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The only all-Black female unit to serve overseas in World War II was awarded the Congressional Gold Medal Tuesday – 80 years after they were deployed to Europe to revolutionize the growing mail crisis.
The 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion – also known as the Six Triple Eight – received the highest civilian honor granted by Congress Tuesday for their historic efforts clearing out a backlog of 17 million pieces of undelivered mail in three months, twice as fast as projected, when they were deployed in 1945.
“These women and the entire Six Triple Eight are great American patriots; loyal to a nation that for far too long failed to return that favor,” Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) said before more than 300 family members and decedents of the acclaimed battalion in Emancipation Hall at the Capital Visitor Center.
“This remarkable story has rightly captured imaginations that has now inspired books and movies, and stirred the conscience of millions of Americans who are now just hearing and sharing this incredible story. Today, in the people’s house, we add to that incredible story … Their story will never be forgotten”
Congress voted 422-0 to bestow its highest honor to the 6888th in 2022 – a bipartisan decision that followed persistent efforts to see the long overlooked 855-member battalion recognized for their service.
Only two women who served are still alive.
Stanly Earley II, son of Six Triple Eight commander Col. Charity Adams Early, accepted the prestigious medal along with retired Army Col. Edna Cummings, who has advocated for the unit’s honor since 2018.
“While representation is important, it is important after excellence,” said Earley, who noted his mother’s command resulted in the rapid delivery of one letter or package “on average every 4/10th of a second.”
“No computers, no optical scanners, no sorting machines – all by hand. These soldiers exemplified determination in the face of adversity and demonstrated that ability to go beyond what was thought to be possible,” he continued.
“They overcame major obstacles to achieve success and made a substantial difference to the Army. They serve as an inspiring role model for young soldiers entering service today and true examples of American excellence.”
The battalion, which formed in response to growing pressure from African-American organizations to include women in what was called the Women’s Army Corp, arrived in England in February 1945 where they worked around the clock to sort and create a system that would ensure soldiers received their mail.
The burgeoning feat – which was estimated to take six months – was completed in 90 days with the unit, whose motto was “no mail, low morale,” creating a system using locator cards with a service member’s name and unit number to process about 65,000 pieces of mail during each of the three shifts.
The battalion, which endured lasting segregation and worked in undesirable conditions, accomplished similar missions in France before returning home – where their achievements never received the attention afforded to their white counterparts.
The story of the Six Triple Eight became more widespread over the decades, with the unit receiving a 2019 Meritorious Unit Commendation and a monument erected in their honor at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas in 2018.
Two films – a documentary released in 2019 and a 2024 Tyler Perry Netflix movie starring Kerry Washington – also helped bring global awareness to the black female battalion.
“We are forever indebted to them for their honorable service,” House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries said during the ceremony.
“And as a result of this gold medal ceremony, we forever ensure that they will never ever be hidden figures again.”
With Post wires
English (US)