The Remarkable History of the Six Triple Eight: An All-Black, All-Female WW2 Battalion

Netflix’s upcoming World War II drama, The Six Triple Eight, highlights the remarkable journey of the 6888th Battalion, an all-black and all-female unit whose pivotal role was to restore communication lines between the front lines and the home front during the closing phases of the war. The film, directed and written by Tyler Perry, captures both the profound struggles and the personal triumphs of the Battalion, showcasing the leadership of Major Charity Adams, played by Kerry Washington.

Inspired by Kevin M. Hymel’s article published in WWII History magazine, The Six Triple Eight adheres closely to historical events while dramatizing the extraordinary contributions of the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion of the Women’s Army Corps (WAC). The film paints a vivid picture of the adversity faced by these brave women, who overcame systemic discrimination to perform their duties with remarkable dedication and skill.

The 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion: Trailblazers of WWII

A Pioneering Battalion Serving in Europe During WWII

Ebony Obsidian & Sarah Jeffrey in The Six Triple Eight

The 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion emerged from the advocacy of educator and activist Mary McLeod Bethune (portrayed by Oprah Winfrey), who successfully lobbied First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt (played by Susan Sarandon) for recognition and meaningful roles for black women in the wartime effort. This battalion was formally incorporated into the Women’s Army Corps, which was established in May 1942. Many of its members were previously involved in various capacities within the WAC, while others were new recruits.

The Six Triple Eight – Key Details
Release Date	Streaming Platform	Director	RT Tomatometer Score	RT Popcornmeter Score
December 20th, 2024	Netflix	Tyler Perry	50%	76%

This battalion was unique as it was the only predominantly black unit from the WAC deployed overseas during World War II. Members received thorough training in military operations and protocols before being sent to Great Britain in February 1945 to manage an overwhelming backlog of mail that had accumulated due to a lack of available personnel in the postal service.

Major Charity Adams: Leading the “Six Triple Eight”

Portrayal of WWII’s Highest-Ranking African American Female Officer

The “Six Triple Eight”boasted a roster of 855 women under the leadership of Major Charity Adams, who became a trailblazer as the first African American female officer in the Women’s Army Corps, later rising to lieutenant colonel by the war’s conclusion. Known for her staunch opposition to racism, Adams famously defended her authority when a general sought to send a white officer to oversee her unit, declaring, “Over my dead body, sir.”

Adams joined the Women’s Auxiliary Army Corps in 1942 and quickly climbed to a supervisory role at Fort Des Moines, Iowa, which was pivotal for WAC training. Promoted in 1944 to enhance efficiency at the Training Center, her expertise played a crucial role in the effectiveness of the 6888th during their postal missions.

Before the battalion was deployed to England, Adams led the only company of black women in the WAC based in Birmingham. In addition to managing postal duties, she focused on uplifting the morale of fellow soldiers and civilian women, establishing beauty parlors that provided a space for socialization and camaraderie.

The 6888th Battalion’s Impact in Great Britain and France

Resolving the Mail Backlog That Affected Morale

Ebony Obsidian and the girls of the 6888th Battalion in The Six Triple Eight

The members of the 6888th were tasked with addressing a staggering backlog of personal correspondence that had accumulated throughout the war. Arriving in England in February 1945, their mission was crucial, as the lack of communication significantly affected morale on both sides of the Atlantic. It is estimated that they processed approximately 17 million pieces of mail, a testament to their determination and efficiency, encapsulated in their motto, “no mail, low morale.”

Major Adams and her team developed an innovative sorting system using index cards that matched soldiers’ names to their serial numbers, ensuring precise handling of letters and packages. Working around the clock in three shifts, the battalion managed to clear the postal backlog effectively.

After successfully resolving the mail crisis in Great Britain, the 6888th Battalion moved to France in June 1945, following the end of hostilities in Europe, where they addressed another lengthy mail pile-up, some items remaining undelivered for over three years. The battalion remained active until February 1946, when they returned home, marking the end of their extraordinary contributions.

The Legacy of Charity Adams and the 6888th Battalion Post-War

A Delayed Acknowledgment of Their Heroic Service

four women in period clothing stand in a line in an office in The Six Triple Eight

Following her military career, Charity Adams earned a master’s degree in psychology and married in 1949. Settling in Dayton, Ohio, in 1952, she dedicated her life to education and community service, receiving numerous accolades throughout her lifetime, including induction into the Ohio Women’s Hall of Fame in 1979.

Adams’ lasting legacy includes the Charley Adams Earley Girls Academy in Dayton and her posthumous recognition as the namesake of Fort Greggs-Adams in Virginia, reflecting an important step by the Department of Defense to rename facilities previously associated with Confederate officers. Adams passed away in January 2002.

Although the members of the 6888th Battalion did not receive immediate recognition for their service post-war, their accomplishments were later acknowledged through various honors. They were awarded the Good Conduct Medal and the World War II Victory Medal during their service. In 2019, they received the Meritorious Unit Commendation, culminating in 2022 when President Biden awarded the entire unit the Congressional Gold Medal.

Source: WWII History, Black History Now

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