The 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion, known as the “Six Triple Eight,” was a groundbreaking all-Black female unit of the Women’s Army Corps (WAC) during World War II. Comprising 855 women, including 824 enlisted soldiers and 31 officers, the battalion was formed to address a critical issue in the European Theater: a staggering backlog of undelivered mail.
By early 1945, this backlog had reached an estimated 17 million pieces, severely impacting troop morale. The previous attempts by other military units to manage this mail had failed, prompting Army leadership to recognize the need for a dedicated team capable of tackling this logistical challenge.
Under the command of Major Charity Adams, the 6888th was deployed to Birmingham, England, on February 12, 1945. Their mission was clear: to sort, label, and deliver mail that had accumulated due to incorrect addressing and the frequent relocations of service members.
The battalion quickly devised an efficient system that involved maintaining a card index with over 7 million entries to track down recipients. This innovative approach allowed them to work around the clock in three shifts, processing an average of 65,000 pieces of mail per shift.
Despite facing racial and gender discrimination, the women of the 6888th demonstrated exceptional dedication and skill.
The motto “No mail, low morale” encapsulated their mission’s urgency and importance. The battalion’s work not only involved sorting through mountains of undelivered packages but also included dealing with spoiled items that had been left unattended for months.
Their efforts were crucial in boosting the spirits of over four million military personnel and civilians stationed in Europe.
Remarkably, they completed their task in just three months—far exceeding expectations set by Army leaders who had anticipated a six-month timeline.
After successfully clearing the backlog in Birmingham, the 6888th moved to Rouen, France, where they continued their postal duties. Their accomplishments garnered recognition from military officials who initially doubted their capabilities.
In one notable instance, Major Adams firmly asserted her authority when a general attempted to intervene with their operations.
By the end of their deployment, even those who had doubted them acknowledged their effectiveness and contribution to maintaining troop morale.
The legacy of the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion extends beyond their immediate achievements during World War II. Their service has been commemorated through various honors, including the Congressional Gold Medal awarded in 2022.
This recognition highlights not only their remarkable performance in a critical logistical role but also their pioneering status as African American women in the military.
The story of the “Six Triple Eight” serves as a testament to resilience and excellence in overcoming adversity while making significant contributions to history.