The Florida House of Representatives has introduced House Resolution HR 8021 to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion, an all-black unit of the Women's Army Corps (WAC) that served overseas during World War II. Formed in late 1944 and deployed to the European theater in 1945, the battalion, known as the "Six Triple Eight," consisted of 855 women led by Major Charity Adams. Among them were 23 women from Florida, who played a crucial role in addressing a significant backlog of mail that was affecting troop morale, as many soldiers had not received communication from home for over six months.
The resolution highlights the battalion's remarkable achievements, including sorting and delivering over 17 million pieces of mail under challenging conditions, such as inadequate facilities and the threat of danger. Their dedication and efficiency allowed them to complete their mission in just 90 days in Birmingham, England, and later in Rouen, France, where they faced similar challenges. In recognition of their service and the obstacles they overcame, the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion was awarded the Congressional Gold Medal in 2022. The resolution commends these women for their unwavering commitment to the United States Army and its personnel during a critical time in history.