gauges on Navy planes, Jessie’s meticulous work ensured that aircraft were mission-ready, directly impacting the effectiveness of operations in the Pacific.

“They were dealing with racism and sexism, not just from run of the mill American GIs, but also from the local community.” ([08:00])

Charity Adams and the Postal Directory Battalion

Andrews also highlights Charity Adams, who led the 6644 Central Postal Directory Battalion—the largest group of black army women sent overseas. Their mission was to manage and clear a backlog of six months’ worth of mail, sorting over 65,000 pieces daily during a critical period like the Battle of the Bulge.

“They clear the backlog of six months of mail in three months, sorting over 65,000 pieces of mail during an 18-hour shift.” ([14:13])

Agnes Jensen, Army Flight Nurse

Another remarkable figure is Agnes Jensen, an Army flight nurse who demonstrated extraordinary bravery by crash-landing in enemy-occupied Albania and navigating back over several weeks, showcasing the perilous and hands-on roles women took on.

“They were flight nurses doing really dangerous work.” ([21:51])

Challenges and Societal Attitudes

Despite their contributions, women in the military faced significant sexism and discrimination. Andrews discusses the slander campaign against the Women's Army Corps in 1943, where unfounded rumors of women being prostitutes severely hampered recruitment and morale.

“There was a real obsession about preserving femininity, such as maintaining a pressed skirt and wearing makeup every day.” ([39:43])

This double standard is poignantly contrasted with the hidden vulnerabilities, such as military leaders fearing male soldiers might assault women, leading to restrictive and hypocritical regulations.

“The biggest example of how women were mistreated just for trying to do their jobs.” ([32:59])

Post-War Treatment and Legacy

After the war, many women veterans were denied the benefits and recognition they deserved. Initially classified as civilians, groups like the Women’s Army Corps (WAC) and Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASPs) did not receive GI benefits until decades later.

“They were technically civilians, which created all sorts of problems with GI benefits and pension issues.” ([41:59])

Andrews expresses frustration over the lack of immediate post-war recognition, emphasizing the importance of recording and preserving these stories for future generations.

“Women veterans are as deserving of our admiration and of our attention as anyone else.” ([46:12])

Importance of Recording Women’s Stories

Both Sharon and Lena stress the critical need to document and honor the contributions of women veterans. Andrews advocates for platforms like the Veterans History Project by the Library of Congress to ensure these invaluable stories are preserved and accessible.

“Don't pass or protect it. If we need it, we need it for the world. History needs it.” ([49:04])

Conclusion and Call to Action

Andrews concludes by urging listeners to recognize and celebrate the indispensable roles women played in World War II. She encourages engaging with and supporting women veterans today, noting that their legacy continues in modern military operations.

“They are among the best of us.” ([47:49])

Sharon McMahon wraps up the episode by inviting listeners to further explore Andrews’ work and the broader narrative of women's vital contributions to history.

Key Takeaways:

• Over 350,000 American women served in various military capacities during WWII, providing essential support that was crucial for the war effort.
• Women took on a diverse range of roles, from technical tasks like aircraft maintenance to frontline duties such as flight nursing, demonstrating exceptional skill and bravery.
• Despite their contributions, women faced significant sexism and discrimination, which hindered recognition and post-war benefits.
• The preservation of these stories is paramount to ensuring that the vital roles women played are acknowledged and remembered by future generations.
• Modern military operations continue to benefit from the legacy of these trailblazing women, highlighting the ongoing importance of gender diversity in the armed forces.

Notable Quotes:

• “[..] There were women doing cool things, but there were women doing militarily important things.” – Lena Andrews ([05:49])
• “They clear the backlog of six months of mail in three months, sorting over 65,000 pieces of mail during an 18-hour shift.” – Lena Andrews ([14:13])
• “They were part of the critical infrastructure that supported battlefield heroics.” – Lena Andrews ([09:49])
• “Women veterans are as deserving of our admiration and of our attention as anyone else.” – Lena Andrews ([46:12])

Resources:

• Book: Valiant Women by Lena Andrews
• Website: lenaandrews.com
• Library of Congress Veterans History Project: www.loc.gov/vhp

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