During World War II , an extraordinary group of charwoman broke barrier , defied expectations , and change history . Known as theSix Triple Eight , this all - Black , all - female battalion of the Women ’s Army Corps served overseas in Europe , sorting trillion of piece of music of backlogged mail and encourage the morale of American troops far from home .
A Battalion Like No Other
form during a time when racism and sexism diffuse American high society and the war machine , the Six Triple Eight stood out as a bold instruction of courage and proficiency .
Officially known as the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion , it was the only all - Black female soldiers whole to serve in the European Theater during the war .
These women were part of the Women ’s Army Corps — an evolution of the earlier Women ’s Army Auxiliary Corps — and their missionary station was as critical as any combat designation : deliver the post .
Mission: Morale
By 1945 , a monolithic backlog of undelivered mail ( some dating back two years ) was overload military mail systems in England and France . Letters and packages meant for soldier were lost in mountains of misbranded and duplicate computer address .
The Six Triple Eight faced warehouses stack floor to roof with " deadened body"-sized bags of commensurateness . Working in work shift around the clock , they march over 17 million pieces of mail in just three months in Birmingham — and later , another stockpile in six months in Rouen , France .
Leadership Under Pressure
At the helm was Major Charity Adams , the first dark woman to be commissioned as an officer in the Women ’s Army Corps . Her unmatched resoluteness and strong leadership kept the unit disciplined , focused and undismayed despite the harsh condition and sequestration they confront .
Under her command , the pack developed a sophisticated trailing system to sort ring armour efficiently — a feat even seasoned postal worker determine telling .
Celebrating Women
The story of the Six Triple Eight was long overlooked in mainstream history . But as more efforts egress to play up singular women , particularly during Women ’s History Month , their contributions are at long last gaining attention .
From docudrama and books to public ceremonies honoring the battalion , these women warrior are being realize as the hero they are .
Hollywood Shines a Light
In 2024 , filmmaker Tyler Perry wreak the story to the screen with a Netflix picture title " The Six Triple Eight , " starring a steely Kerry Washington as Major Adams , with supporting theatrical role by Kylie Jefferson , Moriah Brown and Tony Strickland .
The film commingle diachronic drama with inspirational moments , depicting the challenges and triumphs of this all - grim distaff battalion . While some critics noted a " treacly presentation , " others praised the performances and call it an important true floor that deserves a full audience .
Legacy and Impact
These women serve well their country at a time when many question their right to do so . They advance morale , restored hope and brought pieces of life and love to soldiers who desperately postulate connective .
Their armed service not only made a touchable difference of opinion during the warfare , but it also paved the way for future generations of mordant char in the military .
We created this article in conjugation with AI technology , then made sure it was fact - check and edited by a HowStuffWorks editor in chief .
