The 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion, known as the “Six Triple Eight,” made history during World War II as the only Black, all-female unit serving in Europe. Their remarkable achievements were finally recognized as they were awarded the Congressional Gold Medal at the United States Capitol. This prestigious honor was presented by Speaker of the House Mike Johnson alongside bipartisan Congressional leaders.
The battalion, comprising 855 members, undertook the monumental task of clearing a backlog of 17 million mail pieces within three months before heading to France. Despite their significant contributions during their service in 1945, the unit did not receive the recognition they deserved at the time. The award ceremony was attended by over 300 descendants and family members of the Six Triple Eight battalion, who gathered to honor the legacy of their loved ones.
Lt. Col. Charity Adams Earley, the unit commander, played a pivotal role in leading the Six Triple Eight to success. Her family, including children Stanley Earley III and Judith Earley, received the Congressional Gold Medal on her behalf. The ceremony highlighted the unit’s resilience, dedication, and the barriers they shattered as Black women serving in the military.
Years of advocacy and campaigning for the battalion culminated in Congress voting unanimously to bestow this honor upon the 6888th in 2022. Rep. Gwen Moore, a co-sponsor of the legislation, praised the “unsung heroes” of the Six Triple Eight for their service and sacrifice, emphasizing the importance of acknowledging their contributions 80 years later.
The recognition of the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion has been steadily growing in recent years. In 2018, a monument was erected in their honor at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas. Subsequently, the U.S. Army awarded the battalion the Meritorious Unit Commendation in 2019, further solidifying their place in history.
Notably, the Tyler Perry-directed Netflix film released in 2024 shed light on the unit’s story, bringing it to a wider audience. The film, featuring Kerry Washington, received critical acclaim and an Oscar nomination, drawing attention to the unit’s remarkable achievements and the challenges they overcame.
Retired Col. Edna Cummings, who directed a documentary on the Six Triple Eight in 2019, emphasized the enduring impact of the unit’s legacy. She highlighted how the history of the battalion has inspired a new generation of young girls to learn about their courageous predecessors and consider a future of service.
House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries underscored the significance of celebrating the Six Triple Eight’s achievements in a bipartisan manner, recognizing the trailblazing spirit and resilience displayed by the members of the unit. Their story serves as a testament to the perseverance and determination of Black women in the military, paving the way for future generations.
The award of the Congressional Gold Medal to the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion places them among the esteemed recipients of this prestigious honor, symbolizing the enduring impact of their service and the recognition of their invaluable contributions to history.