In a historic ceremony at the U.S. Capitol on April 29, 2025, the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion—known as the “Six Triple Eight“—was awarded the Congressional Gold Medal, the highest civilian honor bestowed by Congress. This recognition honours the only all-Black, all-female unit to serve overseas during World War II, acknowledging their extraordinary contributions to the war effort.
Deployed to Europe in 1945, the 855-member battalion faced the daunting task of clearing a massive backlog of undelivered mail destined for American troops. Operating under the motto “No Mail, Low Morale,” the unit processed approximately 17 million pieces of mail in just three months—half the time originally projected. Their meticulous system, which included the use of locator cards, enabled them to sort and deliver around 65,000 items per shift, significantly boosting troop morale.
Despite their critical role, the Six Triple Eight returned home to little recognition, a reflection of the racial and gender biases of the era. In recent years, however, their story has gained prominence. A 2019 Meritorious Unit Commendation, a monument at Fort Leavenworth, and media portrayals—including a 2024 Netflix film directed by Tyler Perry—have highlighted their legacy.
The Congressional Gold Medal ceremony was attended by descendants of the battalion members and advocates, including Col. Charity Adams Earley’s son and Col. Edna Cummings. House Speaker Mike Johnson and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries were among the bipartisan leaders who supported the 2022 legislation to honor the unit. Only two veterans of the Six Triple Eight are still alive, underscoring the timeliness of this recognition.
The award serves not only as a tribute to the Six Triple Eight’s exceptional service but also as a rectification of decades of oversight, ensuring that their contributions to the nation’s history are never forgotten.
