6888th Central Postal Directory Batallion

In February 1946, the 6888th returned to the United States without receiving the recognition and honor they deserved. Thankfully, they never allowed the way they were treated to deter them from their devotion as Americans. In fact, the 6888th fought what could arguably be seen as the most important unseen battle of World War II – morale. And, the extraordinary women who were members of the Women’s Army Corps (WAC) not only fought this battle without weapons, but they were also able to break barriers of many kinds and provide a service necessary for military success.

“No mail, no morale” was the motto of the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion. Nicknamed “Six Triple Eight,” this predominantly black Women’s Army Corps (WAC) battalion left its mark during World War II. Often overlooked, that didn’t discourage them or their fearless leader, Major Charity Adams, from taking charge during a time when women were not accepted as the leaders they proved to be. Major Adams led the 855 women in the unit, which included three Latinas, officers, and enlisted members. The unit’s mission was to manage the U.S. Army’s postal service overseas during a time of significant shortages in this area. Although most of the 6888th worked as postal clerks, there were also cooks, mechanics, and other support positions. This versatility proved the complete self-sufficiency of this unit.

The battalion’s journey began on February 3, 1945, when the 6888th departed from the United States aboard the Île de France. As they were heading to Glasgow, their first destination, they faced many dangers and threats from German U-boats. However, they arrived in Glasgow on February 12th and then boarded a train for Birmingham, England. On February 15th, their unit underwent inspection and got to work! They immediately begin to tackle a massive backlog of undelivered mail, estimated at 17 million items.

Innovation, a remarkable work ethic, and resolute patriotism drove these women to create a card index system to handle the mail backlog, eventually containing 7 million cards. They worked around the clock in three shifts until they had processed the entirety of the backlog of mail. To make the system efficient, they worked tirelessly in shifts 24 hours a day, and each shift processed and delivered an estimated 65,000 pieces of mail. They didn’t just process mail for the troops but for civilians as well. This task, which was estimated to take six months to complete, took the 6888th just three months.

The battalion’s time in Europe was not without challenges, though. Not only did the 6888th face segregation within the military, but they also encountered sexist and racist treatment; however, Major Adams had a reputation of reminding her male counterparts of her role when they would attempt to override or interfere with her leadership.
The many adversities they faced didn’t slow these women down a bit. Once the job in Birmingham was completed, they moved onto Rouen, France, where they successfully cleared another backlog. A few months after this assignment was completed, they were sent to Paris where they received first-class treatment.

When the war concluded, the 6888th began their journey back to the United States in February 1946. Their unit would officially be disbanded at Fort Dix, New Jersey. While they received no public recognition at the time, their legacy of unwavering determination contributed to them receiving the European African Middle Eastern Campaign Medal, the Good Conduct Medal, and the World War II Victory Medal.

However, our country would not recognize them again for their faithful service until 2009. Here, they were finally recognized with tributes at Arlington National Cemetery. They were also inducted into the U.S. Army Women’s Foundation Hall of Fame in 2016 and received the dedication of a monument at Fort Leavenworth in 2018. Finally, in 2022, President Biden signed legislation for them to be awarded the Congressional Gold Medal.

Thankfully, the story of the 6888th has inspired several upcoming films and theatre projects. Hopefully, these projects will truthfully represent the uncompromising allegiance, unwavering persistence, and unmovable commitment of the 6888th, “Sixth Triple Eight,” and their vital role in World War II.