Six Triple Eight

Known as the “Six Triple Eight,” it was the only female African American Women Army Corps (WAC) unit to serve overseas during World War II. The 6888th was tasked with sorting an enormous backlog of letters. The commander, Major Charity Adams, was given only six months to complete the job. Sorting approximately 65,000 pieces of mail every shift, the unit astonished everyone by finishing in three months.

“No mail, low morale”

In 1945, due to the significant delays in receiving mail from home, the morale of soldiers started to decrease. By putting letters into the hands of disconnected homesick soldiers, the women of the 6888th played a vital role in the final push towards an allied victory.

Major Charity Adams

Joining the Women’s Army Auxiliary Corps (WAAC) in 1942, Adams became one of the first female African American officers and was one of the highest ranking women in World War II.

“Throughout this entire operation, as in all previous operations the morale of members of the 1st U.S. Infantry Divisions has been of the highest calibre…Undoubtedly the greatest single moral factor is mail from home. Every effort should be made to get the mail up to the men, and men should be encouraged to write letters as the tactical situation permits.

– Lt. Col. Charles S. Ware, August 1943