In the chaos of World War II, when mail piled up by the millions and morale among American troops dwindled, a group of extraordinary women stepped forward. The 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion—known as the “Six Triple Eight”—was the only all-Black, all-female unit deployed overseas during the war. They faced racism, sexism, and the unrelenting pressure of war, yet their determination never wavered.
These women didn’t wield weapons, but they carried something just as powerful—letters from home, messages of love, hope, and resilience. In freezing warehouses filled to the brim with undelivered mail, the 6888th devised an innovative system, working around the clock to ensure that every soldier received the morale-boosting words they desperately needed. But their mission wasn’t just about sorting mail—it was about proving their worth in a military and society that often sought to overlook them.
From their rigorous training in Jim Crow-era America to their deployment in war-torn Europe, Six Triple Eight: The Remarkable Story of the 6888th Battalion and Their Untold Heroism in WWII delves deep into the personal stories of these trailblazing women. Through firsthand accounts, historical records, and untold anecdotes, this book reveals the grit, courage, and unwavering spirit of the women who refused to let their contributions be forgotten.
More than 75 years later, the story of the Six Triple Eight is finally receiving the recognition it deserves. But their fight for acknowledgment is far from over. Read their story, honor their legacy, and discover the women who changed history—one letter at a time.
