Statement on the passing of Anna Mae Robertson

Milwaukee, and our country, lost a true living legend in Anna Mae Robertson, who passed away this past weekend at 101.

Ms. Robertson was one of 855 members of the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion (also known as the Six Triple Eight), the only all-female battalion stationed overseas during World War II whose task of clearing several years of backlogged mail greatly improved morale at the time. Their service was honored in 2022 with the Congressional Gold Medal.

Also, the film “The Six Triple Eight,” written and directed by Tyler Perry and featuring Kerry Washington as the Six Triple Eight’s leader Maj. Charity Adams, began streaming on Netflix in December 2024.

In media reports, Ms. Washington, who had the chance to meet Ms. Robertson, wrote: “Your legacy will live on through the strength of your beautiful family and in the hearts of Black people everywhere. You, and the extraordinary women of (the Six Triple Eight) you’re meeting up in heaven, paved the way with grace, grit and bravery.”

Beyond her distinguished military service, Anna Mae Robertson – a longtime resident of the Garden Homes neighborhood – was always working to support her community and those in need, be it in her personal time or through her career as a nursing assistant.

The City of Milwaukee was able to recognize Anna Mae Robertson earlier this year during the annual Black History Month program. She was a true change maker, a glass ceiling breaker, and role model for everyone.

She truly will be missed, and we will carry on her legacy in the future.

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.