WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME) joined a bipartisan group of his colleagues in urging Congressional Leadership to honor female WWII veterans. In a letter to House Speaker Mike Johnson, the Senators request he hold a Congressional Gold Medal ceremony commemorating the Six Triple Eight battalion, the only all-black, all-female battalion to serve overseas during World War II. The Six Triple Eight were responsible for clearing out an overwhelming backlog of mail, making certain American troops received letters from home to boost their morale.

Former President Joe Biden signed the Congressional Gold Medals into law in 2022. Today, only two members of the battalion are still alive and deserve to receive this long-awaited recognition in a timely manner.

“We write today to request a Congressional Gold Medal ceremony commemorating the Women's Army Corps unit, the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion. This battalion, commonly known as the Six Triple Eight, was composed of courageous women who played a crucial role in America's pivotal victory in the European Theatre during World War II,” the Senators wrote.

“We first recognized these women in 2018 when the Senate passed a resolution to honor the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion. In 2020, the Senate successfully passed the "Six Triple Eight" Congressional Gold Medal Act of 2021 to award the Congressional Gold Medal to members of this battalion. Finally, in 2022, the Six Triple Eight legislation was signed into law,” the Senators continued.

The Senators concluded, “However, we are nearing a critical juncture. Today, only two members of the Six Triple Eight are known to be alive. Those still surviving ought to not wait any longer to receive this long-awaited recognition they rightfully deserve. The design and production of the Six Triple Eight Congressional Gold Medal is complete. Therefore, we ask that you swiftly schedule a ceremony to recognize the service these women gave to our nation.”

On the letter, King was joined by Senators Jerry Moran (R-KS), Mike Crapo (R-ID), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Andy Kim (D-NJ), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), James Risch (R-ID), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Jack Reed (D-RI), and Ruben Gallego (D-AZ).

Representing one of the states with the highest rates of veterans per capita, Senator King is a staunch advocate for America’s servicemembers and veterans. As a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee and the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee, he has worked to ensure that veterans have access to jobs and training after separating from military service. In 2024, Congress passed Senator King’s bipartisan legislation to improve veterans’ access to health care and benefits.

The full text of the letter can be found here and below.

+++

Dear Mr. Speaker,

We write today to request a Congressional Gold Medal ceremony commemorating the Women's Army Corps unit, the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion. This battalion, commonly known as the Six Triple Eight, was composed of courageous women who played a crucial role in America's pivotal victory in the European Theatre during World War II.

The Six Triple Eight was the only all-Black, all-female unit of the United States Army serving overseas during World War II. Their momentous task was to clear out a three-year, 17-millionpiece backlog of mail sent to American servicemembers on the battlefield. Their motto, "no mail, low morale," encouraged them as they faced these insurmountable odds.

We first recognized these women in 2018 when the Senate passed a resolution to honor the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion. In 2020, the Senate successfully passed the "Six Triple Eight" Congressional Gold Medal Act of 2021 to award the Congressional Gold Medal to members of this battalion. Finally, in 2022, the Six Triple Eight legislation was signed into law.

Since passing this legislation, numerous historical articles have been written, and a film was produced in commemoration of the tireless work accomplished by more than 850 women. The role these women played in boosting the morale of young servicemembers during World War II is cemented in our nation's history.

However, we are nearing a critical juncture. Today, only two members of the Six Triple Eight are known to be alive. Those still surviving ought to not wait any longer to receive this long-awaited recognition they rightfully deserve. The design and production of the Six Triple Eight Congressional Gold Medal is complete. Therefore, we ask that you swiftly schedule a ceremony to recognize the service these women gave to our nation.

We appreciate the work you do in ensuring the recognition of deserving Americans with the highest distinction Congress can bestow, and we look forward to working with you in making this ceremony a reality.

Sincerely,

###