The Six-Triple-Eight: The Black, All-Women's Battalion in World War II
- Rick Johnson
- 13 hours ago
- 2 min read
Today Cuppa Go honors the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion, the only all-African American, all-female unit serving overseas during World War II. Over 800 women served in the Six-Triple-Eight. Tasked with the critical mission of ensuring that mail reached American soldiers stationed in Europe, the importance of their role cannot be overstated. Mail from home was essential to maintaining morale. Serving first in England, the Six Triple Eight later moved to France, continuing their vital work until February 1946. Racism and sexism magnified the already astonishing difficulties in handling hundreds of thousands of pieces of mail amidst horrid and dangerous working conditions.
Each Cuppa Go post is like a newspaper to enjoy with your favorite cuppa. There's a series of related stories on a theme, and just like a newspaper, you can browse as your time and interests lead you.
American Valor: The 6888th - The compelling story of the unit's astonishing record of service.
6888 Postal Battalion: Hidden Secrets Netflix Left Out - Netflix produced a film in 2024 about the Six-Triple-Eight. However, as with many such pop films, some things got left out. This 18-minute video tells the broader story.
The Women of the 6888th - The official website dedicated to the women who served in the Six-Triple-Eight. It includes the full history of their service, a list of all the women who served, and information about their rightly deserved, buy long-delayed recognition.
Oral Histories: The Story of the 6888th Told in Their Own Words. Additional oral history videos can be found here on the 6888th official website.
Lieutenant Colonel Charity Adam (Earley) - LTC Adams was the Commanding Officer of the unit. Her exceptional and fearless leadership led the 6888th successfully through the horrors of war, racism, and sexism. She concluded her military service as the highest ranking African-American woman in the US Army. Learn more about her life and service here.
Major Abbie Noel Campbell (Mitchell) - Serving as the Executive Officer (second in command) of the 6888th, her story begins with wanting to be a school teacher. Then things got interesting for her...
Corporal Lena Derriecott Bell (King) - "We built a post office while they bombed us..." and that is just the beginning of the amazing story she tells.
Private First Class Deloris Ruddock - "In Oklahoma...during basic training...there was discrimination...(but) in Birmingham, England, there was a gracious couple I remember so well...because they invited my friend and I to dinner every Sunday night..."
The 6888th Awarded the Congressional Gold Medal - The 6888th finally got Congressional recognition for its outstanding service 80 years after the fact.
