Honoring the Pioneering Efforts of the Six Triple Eight

During World War II, an all-African American female battalion, the only one of its kind to serve in Europe, was tasked with a significant mission that ultimately acknowledged their bravery and competence. Recently, they received Congress's most prestigious award.

Known as the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion, or more commonly, the Six Triple Eight, these dedicated women were dispatched to the United Kingdom in 1945. Their mission? To tackle an enormous backlog of 17 million letters and parcels, vital for boosting the spirits of U.S. troops during perilous times.

The battalion, comprising 855 resilient women, was under pressure to fulfill this task within a mere six months. Many doubted their success, fearing failure would jeopardize future opportunities for Black women in the military. Nevertheless, they rose to the challenge, laboring tirelessly in rotating eight-hour shifts, each processing up to 65,000 pieces of correspondence.

Determined to ensure accuracy, they developed an intricate system involving over seven million military serial numbers to guarantee that mail intended for soldiers with similar names reached the correct person.

Legacy and Recognition

Today, only two of these trailblazers remain: Fanny McClendon, aged 101, and Anna Mae Robertson, aged 104. Their inspiring legacy was celebrated at a grand ceremony in Emancipation Hall, located within the Capitol—a space named in honor of the enslaved individuals who helped build it.

Speaker Mike Johnson, representing Louisiana and a strong supporter of President Trump, lauded these remarkable women as he presented the award to the descendants of the battalion, emphasizing the significance of their courageous contribution.