Moolenaar Supports Legislation Honoring World War II Heroes

Congressman John Moolenaar supports legislation to posthumously award the Congressional Gold Medal to the women of the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion (commonly known as the Six Triple Eight). The medal would be awarded in recognition of their military service and contributions to increase the morale of those stationed in the European theater during World War II.

“I am proud to be a cosponsor of this legislation which recognizes the members of the Six Triple Eight for their service dedication. The Congressional Gold Medal is one of our nation's highest honors and the women of the Six Triple Eight deserve such an award,” said Congressman Moolenaar, a cosponsor of the legislation. “The work done by the Six Triple Eight to clear the backlog of mail in the European theater ensured troops stayed in touch with their loved ones and this morale boost was a significant contribution to the war effort.”

In February 1945, the US Army sent 855 black women from the Women’s Army Corps (WAC) to England and France to clear the backlog of mail in the European theater of operations. The Six Triple Eight was the only all-black female battalion to serve in Europe during World War II; many had to enlist in recruiting stations in the North due to Jim Crow segregation laws. By the war’s end, the Six Triple Eight had cleared over 17 million pieces of backlogged mail. Nine members of the unit are known to still be living.