Black female WWII unit, 'Six Triple Eight,' receives congressional medal

The only Black, all-female unit to serve in Europe during World War II, known as the "Six Triple Eight," was honored Tuesday with the Congressional Gold Medal, following a long-running campaign to recognize their efforts.

- by Fernanda Figueroa And Matt Brown Associated Press

The 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion was credited with solving a growing mail crisis during its stint in England and, upon their return, serving as a role model to generations of Black women who joined the military.

They cleared out a backlog of about 17 million pieces of mail in three months, twice as fast as projected. The battalion would go on to serve in France before returning home. And like many Black units during World War II, their exploits never got the attention afforded their white counterparts — until now.

House Speaker Mike Johnson presented the medal to the family of the unit commander, Lt. Col. Charity Adams Earley, during a ceremony in Emancipation Hall at the Capitol Visitor Center. More than 300 descendants of the women who served in the battalion were in attendance.

"This ceremony reflects one of the highest and most cherished traditions of our republic, one that's roots stretch back all the way to General George Washington," Johnson said.

"The Six Triple Eight are great American patriots, loyal to a nation that, for far too long, failed to return the favor. And I'm glad to say that's changing, and we're doing that here today," he said.