“Six Triple Eight” Battalion Finally Honored by Congress

We are delighted that the all-Black Women’s Army Corps Unit known as the Six Triple Eight, which UNA-NYC spotlighted in a 2020 film talk, will finally receive a long-overdue Congressional Gold Medal, the highest expression of national appreciation from Congress.

The 850 Black women of the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion were instrumental in sorting a years-long backlog of mail and packages during the Second World War. The only all-black female battalion to serve in Europe, these brave women faced German attacks, cold conditions, and rampant racism as they restored mail service and ensured servicemen could connect with their loved ones.

Despite their heroic efforts, the Six Triple Eight’s crucial efforts long went unrecognized, with no commemorative ceremonies held upon the women’s return home. This began to change in recent years, with the women receiving a monument and an Army's Meritorious Unit Commendation in 2019, but Six Triple Eight advocates have long campaigned for the unit to receive the Congressional Gold Medal.

On March 14, that goal became a reality. A bipartisan bill, signed into law by President Joe Biden, awarded the battalion the honor "in recognition of their pioneering military service, devotion to duty, and contributions to increase the morale of personnel stationed in the European theater of operations during World War II.” A date has not yet been set for the award ceremony.

In October 2020, UNA-NYC hosted a presentation on the Six Triple Eight documentary with executive producer James Theres, retired U.S. Army Maj. General Marcia M. Anderson, and retired U.S. Army Colonel and Six Triple Eight advocate Edna W. Cummings. Learn more about the documentary and watch the trailer here.