OFFICE OF SEN. MORAN
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) today, on International Women’s Day, announced that the women of the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion were awarded a Meritorious Unit Commendation (MUC) by the Department of the Army on February 20, 2019 for the unit’s exceptionally meritorious performance during World War II. Sen. Moran sought the unit award on behalf of the women who served in the 6888th to recognize their service during their deployment to Europe.
The 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion – the “Six-Triple-Eight” – was an all-black, all-female unit that served at home and in Europe during World War II, where they sorted and routed mail for millions of American service members and civilians.
“I am pleased to announce the awarding of the Meritorious Unit Citation to the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion for their service during World War II,” said Sen. Moran. “This unit arrived in theater and successfully sorted and routed millions of pieces of mail for servicemembers and civilians sent by their loved ones with the expectation that they would be delivered. As we celebrate Black History Month and the start of Women’s History Month, it is important we pause to recognize the contributions and service of this historic unit.”
“It is a privilege to celebrate the women of the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion, who served as the first and only Black -American unit in the Women’s Army Corps to deploy overseas during WWII,” said Commander of U.S. Army Human Resources Command Major General Jason Evans. “Their service was of notable distinction as they cleared over a million pieces of mail, ensuring the delivery and boosting the morale of troops fighting in the European Theater. It is a tremendous honor to recognize the accomplishments and sacrifices of these women by awarding them the Meritorious Unit Commendation. The legacy of the 6888th will continue to inspire Soldiers today and for many more years to come as they take their rightful place in history.”
“This is very exciting and most gratifying for the women of 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion and their families,” said retired Navy Commander and Chairman and Project Director for the 6888th Memorial Committee Carlton Philpot. “These women had a direct impact on the lives of so many at home and in the European Theater of Operations. If a letter was sent to and from the European Theater of Operations between 1943-1946, these women probably sorted and redirected it. The efforts of these women greatly enhanced the morale of those in Europe and at home. After waiting nearly 74 years, I’m sure I speak on behalf of so many when I say that many are very thankful for all of Senator Moran’s support and effort in getting these women this long overdue recognition they earned and deserve.”
More information about a Meritorious Unit Commendation can be found here.