The Six Triple Eight: How the 6888th Battalion Broke Barriers

Members of the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion take part in a parade ceremony in honor of Joan d'Arc at the marketplace where she was burned at the stake. The U.S. National Archives via Wikimedia Commons

During World War II, an extraordinary group of women broke barriers, defied expectations, and changed history. Known as the Six Triple Eight, this all-Black, all-female battalion of the Women's Army Corps served overseas in Europe, sorting millions of pieces of backlogged mail and boosting the morale of American troops far from home.

A Battalion Like No Other

Formed during a time when racism and sexism permeated American society and the military, the Six Triple Eight stood out as a bold statement of courage and proficiency.

Officially known as the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion, it was the only all-Black female soldiers unit 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 mission was as vital as any combat assignment: deliver the mail.

Mission: Morale

By 1945, a massive backlog of undelivered mail (some dating back two years) was clogging military mail systems in England and France. Letters and packages meant for soldiers were lost in mountains of mislabeled and duplicate addresses.

The Six Triple Eight faced warehouses stacked floor to ceiling with "dead body"-sized bags of correspondence. Working in shifts around the clock, they processed over 17 million pieces of mail in just three months in Birmingham — and later, another backlog in six months in Rouen, France.

Leadership Under Pressure

military — 2nd Lt. Freda le Beau (middle) serves the first Coca Cola to Major Charity Adams (right) at the grand opening of the WAC battalion's new snack bar. Department of Defense, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

At the helm was Major Charity Adams, the first Black woman to be commissioned as an officer in the Women's Army Corps. Her unmatched resolve and strong leadership kept the unit disciplined, focused and unshaken despite the harsh conditions and segregation they faced.

Under her command, the battalion developed a sophisticated tracking system to sort mail efficiently — a feat even seasoned postal workers found impressive.

Celebrating Women

The story of the Six Triple Eight was long overlooked in mainstream history. But as more efforts emerge to highlight remarkable women, especially during Women's History Month, their contributions are finally gaining attention.

From documentaries and books to public ceremonies honoring the battalion, these women warriors are being recognized as the heroes they are.

Hollywood Shines a Light

celebrities posing — From left: Ted Sarandos, Nicole Avant, Oprah Winfrey, Tyler Perry, Kerry Washington, Bela Bajaria and Dan Lin at the premiere for The Six Triple Eight. Featureflash Photo Agency / Shutterstock

In 2024, filmmaker Tyler Perry brought the story to the screen with a Netflix film titled "The Six Triple Eight," starring a steely Kerry Washington as Major Adams, with supporting roles by Kylie Jefferson, Moriah Brown and Tony Strickland.

The movie mixes historical drama with inspirational moments, depicting the challenges and triumphs of this all-Black female battalion. While some critics noted a "treacly presentation," others praised the performances and called it an important true story that deserves a wide audience.

Legacy and Impact

These women served their country at a time when many questioned their right to do so. They boosted morale, restored hope and brought pieces of life and love to soldiers who desperately needed connection.

Their service not only made a tangible difference during the war, but it also paved the way for future generations of Black women in the military.

We created this article in conjunction with AI technology, then made sure it was fact-checked and edited by a HowStuffWorks editor.