In a historic ceremony held at the U.S. Capitol this week, the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion—known as the “Six Triple Eight” was awarded the Congressional Gold Medal, marking the culmination of decades-long efforts to honor the only all-Black, all-female U.S. Army unit to serve overseas during World War II.

Eighty years after their pivotal yet often overlooked service, members of the Six Triple Eight were formally recognized for their extraordinary contribution to the war effort. The Congressional Gold Medal, the highest civilian award bestowed by Congress, was presented in a ceremony attended by hundreds, including descendants, lawmakers, and one of the two surviving veterans of the battalion.

A Mission to Boost Morale

Formed in 1944, the 6888th was deployed to Europe in 1945 with a singular but vital mission: to sort and deliver a massive backlog of undelivered mail estimated at more than 17 million pieces clogging the military postal system and threatening troop morale. Operating under the motto “No Mail, Low Morale,” the battalion’s 855 women worked in grueling conditions in England and France.

Facing poorly lit and rat-infested warehouses, frigid temperatures, and a six-day workweek with three eight-hour shifts rotating around the clock, they accomplished what many deemed impossible. They cleared the entire backlog in just three months half the projected time.

Their achievement not only restored vital communication lines for U.S. troops, but also demonstrated the competence and discipline of Black women in a segregated military.

Delayed Recognition

Despite their accomplishments, the Six Triple Eight received little recognition after returning home. Their service remained largely absent from history books and national memory. That began to change in recent years, thanks to advocacy efforts by historians, family members, and lawmakers.

In 2019, the unit received a Meritorious Unit Commendation from the U.S. Army. Then, in 2022, Congress passed legislation to award the battalion the Congressional Gold Medal, with President Joe Biden signing the bill into law shortly thereafter. The bill can be viewed on Congress.gov.

The long-awaited award ceremony took place on April 29, 2025, at Emancipation Hall in the U.S. Capitol Visitor Center. House Speaker Mike Johnson, Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kansas), and Representative Gwen Moore (D-Wisconsin) led the bipartisan ceremony. Over 300 people attended, including relatives of the battalion’s women and military officials.

Living Legacy

Among those honored was Major Fannie Griffin McClendon, one of only two known surviving members of the unit. Now 104 years old, McClendon shared her gratitude and disbelief at the honor finally being realized.

“I never thought I’d live to see the day,” she said. “We just did our job. We didn’t think about medals or attention.”

The award underscores a broader effort by the Department of Defense and Congress to acknowledge the contributions of historically marginalized groups in U.S. military history. More information about the medal and honorees can be found at the U.S. Mint’s Congressional Gold Medal page.

Cultural Spotlight

The story of the Six Triple Eight has also reached broader audiences thanks to the arts. A 2024 Netflix film, The Six Triple Eight, directed by Tyler Perry, brought their story to life with a dramatized account of their service. The film, starring Kerry Washington, introduced the battalion’s courage and perseverance to millions around the world, reigniting interest in their place in American history.

The movie received critical acclaim for its authenticity and was praised for shining a light on a group whose legacy had been ignored for far too long. More information about the film’s historical accuracy can be found in TIME Magazine’s coverage.

final thought

With only two surviving members and many of the women having passed without seeing this recognition, the award serves as both a celebration and a solemn reminder. The Congressional Gold Medal will be housed at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture, ensuring future generations learn their story.

“Today, we correct the record,” said Rep. Moore. “The Six Triple Eight served with distinction. They did their duty with excellence. And now, their country has finally said, ‘Thank you.’”

The Six Triple Eight’s legacy will live on, not only through medals and films, but through the continued recognition of the essential role Black women have played and continue to play in defending and building the nation.