Career
Born in Budapest, Anna Lederer immigrated with her family to the United States in 1912. During World World War II, she served in numerous government positions including regional director of the War Manpower Commission from 1942 to 1945. She ran a consulting business, with customers that included large businesses and public figures.
She was awarded the Medal of Freedom in 1945, and was a recipient of the Medal for Merit in 1947, along with two other women, Mary Shotwell Ingraham and Elmira Bears Wickenden.
In late 1950, she was nominated for assistant Secretary of Defense. Joseph McCarthy and his staff launched an all-out campaign to oppose her nomination, but she was recommended by the Senate Armed Services Committee.
In spite of all opposition, in November 1950 she was named assistant Secretary of Defense, a post she held until January 1953.
