The 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion, also known as the "Six Triple Eight," was a all-Black, all-female unit of the United States Army during World War II. Formed in 1945, the Six Triple Eighth was tasked with addressing the significant backlog of mail for almost 7 million American soldiers and government worker stationed in Europe.
Led by Major Charity Adams Earley, the Six Triple Eight faced immense challenges, including navigating through war-torn countries, language barriers, and logistical hurdles. Despite these obstacles, the battalion, comprised of more than 6,000 Black women, efficiently processed and delivered millions of pieces of mail, boosting morale among troops and providing a vital link to home.
The Six Triple Eighth's accomplishments demonstrated the capability and dedication of Black American women in the military. On February 28 2022 U.S. House of Representatives voted 422-0 to honor the women of the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion with the Congressional Gold Medal.
Learn more at the Mary McLeod Bethune Council House
https://www.nps.gov/mamc/the-6888th-central-postal-directory-battalion.htm
The Joy Trip Project celebrates the enduring legacy of Black American History. The Unhidden Minute is part of the Unhidden Podcast Project supported through a National Geographic Explorer Grant from the National Geographic Society, with the cooperation of the National Park Service. This series elevates the untold stories of Black American historical figures, events and cultural contributions.
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The 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion