The Six Triple Eight documentary Trailer

In February 1945, the U.S. Army sent 855 black women from the Women’s Army Corps (WACs) to England and France to clear the backlog of mail in the European Theater of Operations. The 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion, known as the SixTripleEight, was the only all-black female battalion to serve in Europe during WWII. Confronted with racism and sexism from their own leadership and troops, they served with honor and distinction completing their mission in six months. By war’s end, the SixTripleEight had cleared over 17 million pieces of backlogged mail ensuring the troops stayed in touch with their loved ones back home. The last of the women returned home in March 1946. They were never fully recognized…until now.

My grandmother was a part of this BATALLION. This is serious black history. In the formation, she was the 4th from the right. Anne B. Garrison. I couldn't be more proud.

[scottcrainey]

I really hope news of this project goes viral. I just learned of the 6888 a few minutes ago. Every day of Black History Month, I highlight a different person, group or event in my 8th grade US History class. I'm adding the Six Triple Eight to my list as of right now.

[geoffreygardiner]

I was at the school, King Edwards School, Edgbaston, in whose grounds 6888 was billeted. They were remarkable for their smartness and their ability to march well, the only US unit that marched like Brits. They took part in the Victory parade in Birmingham. Earlier a unit of Americans preparing for D-Day used the same billets. They dug a trench in the school orchard, filled it with water to simulate the sea and drove their vehicles through time and time again, an example of American thoroughness. Occasionally a Jeep would get stuck and some boys jeered. I was embarrassed but the Americans too it in good part. Later I realised the none of them had yet seen action whereas most of the boys watching had endured 77 air raids which killed over 2000 Brummies and injured around 8000 more. Birmingham, or 'Brummagem' as the locals called it, was the armoury of Britain. 40 percent of the population was making weapons, more than anywhere else.