The 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion, known as the Six Triple Eight, is being honored with a Congressional Gold Medal, a significant recognition for the only all-female unit to serve overseas during World War II. This ceremony, taking place 80 years after their remarkable efforts, highlights the battalion’s vital role in addressing a massive backlog of undelivered mail for American troops.
In February 1945, the predominantly Black unit arrived in Birmingham, England, to find warehouses overflowing with 17 million pieces of mail meant for about 7 million American soldiers stationed in Europe. Many soldiers had gone months or even years without receiving letters from home, creating frustration and low morale. The Six Triple Eight, under the leadership of Major Charity Adams, quickly set to work. They implemented an efficient system to sort and deliver the mail, managing to clear the backlog in just three months—half the time initially estimated.
After Birmingham, the unit continued its mission in Rouen and Paris, further demonstrating their organizational skills and dedication. Although they received medals upon returning to the U.S. in 1946, their contributions went largely unrecognized for decades. It wasn’t until recent years that their story gained more visibility, thanks to a campaign for the Congressional Gold Medal, which was signed into law by President Biden in 2022.
The recognition comes at a time when only two members of the original 855-woman unit are still alive. Retired Major Fannie McClendon, one of the surviving veterans, expressed her surprise at receiving this honor, reflecting on the long wait for acknowledgment of their service. As the medal ceremony approaches, there is a sense of urgency among supporters to ensure that the remaining members receive the recognition they deserve.
In addition to the Congressional Gold Medal, the Six Triple Eight has been honored with various accolades over the years, including a Meritorious Unit Commendation and features in documentaries and films that celebrate their legacy. The battalion’s story is a powerful reminder of the contributions of Black women in the military, especially during a time when they faced both racial and gender discrimination.
As the ceremony unfolds, it marks not just a celebration of the past but also a step toward recognizing the vital roles that women of color have played in the U.S. military.