WASHINGTON — Speaker Mike Johnson led a bipartisan ceremony Tuesday in Emancipation Hall to award the Congressional Gold Medal to the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion, known as the Six Triple Eight. The all-Black, all-female unit served in Europe during WWII, clearing a staggering 17 million pieces of backlogged mail in just three months, twice as fast as expected.
Led by Lt. Col. Charity Adams Earley, the battalion’s work was vital to troop morale. The motto “No Mail, Low Morale” became their official creed. Despite facing discrimination and limited resources, the 855 women succeeded with remarkable efficiency.
“These women were valiant members of our Greatest Generation,” said Speaker Johnson. “They got the job done, even in the face of inadequate supplies and even in the face of discrimination.” He added, “What a testament this is to the enduring impact of these remarkable women that we honor today.”
Descendants, including Earley’s children, accepted the medal on the battalion’s behalf, honoring a legacy that has inspired books, films, and renewed national recognition.