Black female WWII unit the Six Triple Eight will receive Congressional Gold Medal in recognition of military service

The only black, all-female unit to serve in Europe during World War II, commonly known as the Six Triple Eight, will be presented Tuesday with the Congressional Gold Medal, following a long-running campaign to recognize its efforts.The 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion was credited with solving a growing mail crisis during its stint in England and, upon its return, served as a role model to generations of black women who joined the military.The unit cleared out a backlog of about 17 million pieces of mail in three months, twice as fast as projected.It would go on to serve in France before returning home.

And like many black units during World War II, its exploits never got the attention afforded its white counterparts — until now.At a ceremony scheduled to be held in Emancipation Hall at the Capitol Visitor Center, House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) and others will present the medal to the family of the unit commander, Lt.Col.

Charity Adams Earley.Kim Guise, senior curator and director of curatorial affairs at the National WWII Museum, said there are only two women living from the 855 who served in the unit.“That really shows how long this recognition took,” Guise said.“It is really important to recognize the accomplishments of these women and what they went through to serve their country in wartime.”Rep.

Gwen Moore (D-Wis.), who co-sponsored legislation to award the medal to the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion, called it a long-overdue honor for the women in the unit.“These heroes deserve their dues, and I am so glad their story is being told,” Moore told the Associated Press on Monday.“I am especially honored to ensure my constituent, Ms.

Anna Mae Robertson, and the many others who served with her are recognized for their selfless service.”In 2022, Congress voted 422-0 to bestow its highest honor on the 6888th.“It’s overwhelming,” retired Maj.Fannie Griffin McClendon, 104, who lives in Arizona, told the AP after the...