The Six Triple Eight, an all-Black, all-female battalion of the Women’s Army Corps, broke barriers during World War II by sorting millions of pieces of backlogged mail and boosting morale of American troops in Europe.
During World War II, an extraordinary group of women broke barriers, defied expectations, and changed history. Known as the Six Triple Eight, this all-Black, all-female battalion of the Women’s Army Corps served overseas in Europe, sorting millions of pieces of backlogged mail and boosting the morale of American troops far from home.
The Six Triple Eight was a unit of African American women who served in the United States Army during World War II.
Formed in 1945, the unit consisted of approximately 600 women who were trained as clerks and typists.
They were deployed to Europe, where they worked tirelessly behind the scenes to support the war effort.
The Six Triple Eight was a trailblazing unit that paved the way for future generations of African American women in the military.
A Battalion Like No Other
Formed during a time when racism and sexism permeated American society and the military, the Six Triple Eight stood out as a bold statement of courage and proficiency. Officially known as the ‘6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion’, it was the only all-Black female soldiers unit to serve in the European Theater during the war.
Mission: Morale
By 1945, a massive backlog of undelivered mail was clogging military mail systems in England and France. Letters and packages meant for soldiers were lost in mountains of mislabeled and duplicate addresses. The Six Triple Eight faced warehouses stacked floor to ceiling with ‘dead body-sized bags’ of correspondence. Working in shifts around the clock, they processed over 17 million pieces of mail in just three months in Birmingham — and later, another backlog in six months in Rouen, France.
Leadership Under Pressure
At the helm was Major Charity Adams, the first Black woman to be commissioned as an officer in the Women’s Army Corps. Her unmatched resolve and strong leadership kept the unit disciplined, focused, and unshaken despite the harsh conditions and segregation they faced. Under her command, the battalion developed a sophisticated tracking system to sort mail efficiently — a feat even seasoned postal workers found impressive.
Charity Edward Adams was a trailblazing African American officer in the Women's Army Corps (WAC) during World War II.
Born on June 10, 1926, in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, Adams enlisted in the WAC in 1945 and rose to the rank of captain.
She served as the first African American woman to command an all-white unit, leading a transportation company in Germany.
Adams' military career was marked by her dedication and leadership, paving the way for future generations of women and minorities in the US military.
Celebrating Women
The story of the Six Triple Eight was long overlooked in mainstream history. But as more efforts emerge to highlight remarkable women, especially during Women’s History Month, their contributions are finally gaining attention. From documentaries and books to public ceremonies honoring the battalion, these women warriors are being recognized as the heroes they are.
Hollywood Shines a Light
In 2024, filmmaker ‘Tyler Perry‘ brought the story to the screen with a Netflix film titled ‘The Six Triple Eight‘, starring a steely Kerry Washington as Major Adams, with supporting roles by Kylie Jefferson, Moriah Brown, and Tony Strickland. The movie mixes historical drama with inspirational moments, depicting the challenges and triumphs of this all-Black female battalion. While some critics noted a ‘treacly presentation‘, others praised the performances and called it an important true story that deserves a wide audience.
Legacy and Impact
These women served their country at a time when many questioned their right to do so. They boosted morale, restored hope, and brought pieces of life and love to soldiers who desperately needed connection. Their service not only made a tangible difference during the war but also paved the way for future generations of Black women in the military.
The history of black women serving in the US military dates back to the Civil War.
In 1863, Sojourner Truth became one of the first black women to enlist as a nurse.
By World War II, thousands of black women served in various roles, including the Women's Army Corps (WAC) and the Marine Corps Women's Reserve.
Statistics show that between 1942 and 1945, over 40% of all female military personnel were black.
Today, black women continue to make up a significant portion of the US military, with many holding leadership positions.
- howstuffworks.com | The Six Triple Eight: How the 6888th Battalion Broke Barriers
