Congresswoman Gwen Moore Statement on the 6888th Battalion Receiving the Congressional Gold Medal

UPDATE: An earlier version of this press release used the headline provided by the author that identified the wrong medal. The award is the Congressional Gold Medal.

At the height of World War II, a massive backlog of millions of letters and packages meant for American forces sat undelivered in Europe. The 6888th Battalion, the first and only all-Black, all-women Women’s Army Corps battalion to serve overseas during World War II, was given six months to clear it. With a motto of “No Mail, Low Morale,” they finished the job in just three months in England, working three shifts, 24 hours a day until it was done. They were then sent to France to combat a similar challenge. The Six Triple Eight carried out a mission that was as critical as it was daunting: restoring the only connection between American soldiers fighting against fascism and their families.

Today, Congresswoman Gwen Moore (WI-04) proudly celebrated the awarding of the Congressional Gold Medal to the courageous members of the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion.

“I want to thank Senator Moran and former Rep. LaTurner for their partnership in this effort to ensure these unsung heroes get this prestigious recognition,” said Congresswoman Moore. “This legislation is for my constituent, Ms. Anne Mae Wilson Robertson who is one of the last remaining of these women who are still with us, and every unsung hero of the Six Triple Eight. Ms. Robertson, at the age of 101, could not be here with us today but is with us in spirit.”

“In the face of humanity’s darkest hour, these women stood tall,” continued Congresswoman Moore. “While the world was consumed by war, genocide, and devastation, the Six Triple Eight were driven by the simple, profound truth that a letter from home could mean so much to the millions of servicemembers who fought in the European Theater.

Today’s recognition is a powerful reminder that the full story of American heroism must be told — in all its diversity and strength. The story of the Six Triple Eight reminds us all what real patriotism looks like: bravery, sacrifice, and unshakable belief in the ideals of freedom for all.”

Congresswoman Moore lead the House bill (H.R. 1012) to award the Congressional Gold Medal to the Six Triple Eight, with the Senate companion being signed into law by President Biden on March 14, 2022.

Watch Congresswoman Moore’s remarks here.

Watch the full Congressional Gold Ceremony here.

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.