Recognition for the segregated African-American women's math and computer unit, 'Six Triple Eight,' in the form of a congressional gold medal
Fresh Take:
In a long-awaited recognition, the groundbreaking all-Black, all-female "Six Triple Eight," also known as the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion, will be awarded the Congressional Gold Medal. This prestigious honor comes after years of advocacy, highlighting the crucial role these women played in resolving a significant mail crisis during World War II.
Stationed in England, these WAC members outperformed expectations, sorting and delivering some 17 million letters and packages in just three months – twice the projected time. Credited for their exceptional efficiency, they would later serve in France before returning home. Despite their gallant actions, this pioneering unit remained in the shadows compared to their white counterparts – but that's about to change.
On Tuesday, representatives from the Capitol Visitor Center will present the Congressional Gold Medal to the family of Lt. Col. Charity Adams Earley, the unit's commander. But it's important to note that there are only two women alive today from the original 855 members.
Wisconsin Rep. Gwen Moore, who co-sponsored the legislation to award the medal, praised this long-overdue recognition: "These heroes deserve their dues; and I am so glad their story is being told."
In 2022, Congress voted unanimously to bestow this highest honor upon the 6888th, recognizing their unparalleled contribution during the war. Retired Maj. Fannie Griffin McClendon, who served in the unit, remarked, "It's overwhelming. It's something I never even thought about it."
The 6888th's tale began in 1945, when there was mounting pressure to include Black women in the WAC and deploy them overseas. Working tirelessly, the battalion processed some 65,000 pieces of mail during each of their three shifts, devising systems to streamline the process and ensure letters reached their intended recipients.
Over the years, their story has gained more attention, earning a monument in 2018 at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, and the Meritorious Unit Commendation in 2019. A documentary titled "The Six Triple Eight" was made about their exploits, with Kerry Washington set to star in a Netflix film of the same name directed by Tyler Perry in 2024.
The Six Triple Eight served not just as military personnel but as trailblazers, proving their mettle in the face of adversity, racism, and sexism. Their legacy lives on as an inspiration for generations of Black women in the military.
- The excellence demonstrated by the Six Triple Eight in sorting and delivering mail was commonly recognized, crediting them with exceptional efficiency in resolving a backlog that was twice the projected time.
- The majority of the original 855 members of the Six Triple Eight are no longer alive, leaving only a few to symbolize this groundbreaking all-Black, all-female unit's success in the face of adversity.
- The recognition of the Six Triple Eight's contribution during World War II extended beyond the Congressional Gold Medal, with various institutions acknowledging their impact, such as the monument at Fort Leavenworth and the documentary titled "The Six Triple Eight."
- In the realm of science and health-and-wellness, the story of the Six Triple Eight serves as a powerful example of women's health, showcasing the resilience and accomplishments of Black women in the military, contributing to a more diverse and inclusive narrative in these communities.
