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WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Jerry Moran’s (R-Kan.) legislation to award the Congressional Gold Medal to the members of the Women’s Army Corps, who were assigned to the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion – the “Six Triple Eight” – during World War II, was signed into law by President Joe Biden. The unit served at home and in Europe where they sorted and routed mail for millions of American servicemembers and civilians. This legislation was also sponsored by Sen. Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.) in the Senate and by Congresswoman Gwen Moore (WI-04) and Congressman Jake LaTurner (KS-02) in the House.

“The women of the Six Triple Eight have earned a special place in history for their service to our nation, and as of today, their sacrifice is enshrined into law with the highest distinction Congress can bestow,” said Sen. Moran. “It has been an honor to meet members of the battalion and help lead this effort to award the Six Triple Eight with the Congressional Gold Medal – the highest expression of national appreciation from Congress. Though the odds were set against them, the women of the Six Triple Eight processed millions of letters and packages during their deployment in Europe, helping connect WWII soldiers with their loved ones back home – like my father and mother. Our nation will always be grateful to the members of the Six Triple Eight and now, nearly 80 years after their service, we are finally able to recognize these extraordinary women on the national stage. Thank you to the President for acting quickly to sign this legislation into law, Rep. Moore and Rep. LaTurner for leading this effort in the House and Col. Edna Cummings for her tireless work advocating for the Six Triple Eight to be honored on behalf of a grateful nation.”

“The heroic, barrier-breaking members of the Six Triple Eight Battalion – which included brave Nevada women – played a crucial role in the operations of our armed forces during World War II,” said Sen. Rosen. “They deserve our nation’s highest honors for their service. There is no better time to give them this long-overdue recognition than during Women’s History Month, and I’m proud to see President Biden sign our bipartisan legislation into law.”

“I am beaming knowing that the Six Triple Eight Congressional Gold Medal Act is now signed into law! I want to thank Senator Moran and Rep. LaTurner for their leadership and partnership in this effort which was invaluable,” said Rep. Moore. “I also want to thank the advocates whose work ensure that this story of sacrifice was not lost to history. This legislation is for my constituent, Ms. Anne Mae Wilson Robertson, and every unsung hero of the Six Triple Eight. In signing this legislation into law, our nation, in perpetuity, honors these trailblazing sheroes and helps ensure their service is always remembered. Now, work can begin on designing the coin and planning the formal congressional ceremony to present the Gold Medal to these women and/or their families.”

"I'm pleased that legislation to award the Six Triple Eight with the Congressional Gold Medal is officially signed into law. After eight decades, these brave women will finally get the recognition they deserve for their heroic service to our nation during World War II," said Rep. LaTurner. "I want to thank my colleagues, Congresswoman Moore and Senator Moran, for their efforts in getting this legislation across the finish line."

The Six Triple Eight was the only all-black, all-female battalion to serve overseas during World War II, and they were responsible for clearing out an overwhelming backlog of mail, making certain American troops received letters from home to boost their morale.

“It never occurred to me that it would happen,” said Major Fannie McClendon, (Ret.) USAF, 6888th veteran.

“I wish more of the 6888th members were here, and I hope that I’m still here when President Biden signs the bill,” said Ms. Lena King, 6888th veteran. “That will be a great day.”

“This is a wonderful recognition of the critical service the 6888th provided to this country under extraordinary difficult conditions,” said Stanley Earley, 6888th family member.

“The 6888th deserves this honor for their dedication to our soldiers and their country for completing the job given to them in record time,” said Janice Martin, 6888th family member.

“The Congressional Gold Medal is the nation’s gratitude for the 6888th Battalion and the thousands of African American women who served in the Army during WWII,” said Col. Edna W. Cummings, 6888th Advocate. “Their service will never be forgotten as soldiers and trailblazers for gender and racial equality.”

Last month, Sen. Moran delivered remarks on the Senate floor to recognize the House passage of the "Six Triple Eight" Congressional Gold Medal Act. Click HERE to watch Sen. Moran’s full speech

Timeline of Sen. Moran’s involvement in honoring the Six Triple Eight:

  • On February 28, 202 this legislation passed the U.S. House of Representatives.
  • On April 30, 2021, this legislation unanimously passed the U.S. Senate.
  • On April 20, 2021, Sen. Moran spoke at the memorial service for Deloris Ruddock, a member of the Six Triple Eight.
  • In February 2021, Sen. Moran reintroduced this legislation in 117th Congress.
  • In December 2020, the Senate passed Sen. Moran’s legislation to award the Congressional Gold Medal to Members of the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion, but it did not pass the U.S. House of Representatives. 
  • In March 2019, Sen. Moran introduced S. 633 to award the Congressional Gold Medal to Members of the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion. 
  • In November 2019, Sen. Moran participated in the dedication of the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion Monument at the Buffalo Soldier Memorial Park on Fort Leavenworth in Kansas.
  • Sen. Moran helped raise awareness about the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion and as a result the Army award the battalion with the Meritorious Unit Compensation.
  • In October 2018, the Senate unanimously passed Sen. Moran’s resolution honoring the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion.
  • Click here to watch a special tribute to the women of the Six Triple Eight.

Sen. Moran meets with surviving members of the battalion during the dedication of the memorial

for the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion at Fort Leavenworth in November 2018.

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Inspection of the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion.

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