The Six Triple Eight, now available on Netflix, shines a long-overdue spotlight on the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion, the only all-Black, all-female battalion to serve overseas during World War II. Directed by Tyler Perry, the film tells the inspiring true story of these women who sorted through millions of backlogged mail for U.S. soldiers in Europe. Despite their vital contribution to the war effort, their service has been largely overlooked until recently. Under the leadership of Major Charity Adams, the battalion endured discrimination and constant German threats. Tyler Perry's film, while ambitious, falls short of fully capturing the depth of these pioneering women and their experiences.
The Women's Army Auxiliary Corps was established in 1942, allowing women to serve in noncombat roles. The corps later became known as the Women's Army Corps (WAC), and in 1948, women gained the right to serve as regular members of the military. Major Charity Adams, the first Black woman to serve as an officer for the WAC, led the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion.
The 6888th Battalion was the largest group of Black women to serve overseas during WWII. Composed primarily of African American women, the battalion's mission was to clear the backlog of undelivered mail for U.S. soldiers in Europe. Black women initially faced exclusion from serving overseas, but through the efforts of civil rights leaders, they were finally allowed to join the war effort.
The women of the 6888th faced discrimination from within the military, but their skill, dedication, and resilience prevailed. Major Charity Adams famously stood up to a white general who wanted to inspect her soldiers' quarters while they were on duty, declaring, "Over my dead body, sir." The battalion worked under harsh conditions, facing cold warehouses, blackout conditions, and eye strain. However, they worked tirelessly, processing an average of 65,000 pieces of mail per shift and clearing the backlog in just three months. Their efficiency led to further achievements in Rouen, France.
It took over 70 years for the 6888th Battalion to receive official recognition. Despite playing a critical role in maintaining soldiers' morale, the women faced indifference and hostility upon their return. In 2022, they were finally awarded the Congressional Gold Medal. Major Charity Adams continued to serve her community after the war and was honored by the Smithsonian National Postal Museum. She passed away in 2002. Only two veterans of the battalion, Fannie McClendon and Anna Mae Robertson, are still alive.
