A Historic Vote

by

Header with a photo of Mari K. Eder on the left, the text "Ret. Major Gen. Mari K. Eder. Author, Speaker, Consultant at Benson's ReView" in the middle. And two book covers (The Girls Who Stepped Out Of Line and The Girls Who Fought Crime) on the right.

On Monday, February 28, the House of Representatives voted 422-0 to award the Congressional Gold Medal to the all African-American, all-woman Six Triple Eight Central Postal Battalion – the only all-female, Black unit to serve overseas in World War II.

I was thrilled to be in Congresswoman Gwen Moore’s office that evening as the vote took place on the floor of the House. Congresswoman Moore, from Wisconsin’s 4th District, was contacted by Six Triple Eight veteran Ms. Anna Mae Robertson and was inspired to join the campaign. Her office was packed that evening, with friends, relatives and advocates for the women and their accomplishments.

Three women standing together in a professional setting, engaged in conversation. The woman on the left is wearing a checkered blazer, the woman in the middle is wearing a gray blazer and holding an open book, and the woman on the right is wearing a black blazer. An American flag is visible in the background, indicating this is likely an official or work-related event

Col. Edna Cummings points out Charity Adams’ story to Congresswoman Gwen Moore as the author looks on.

The Six Triple Eight served behind the front lines, in England, clearing a backlog of 17 million pieces of wartime mail. Their hard work reunited fighting soldiers and supporting civilians with their families and loved ones back home. At the time the Six Triple Eight started to clear the backlog, some troops hadn’t had any mail from home in over two years. The women worked in dark, rat-infested
hangars, in three shifts, 24-hours a day, moving some 56,000 pieces of mail per shift. They were given six months to achieve their mission but accomplished it in three. Following the war, Six Triple Eight veterans returned home to no recognition and little thanks – their achievements forgotten for more than 50 years. But then that began to change.

The Girls Who Stepped Out of Line tells the story of Charity Adams Earley, the first and only commander of the Six Triple Eight, her journey through the war years and beyond. But each of the women who served in that singular battalion also had a story and a shared legacy. There are six living veterans who served with the Six Triple Eight and they will be receiving the Congressional Gold Medal in person when it is minted for presentation.

It was an honor to be there along with a number of the grown children of 6888 members and two tireless advocates for the award, retired U.S. Army Colonel Edna Cummings and retired Master Sgt. Elizabeth Helm-Frazier. This was an emotional evening for everyone in attendance and the conclusion of a long and arduous campaign. Days later, many were able to return for a brief ceremony as Speaker of the House, Hon. Nancy Pelosi signed the bill to forward it to the White House.

A group of around 10 African American individuals, both men and women of varying ages, gathered in a formal office or meeting room setting. They are dressed in professional attire such as suits and dresses. Some are seated on a tufted leather sofa and chairs, while others are standing. The room has framed artwork and photographs on the walls, as well as bookshelves visible in the background. The individuals appear engaged in conversation or discussion

Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan), was the principal sponsor of the bill in the Senate. He had been a supporter of the 6888 Battalion (No Mail, Low Morale) since the unit was honored at Fort Leavenworth, KS in 2018 with a statue and a memorial.

A memorial statue of a person in military uniform, likely a soldier or veteran, standing on a pedestal. The pedestal has an inscription that reads "Born 09 December 88 - Died 13 January 2022" and "The Right to Serve". In front of the statue, a person, likely a child or young person, is reaching up and touching the statue's hand. The scene is set in a snowy, wooded area.

“The Moment” – Retired Master Sergeant Elizabeth Helm-Frazier touches the likeness of Lieutenant Colonel Charity Adams Earley on the monument honoring the 6888 Central Postal Directory Battalion on November 29, 2018 at Fort Leavenworth, KS.

The following year, the Secretary of the Army presented the Meritorious Unit Award to the Six Triple Eight in February 2019. At the time this was their only military award for their wartime service.

But there was still one more recognition that needed to be made. Thankfully the women of the 6888 will be recognized not just by the U.S. Army for their service, but now by a grateful nation for their sacrifice and their perseverance.

On March 14th, 2022, President Biden changed this by signing S.321, the “Six Triple Eight” Congressional Gold Medal Act of 2021, into be law.

These trailblazing women can never be forgotten.

Enjoyed this post? Get my newsletter delivered to your inbox so you don’t miss the next one! I send out one mailing a month most months and promise zero spam.