Honoring the Women’s Army Corps 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion with a Congressional Gold Medal 

By Harry Brexel

April 29, 2025

On April 29, 2025, House Speaker Mike Johnson, along with other members of Congress, gathered in Emancipation Hall at the United States Capitol to award a Congressional Gold Medal to members of the Women’s Army Corps who were assigned to the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion, known as the “Six Triple Eight.”

The Congressional Gold Medal is one of the nation's highest civilian awards, recognizing distinguished achievements and contributions by individuals, groups, or institutions. 

The ceremony opened with Johnson introducing and welcoming approximately 300 descendants and family members of the 6888th. 

“This battalion was the first and only unit of African American women to serve overseas during World War II,” Johnson said. “They worked in three shifts around the clock, day in and day out, to sort through the literal mountains of mail.”

By the end of World War II, the unit had sorted more than 17 million pieces of mail.

“They got the job done even in the face of inadequate supplies and even in the face of discrimination, both from within the Army and back home,” Johnson added. “These were valiant members of our Greatest Generation.”

Rep. Gwen Moore (WI-04), who sponsored the legislation in the House, described the women as unsung heroes. “This ceremony is a fitting end to a long journey to make sure that we do not forget their service,” Moore said.

Sen. Jerry Moran (KS), who sponsored the legislation in the Senate, described the women as Soldiers who went above and beyond their duty. “They broke barriers that should never have existed, and defied odds that were stacked against them,” he said.  

House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries also provided remarks.

“We gather today to salute these mighty veterans,” Jeffries said. “We salute the ingenuity with which they sprang into battle. We salute the barriers that they broke, in a system designed to push them aside. We salute their trailblazing spirit, and the road that they paved for others. We especially honor those who gave the ultimate sacrifice.”

During the ceremony presentation, Stanley Earley III and Judy Earley, children of 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion commander Lt. Col. Charity Adams Earley, accepted the Congressional Gold Medal from the House and Senate leaders on behalf of the honorees. The medal was then transferred to the Smithsonian Institution.

Mint Medallic Artist Renata Gordon sculpted the obverse, and Mint Medallic Artist Eric David Custer sculpted the reverse. Both sides of the medal were designed by Mint Artistic Infusion Program Designer Don Everhart.

The obverse (heads) design depicts Major Charity Adams next to a row of members from the 6888th. A partial exergue is created by an envelope inscribed with “WOMEN’S ARMY CORPS,” “WORLD WAR II,” and “FEBRUARY 12, 1945 – MARCH 2, 1946.” The additional inscription is “6888TH CENTRAL POSTAL DIRECTORY BATTALION.”

The reverse (tails) design depicts a member of the 6888th filing mail to be sent out to American soldiers. Behind her, members of her battalion are sorting and addressing mail to the troops. They work in a warehouse filled to the ceiling with unsorted mail. The inscriptions are “ACT OF CONGRESS 2022,” “ENGLAND,” “FRANCE,” and “NO MAIL, LOW MORALE.”

Proceeds received from the sale of authorized duplicate medals shall be deposited into the United States Mint Public Enterprise Fund.

Bronze duplicates of the medal are available for purchase through the Mint’s website in both 1.5-inch and 3-inch sizes. 

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