The 6 Triple 8 - When the First Black Women Soldiers Served in WWII

Summary

The 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion, known as the 'Six Triple Eight,' was a pioneering group of African-American women soldiers during World War II. Tasked with clearing a massive backlog of mail, they overcame significant obstacles, including poor conditions and racial discrimination, to deliver crucial supplies and communication to troops. Under the leadership of Major Charity Adams, the battalion became an efficient and vital force, completing their mission in just three months. Despite facing segregation, their determination and skill left a lasting legacy, earning them posthumous recognition, including the Congressional Gold Medal in 2021.

Takeaways

• 😀 The 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion, composed of Black women soldiers, played a crucial role in World War II by ensuring soldiers received mail and packages despite difficult conditions.
• 😀 The U.S. military was pressured to include Black women in the Women's Army Corps (WAC), leading to the creation of the 6888th Battalion in 1944.
• 😀 Major Charity Adams was the commanding officer of the 6888th, becoming the first African American woman to receive a commission in the U.S. Army.
• 😀 The 6888th was tasked with clearing a massive mail backlog in Europe, sorting millions of pieces of mail under difficult conditions, and completing the mission in half the expected time.
• 😀 Despite facing racial discrimination, Major Adams and her unit persevered, challenging segregated practices and standing up for their rights within the military.
• 😀 The battalion worked under harsh conditions, including damp, cold warehouses with little heating, but they quickly developed an efficient system for processing and delivering mail.
• 😀 The 6888th had to overcome challenges like sorting mail for soldiers with the same name and damaged packages, using a system of special locator cards to track recipients.
• 😀 Their motto, 'No mail, low morale,' reflected their dedication to boosting soldiers' spirits by ensuring they received care packages and letters from home.
• 😀 The battalion earned recognition in the years after World War II, with monuments, awards, and even a Congressional Gold Medal in 2021 for their extraordinary service.
• 😀 Major Adams went on to have a distinguished career after the war, becoming a respected educator and administrator, and was honored by the Smithsonian Institution among other accolades.

Q & A

What was the main mission of the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion during World War II?

The main mission of the 6888th was to clear the massive backlog of mail and packages meant for U.S. soldiers stationed in Europe, ensuring that troops received letters and care packages from home.

Who was the commanding officer of the 6888th Battalion?

The commanding officer of the 6888th Battalion was Major Charity Adams, the first African-American woman to receive an Army commission.

How did the women of the 6888th overcome the difficult working conditions in England?

Despite working in damp, poorly lit warehouses infested with rats, the women of the 6888th persevered by organizing a system to sort and deliver the mail. They also wore additional clothing to keep warm and maintained a positive, determined attitude.

What challenges did the 6888th face in sorting and delivering mail?

The main challenges included dealing with mail that had incomplete addresses, packages intended for soldiers with the same name, and mail that had been sitting for up to two years. They developed an innovative system of locator cards and serial numbers to track the mail.

How quickly did the 6888th clear the mail backlog that the Army expected to take a year?

The 6888th cleared the backlog in just three months, far surpassing the Army's expectations.

What was the significance of the motto 'No mail, low morale' adopted by the 6888th?

The motto 'No mail, low morale' emphasized the importance of delivering mail to the soldiers, highlighting how the lack of mail negatively affected their morale. It also symbolized the commitment of the 6888th to ensure that troops received the much-needed support from home.

How did Major Charity Adams handle racial and gender discrimination in the Army?

Major Adams strongly stood up against racial and gender discrimination, often clashing with superiors who sought to impose segregation or criticized the presence of Black women in the military. She also resisted segregationist practices such as the Red Cross offering a separate hotel for Black servicewomen.

What recognition did the 6888th receive years after their service in World War II?

The 6888th received several forms of recognition, including being inducted into the U.S. Army Women's Foundation Hall of Fame in 2016, receiving a monument in their honor at Fort Leavenworth in 2018, and being awarded the Meritorious Unit Commendation in 2019. In 2021, they were awarded the Congressional Gold Medal.

How did Major Charity Adams' leadership impact the 6888th Battalion?

Major Adams' leadership was crucial to the success of the 6888th. She instilled discipline, motivation, and a strong sense of purpose in her troops. Her leadership also ensured the battalion was treated with respect and dignity, despite facing racism and sexism within a segregated military.

What was the significance of the 6888th's work in post-war Europe?

After the war, the 6888th continued to clear mail backlogs in France, where they were again tasked with sorting and delivering mail. Their work in rebuilding the postal system in post-war Europe was essential in maintaining the morale of the soldiers and bringing closure to the war effort.