WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) joined his colleagues in awarding the Congressional Gold Medal to the Women’s Army Corps 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion also known as the Six Triple Eight. The ceremony was attended by family members of the Six Triple Eight.

The Six Triple Eight served at home and in Europe during World War II where they sorted and routed mail for millions of American servicemembers and civilians. The battalion was made up of more than 850 women and was the only all-black, all-female unit to serve overseas during World War II. There are only two living members of the Six Triple Eight, who watched the event from home.

“The World War II heroes we recognize today were freedom fighters, who set aside the safety and comforts of their home to deploy to Europe to fight tyranny and to support freedom which they didn’t always experience in their own country,” said Sen. Moran. “These women came from all over our nation; they came from all walks of life.”

“The women of the Six Triple Eight are soldiers who went above and beyond their duty; they broke barriers that never should have existed and defied odds that were stacked against them,” continued Sen. Moran. “Their commitment and determined efforts to eliminate a backlog of mail touched the lives of millions of American soldiers and their families at home. For American soldiers on the front lines, messages from home provided comfort and a reminder of the people back home who they were fighting for. For their families back home, letters gave them comfort and some level of certainty that their loved ones were alive and well.”

“The Six Triple Eight is especially important to me as the son of a World War II veteran who left his new bride in Emporia, Kansas, to fight in Europe,” said Sen. Moran “I don’t know if any of the letters between my mom and dad passed through the hands of the Six Triple Eight, but I do know the work they did made it possible for millions of young men like my dad to keep up the fight.”

Timeline of events leading up to the Gold Medal Ceremony:

• In October 2018, the U.S. Senate passed Sen. Moran’s resolution honoring the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion for their dedicated service.
• In November 2018, Sen. Moran participated in the dedication of the 6888th Central Postal Battalion Monument at the Buffalo Soldier Memorial Park on Fort Leavenworth in Kansas.
• In February 2021, Sen. Moran introduced legislation to award the Congressional Gold Medal to Members of the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion. 
• On April 20, 2021, Sen. Moran spoke at the memorial service for Deloris Ruddock, a member of the Six Triple Eight.
• On April 30, 2021, Sen. Moran’s legislation unanimously passed the U.S. Senate. 
• Sen. Moran’s legislation was introduced in the House by U.S. Representatives Jake LaTurner (R-Kan.) and Gwen Moore (D-Wis.) and on February 28, 2022, passed the House unanimously.
• On March 14, 2022, President Biden signed the legislation into law.
• On March 16, 2022, Sen. Moran sent urged the U.S. Mint to expedite the minting of this medal.
• On November 20, 2025, the medal was completed and made ready for presentation.
• On January 22, 2025, Sen. Moran requested that Speaker Johnson quickly schedule the ceremony.

Click HERE to watch Sen. Moran’s full remarks.