As we celebrate Black History Month, the Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs is proud to recognize the service and sacrifices of Black military members throughout history. Among the many stories of courage and commitment, one unit stands out as a testament to perseverance, excellence, and resilience—the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion, better known as the “Six Triple Eight.”
Their story, now brought to a wider audience through Netflix’s new film “The Six Triple Eight,” is a powerful reminder of the essential but often overlooked contributions of Black women in the U.S. military.
A Mission Unknown
On February 3, 1945, more than 800 Black women, members of the Women’s Army Corps, set sail aboard the SS Île de France to an unknown destination. Dodging German U-boats, they arrived in Glasgow, Scotland, 11 days later. Their commander, Major Charity Edna Adams — the first Black woman to achieve the rank of lieutenant colonel in the U.S. Army — was waiting for them.
They had already made history, as the only all-Black Women’s Army Corps unit to see overseas service during WWII. But their work was only beginning. Their assignment? To untangle a massive backlog of more than 17 million letters and packages stacked to the ceiling in warehouses across Europe. The task was thought to take at least six months, if not longer. But the Six Triple Eight, driven by the motto “No mail, low morale,” completed it in just three months.
Breaking Barriers, Delivering Hope
Before the battalion’s arrival, undelivered mail had been piling up for years, leading to declining morale among U.S. troops stationed in Europe. Soldiers were desperate for news from home, but the backlog of letters and care packages was so severe that some mail had been lost or misdirected, leaving service members disconnected from their families and loved ones.
At peak efficiency, the Six Triple Eight processed more than 65,000 pieces of mail per shift. By war’s end, they had successfully sorted and delivered more than 17 million letters and packages, ensuring troops received messages of love, encouragement, and hope.
Despite their groundbreaking service, the battalion faced harsh discrimination. They endured cold showers, limited supplies and segregated living quarters in temporary wooden buildings that were unheated and infested with rats. Yet, they remained steadfast in their mission, proving not only their logistical expertise but also their determination to serve a country that often failed to recognize them.
Delayed but Deserved Recognition
When World War II ended, the Six Triple Eight returned home without fanfare. There were no parades, no official recognition, and for decades, their achievements remained largely forgotten.
It wasn’t until 2018—73 years later— that their legacy was formally honored with a monument at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas. The long-overdue recognition continued in 2019 when the U.S. Army awarded them the Meritorious Unit Commendation for Meritorious Service.
Then, on March 14, 2022, President Joe Biden signed the Six Triple Eight Congressional Gold Medal Act, awarding the battalion one of the nation’s highest honors. The battalion’s last four living members — Romay Davis, Fannie McClendon, Lena King, and Anna Mae Robertson — were each honored in their hometowns.
A Legacy That Endures
With the release of Netflix’s “The Six Triple Eight,” their story is finally reaching a wider audience. The war drama not only sheds light on their contributions but also highlights the resilience of Black women in the military—a history often overshadowed by other wartime narratives.
As we commemorate Black History Month, let us honor the Six Triple Eight and all Black service members whose sacrifices and dedication have shaped our nation’s history. Their story is a powerful reminder that service comes in many forms—sometimes, in the simple but profound act of delivering a letter home.
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