The 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion and the Congressional Gold Medal

The 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion (6888th) was a majority African American Women’s Army Corps’ (WAC) unit from World War II (though historical records indicate that the unit also included members from other racial and ethnic backgrounds, including Hispanic and Latina service women). Deployed to Europe in 1945, it tackled a massive backlog of undelivered mail accumulated over several years in the European Theater of Operations. 

Despite facing discrimination, the 6888th successfully cleared the backlog of 17 million pieces of mail in just three months. It’s commander, Major Charity Adams, was later honored by the Smithsonian National Postal Museum for her exceptional leadership. Several 6888th Veterans—including Alyce Dixon, Mary Ragland, and Gladys Shuster Carter—were also recognized by President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama in 2009 for their service.

The 6888th’s accomplishments were remarkable, as they were the only female unit to serve overseas during WWII. Their story has been preserved through oral histories, memoirs and other historical records, ensuring their contributions to the war effort are not forgotten. In a fitting tribute, the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion was awarded the Congressional Gold Medal in 2022, the highest civilian honor bestowed by the United States Congress. This prestigious award recognized the unit’s outstanding service and the lasting impact it had on the military and society as a whole.

The design for the Congressional Gold Medal awarded to the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion is a powerful representation of the unit’s remarkable achievements and legacy. The front of the medal features a portrait of the 6888th’s commanding officer, Major Charity Adams, standing alongside several of her fellow unit members in their military uniforms. This conveys the dignity and professionalism with which they carried out their duties. The back of the medal showcases the 6888th’s primary mission—the sorting and delivery of millions of pieces of undelivered mail. The design features a large stack of letters and packages, symbolizing the immense backlog they were tasked with clearing, with their signature red armbands interspersed among the mail. The inscription “Clearing the Backlog” encircles this central image, underscoring the vital importance of their work and the significant impact they had on morale and communication for American troops and their families during World War II.

The story of the 6888th serves as a powerful reminder of the courage and determination of women who served their country with distinction during a time of great adversity. Their legacy continues to inspire and pave the way for greater diversity, inclusion and equality in the armed forces.