The “Six Triple Eight,” officially known as the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion, is the only all-Black, all-female unit to serve in Europe during World War II. They will receive the Congressional Gold Medal on Tuesday, recognizing their crucial contributions amidst a long-fought campaign for acknowledgment. This battalion effectively resolved a pressing mail crisis in England by clearing a backlog of approximately 17 million pieces of mail in just three months—twice as fast as anticipated. After their service in England, they also operated in France before returning home, yet their achievements went largely unrecognized compared to their white counterparts.
The ceremonial presentation will take place in Emancipation Hall, Capitol Visitor Center, where House Speaker Mike Johnson and others will honor the unit, especially its commander, Lt. Col. Charity Adams Earley. According to Kim Guise from the National WWII Museum, only two of the original 855 members are still alive, highlighting the delay in recognizing these women’s sacrifices. Wisconsin Rep. Gwen Moore emphasized that this honor is long overdue, expressing pride in acknowledging constituents like Ms. Anna Mae Robertson.
In 2022, Congress unanimously voted to bestow this honor. Retired Maj. Fannie Griffin McClendon, one of the few surviving members, recalled the challenges they faced, stating that their mail processing system efficiently handled up to 65,000 pieces per shift. Over time, the story of the 6888th gained visibility with memorials and documentaries highlighting their legacy, culminating in a Netflix film directed by Tyler Perry set to release in 2024. Their narrative exemplifies the courage and dedication of Black women in military service.
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