The 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion

Women of the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion in France. In the middle is Major Charity Adams. She is ordering a cola.
In Rouen, France, Second Lieutenant Freda le Beau (New Orleans, LA), post exchange officer, serves the first Coca Cola to Major Charity Adams (Columbia, South Carolina), at the grand opening of the WAC battalion's new snack bar. (Courtesy of NARA: NAID: 175539159)
Women of the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion in England. In the middle is Major Charity Adams. She's inspecting the women under her command.

Somewhere in England, Maj. Charity E. Adams, Columbia, S.C., and Capt. Abbie N. Campbell, Tuskegee Institute, Tuskegee, Ala, during an inspection in February 1945. (Courtesy of NARA: NAID: 531249)
The 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion holds a unique place in American military history as the only all-Black, all-female unit deployed during World War II. The battalion was comprised of 855 women, many of whom were members of the Women’s Army Corps (WAC). They faced not only the challenges of military service but also the pervasive racism and sexism of the era. Their primary mission was to sort and deliver mail, which was backlogged due to the war. The unit was stationed in Birmingham, England, where they quickly went to work, processing over 17 million pieces of mail during their deployment.

Major Charity Adams

One of the most remarkable aspects of the 6888th’s history is the leadership of Major Charity Adams, the first Black woman to command a battalion in the Women's Army Corps. Adams and her fellow soldiers overcame significant obstacles, including inadequate facilities and discrimination, to fulfill their mission with exceptional dedication. They famously operated under the motto: “No mail, no morale,” recognizing that communication from loved ones was vital to the spirits of the soldiers overseas.

Service across the sea

Their efforts were met with considerable praise, and they became known as the "Six Triple Eight." The battalion’s work not only improved the morale of the troops but also set a precedent for future generations of women in the military.
In addition to their service, it was also an opportunity for these women to travel and see sights they’d never see otherwise. As Indiana Hunt Martin of the 6888th recounted in an interview: “Me and another girl friend of mine, I think it was Christen. We’d just get on a bus and ride it to the end and then ride it back. In France and in England. We’d ride a bus to the end and then wait until the bus would turn around and get on and come back.”

Soon on Netflix

Despite their significant contributions, the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion remained largely unrecognized for decades. It wasn’t until the 21st century that their story began to receive the acknowledgment it deserves. In 2019, the unit was awarded the Congressional Gold Medal, a testament to their service and sacrifice. On 6 December 2024 a movie dedicated to the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion will be released and on 20 December the movie will premier on Netflix.

Legacy of the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion

Today, the legacy of the 6888th continues to inspire. Their determination and resilience serve as a powerful reminder of the vital roles that women of color have played in shaping military history. As we commemorate their contributions, let us ensure that their stories are preserved and celebrated for future generations.
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