History Talk - The 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion: Telling Their Story

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National Archives

WAC Officers Inspecting the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion.

Since the Revolutionary War generations of African Americans have served the armed forces, but it was not until World War II that Black women joined the Army as part of the Women’s Army Corps (WAC).

In February 1945 members of the 6888th Central Postal Battalion arrived in Birmingham, England. Nicknamed the “Six Triple Eight,” they were the first and only all-Black WAC unit sent overseas during World War II. They faced the daunting task of sorting and delivering mail to the roughly 7 million service members stationed in the European Theater. Their mission boosted the morale across the entirety of deployed forces. They completed their mission in three months before deploying to France to undertake the same work. The battalion was awarded the Congressional Gold Medal in honor of their dedication and service to the mission in 2022.

The “Six Triple Eight” is experiencing a swell of support and recognition as the public learns of their service and sacrifice. In the past few years, the unit had a monument dedicated, received a Congressional Gold Medal, and had an Army base named after their commander, Lt. Col. Charity Adams. Join us to discover how the U.S. Army Women’s Museum is capturing and preserving the memory of these Soldiers in a new exhibit from Col. Edna Cummings (U.S. Army Retired).

Cummings has worked since January 2018 to have the Six Triple Eight receive long-overdue recognition. Cummings has helped raise funds for the 6888th monument in Fort Leavenworth, KS, co-produced an award-winning documentary and championed the effort with Congress to pass the Six Triple Eight Congressional Gold Medal Act.

Learn more about how the Museum has collected stories and artifacts as well as worked with descendants to bring their stories to life.

This program will be offered virtually and in person on Wednesday, February 14. In-person seats are limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis.