WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congresswoman Moore supported Congressman Anthony G. Brown’s resolution, H.Res. 867, honoring the service of the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion. An all-black, all female battalion, they were deployed during World War II at a time when there was a significant shortage of postal workers across the European Theater. The 6888th was the only African-American unit in the Women’s Army Corps to deploy overseas during the War.
When the 6888th arrived in Birmingham, England they were met with a mail backlog dating as far back as two years. Mail addressed to first names, nicknames and outdated addresses all compounded the difficulty of this daunting task sorting millions of pieces of mail for soldiers on the front lines. Nevertheless, the 855 Black women, both enlisted and officers, of the 6888th worked in three-shifts around the clock to finish the six-month task in half the time. They would then be deployed to Rouen and Paris, France to address similar backlogs.
“The women of the ‘Six Triple Eight’ Battalion were unsung heroes who worked tirelessly to ensure soldiers who were far from home, received mail from their loved ones,” said Congresswoman Gwen Moore. “When they returned home from their service, their hard work wasn’t recognized. It’s why I introduced legislation with Congressman Brown’s support, that would ensure each member of ‘Six Triple Eight’ would receive a Congressional Gold Medal. This bill is another incredible opportunity to show our gratitude towards their selfless service, which is why I am thrilled to support this legislation.”
“The 6888th battalion made enormous contributions to the war effort in tackling significant European mail backlogs,” said Congressman Anthony Brown. “Letters to and from home are precious to soldiers, connecting them with their loved ones and reminding them who they are fighting for. The efforts of these women are significant to World War II history, to African-American history and to this nation’s story. The 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion is deserving of our recognition and gratitude.”
Members of the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion were awarded the Meritorious Unit Commendation, the European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal, the Good Conduct Medal, and the World War II Victory Medal during their service.
Congresswoman Gwen Moore (WI-04) is an original co-sponsor of this legislation.
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