the six triple eight
The Six Triple Eight: WWII’s All-Black Female Unit
Imagine a group of Black women who changed history during World War II. They not only overcame incredible odds but also lifted the spirits of U.S. soldiers. The Six Triple Eight was a unique unit in the Women’s Army Corps (WAC). It was the only all-Black, all-female team sent to Europe during the war12.
Key Takeaways
- The Six Triple Eight, a unit of 855 Black women, was the only all-female, all-Black battalion dispatched to Europe during WWII.
- They were tasked with sorting through 17 million pieces of undelivered mail in just 90 days, a feat they accomplished in half the allocated time.
- The unit’s commanding officer, Lt. Col. Charity Adams, was the highest-ranked Black woman in the U.S. Army at the time.
- The Six Triple Eight faced numerous challenges, including racism, sexism, and poor working conditions, yet they persevered and completed their mission.
- The success of the Six Triple Eight paved the way for future opportunities for Black women in the armed forces and boosted morale among U.S. soldiers during WWII.
Formation and Purpose of the Six Triple Eight
In late 1944, the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion, known as the “Six Triple Eight”, was created. It aimed to solve a big problem for U.S. troops in Europe during World War II – a huge pile of undelivered mail3. This unit was made up of 31 officers and 824 enlisted women, mostly African Americans, with some Hispanic and Caribbean members. They were between 17 and 52 years old3.
Origins of the Women’s Army Corps Battalion
The 6888th Battalion was part of the Women’s Army Corps (WAC). By late 1944, nearly 14,000 WAC members were serving overseas4. These women had volunteered to help their country during the war. They went through tough training, like obstacle courses and studying enemy equipment, to get ready for their mission.
Mission Objectives and Mail Crisis
The Six Triple Eight’s main job was to sort over 3.7 million undelivered letters and packages for U.S. troops in Europe4. This was crucial to keep soldiers’ spirits high by sending them mail from home. Despite facing racism and sexism, they worked hard. They processed an average of 65,000 pieces of mail per eight-hour shift3. They cleared the backlog in Birmingham, England, in just three months, beating their deadline4.
Unit Structure and Leadership
The 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion had five companies, each with its own leaders and tasks. Major Charity Adams, the highest-ranking Black woman in the Army at the time, led the unit3. Under her, they not only solved the initial backlog but also tackled a three-year backlog in Rouen, France, in just five months3.
In 2022, over 70 years later, the Six Triple Eight was honored with the Congressional Gold Medal3. Sadly, Major Charity Adams, the pioneering leader, passed away in 2002 at 834.
“The Six Triple Eight was an all-Black, all-female unit that faced incredible odds, yet they persevered and succeeded in their mission to deliver victory mail to our troops in Europe. Their story is a testament to the strength and resilience of these remarkable women.”
Major Charity Adams: Breaking Barriers as Commander
Lt. Col. Charity Adams was a trailblazer as the first Black woman in the Women’s Army Corps (WAC)5. At 26, she led the Six Triple Eight, a Black Women’s Army Corps unit overseas during World War II5. She faced discrimination but stood strong, famously saying “Over my dead body.”5
Adams led the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion, known as the “Six Triple Eight”. They played a key role in boosting U.S. service member morale during the war5. They cleared over 17 million pieces of undelivered mail in Europe, finishing in half the time expected6. This effort greatly improved service member morale, as shown by the unit’s motto7.
After the war, Adams married Stanley A. Earley Jr. and had two children. She wrote a memoir, “One Woman’s Army”, honoring women who served in World War II5. Her legacy lives on through the Charity Adams Earley Academy for Girls in Dayton, Ohio, which educates and empowers young women6. Adams’ achievements and spirit have made her a true trailblazer in history.
Lt. Col. Charity Adams, the first Black woman in the WAC, led the Six Triple Eight with honor5. Her work, including clearing over 17 million pieces of mail in Europe6, and her dedication to service and education, have made a lasting impact. Her legacy continues to inspire the fight for equality in the United States Army and beyond7.
The Six Triple Eight’s European Deployment
In February 1945, the Six Triple Eight, an all-Black female unit, arrived in Glasgow, Scotland. They faced danger from a German V-1 rocket attack8. They were quickly sent to Birmingham, England, to tackle a huge task: sorting 17 million pieces of undelivered mail89.
Journey to Birmingham, England
The Six Triple Eight had 855 women, with 824 enlisted and 31 officers8. They lived in the former King Edward Boys School, a segregated facility9. Despite tough living, they worked hard to clear the mail backlog and deliver messages to soldiers and their families.
Working Conditions and Challenges
The women faced a huge challenge. They had to sort 17 million pieces of mail in six months9. But they did more than expected, finishing in 90 days and sorting 65,000 pieces per shift89.
Their work was hard, in cold, dark warehouses. They faced discrimination and tough mail conditions9. But they kept going, driven by duty and a desire to deliver the mail.
Mission in Rouen and Paris
After Birmingham, they went to Rouen, France, in May 1945, and then Paris in October8. In Paris, they dealt with package thefts and solved the problems9.
The Six Triple Eight was the first African American female unit overseas in World War II8. In 2018, a monument was erected at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, to honor them. In 2022, they received Congressional Gold Medals8.
“We were just doing our job. We didn’t know that it was going to be of such significance.”
– Corporal Lena Derriecott King, a member of the Six Triple Eight9
Overcoming Discrimination and Adversity
The women of the Six Triple Eight faced many challenges in Europe. They dealt with racial segregation and sexism. Yet, they stayed professional and finished their mission with great determination10.
They were put in segregated housing and facilities. Major Charity Adams refused to accept this. The whole battalion joined her, refusing to go to a segregated Red Cross club10. Some men thought the women were sent as companions, showing how deep the sexism was10.
The Six Triple Eight didn’t let these attitudes stop them. They worked hard to clear a huge backlog of mail1011. They worked day and night, sorting 195,000 pieces of mail every day. They cleared a two-year backlog in just three months11.
But, they faced a sad loss. Private Mary Bankston, Private Mary Barlow, and Private Sergeant Dolores Browne died in a vehicle accident11. Despite this, the Six Triple Eight kept going. They overcame discrimination and delivered a vital wartime service.
“The Six Triple Eight faced immense challenges, but they never wavered in their determination to complete their mission. Their story is a testament to the power of perseverance and the courage to break down barriers.”
Today, the Six Triple Eight’s legacy lives on. Major Charity Adams’ achievements are celebrated. The Charley Adams Earley Girls Academy in Dayton, Ohio, and Fort Greggs-Adams are named after her10. Their service and resilience inspire women and minorities to this day.
Legacy and Historical Impact
The Six Triple Eight, an all-Black female battalion, played a key role in World War II. They worked hard to clear a huge mail backlog, boosting troop morale12. Their efforts were once overlooked but are now widely recognized12.
Achievement of Mission Goals
The 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion had 855 African American women13. They tackled sorting and delivering 17 million pieces of mail that had piled up for years13. Amazingly, they finished their job in just three months, beating expectations13.
Recognition and Honors
In 2022, the Six Triple Eight received the Congressional Gold Medal, the highest civilian honor12. In 2023, Fort Lee in Virginia was renamed Fort Gregg-Adams to honor Lt. Col. Charity Adams, their leader12.
Modern Day Tributes
The Six Triple Eight’s story is now celebrated in various ways. A monument was unveiled at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, in 201812. The Netflix film “The Six Triple Eight” directed by Tyler Perry also highlights their story12.
The film, starring Kerry Washington, Oprah Winfrey, and Susan Sarandon, has received high praise12. It’s known for its emotional depth and historical significance12.
The Six Triple Eight’s legacy is a source of inspiration and education12. Their bravery and contributions during World War II are now celebrated as a vital part of U.S. history12.
Conclusion
The Six Triple Eight, an all-Black unit in World War II, shows the big role Black women played in the war14. They sorted and delivered over 17 million pieces of mail in 90 days, overcoming a huge backlog15. The movie “The Six Triple Eight” tells of their struggles, including racism and sexism in the military15.
The Six Triple Eight’s service is now recognized, including the Congressional Gold Medal14. The film also mentions Eleanor Roosevelt, Franklin D. Roosevelt, and Mary McLeod Bethune, adding to its historical value14. Their story is inspiring, showing the importance of Black women in the military14.
The Six Triple Eight’s tale is a strong reminder of Black women’s strength and bravery in World War II14. Their story is a key part of military history and a symbol of the fight for equality16. Thanks to recent media and recognition, their legacy will keep inspiring future generations.
FAQ
What was the Six Triple Eight?
The Six Triple Eight was a special unit in World War II. It was the only all-Black, all-female group in the Women’s Army Corps. They had 855 women who sorted 17 million pieces of mail in Europe.
What was the mission and purpose of the Six Triple Eight?
The 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion was created in late 1944. They aimed to clear a huge mail backlog for U.S. troops in Europe. Their motto, “no mail, low morale,” showed how vital their work was for soldier morale.
Who led the Six Triple Eight?
Major Charity Adams led the Six Triple Eight. She was the first Black woman in the Women’s Army Corps. At the time, she was the highest-ranking Black woman in the Army.
What were the challenges faced by the Six Triple Eight in Europe?
The women faced racism and sexism in Europe. They were in segregated housing and facilities. They also worked in cold, poorly lit places to sort mail.
How did the Six Triple Eight perform their mission?
The unit did more than expected, finishing their task in 90 days instead of six months. They then moved to Rouen, France, and Paris. There, they solved package thefts.
How has the Six Triple Eight been recognized?
The Six Triple Eight’s work is now widely recognized. In 2022, they received the Congressional Gold Medal. Fort Lee in Virginia was renamed Fort Gregg-Adams in 2023 to honor Lt. Col. Charity Adams. A monument at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, was unveiled in 2018.
Source Links
- https://www.npr.org/2024/12/20/nx-s1-5191921/wwiis-only-womens-army-corps-unit-of-color-featured-in-the-six-triple-eight
- https://people.com/was-the-six-triple-eight-real-8758494
- https://www.elle.com/culture/movies-tv/a63252714/the-six-triple-eight-true-story-explained/
- https://www.historyextra.com/period/second-world-war/six-triple-eight-true-story-real-history/
- https://www.army.mil/article/274563/charity_adams_joined_the_army_for_the_same_reasons_many_do_today_opportunities_and_adventure
- https://visitnaha.com/charity-adams-earley/
- https://uk.news.yahoo.com/six-triple-eight-real-history-163000909.html
- https://www.army.mil/article/282170/ait_students_first_to_see_screening_of_six_triple_eight_at_beaty_theater
- https://www.aol.com/six-triple-eight-real-history-163000286.html
- https://screenrant.com/the-six-triple-eight-ww2-battalion-true-story-explained/
- https://www.familysearch.org/en/blog/6888-battalion
- https://www.blackhistorymonth.org.uk/article/section/film/film-review-the-six-triple-eight/
- https://spokesman-recorder.com/2024/12/20/six-triple-eight-black-women/
- https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/the-six-triple-eight-netflix-tyler-perry-film-review
- https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/english/movie-reviews/the-six-triple-eight/ottmoviereview/116534089.cms
- https://www.thewrap.com/the-six-triple-eight-review-tyler-perry-world-war-movie-netflix/
