The Six Triple Eight: Honoring an All-Black, All-Female WWII Unit with the Congressional Gold Medal
In a historic ceremony held at the U.S. Capitol on Tuesday, the Congressional Gold Medal was awarded to the Six Triple Eight, an all-Black, all-female unit from World War II. This honor recognizes their exceptional service in sorting mail for soldiers on the frontlines, which played a crucial role in maintaining morale during the war.
Significance of the Award
Congress passed bipartisan legislation in 2022 to bestow this high civilian accolade on the Six Triple Eight. House Speaker Mike Johnson presided over the ceremony, emphasizing the dedication and patriotism of the women who served. “The entire Six Triple Eight are great American patriots, loyal to a nation that for far too long failed to return that favor,” he stated during his opening remarks.
Achievements of the Six Triple Eight
- The unit’s motto, “no mail, low morale,” encapsulated their mission.
- They managed to eliminate a backlog of mail that had accumulated over two to three years in just three months, significantly exceeding the Army’s six-month target.
- Their efforts were instrumental in fostering relationships and uplifting spirits among the troops stationed overseas.
Recognition Through Film
The story of the Six Triple Eight gained renewed visibility with the release of the movie “The Six Triple Eight,” directed by Tyler Perry. The film stars Kerry Washington as the unit’s commander, Charity Adams Earley, and has helped introduce their legacy to a broader audience.
Emotional Acceptance Speech
Though the unit’s two surviving veterans were unable to attend the ceremony, Charity Adams Earley’s son, Stanley, accepted the medal on behalf of his late mother. He highlighted the importance of recognizing individuals who demonstrate dedication over factors such as race or gender: “The Congressional Gold Medal has reinforced the principle that those who dedicate themselves fully, regardless of race or gender, can be recognized at the highest levels, and above all, that excellence matters,” he remarked.
A Call to Preserve History
Col. Edna Cummings, a retired officer, noted the significance of this event in honoring the Six Triple Eight. “I am more than honored to be with you today to present the Six Triple Eight with our nation’s highest civilian award, the long-awaited, much-sought-after Congressional Gold Medal,” she stated. Cummings urged attendees to safeguard the historical narrative of the unit to ensure future generations remember their contributions.
Legacy and Visibility Challenges
The Six Triple Eight was among the units whose images were momentarily removed from Pentagon websites amid efforts to reassess content promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). During the ceremony, Stanley Earley appealed for ongoing recognition of their story, stating, “Please help us to ensure that the story of the Six Triple Eight and the honors and the recognition that they received are protected and remembered for future generations.”