Sometimes when history is whitewashed, and the facts get lost in a smokey haze of alternate reality it is easy to believe the John Wayne myths. Like there were no black cowboys. Or no black servicemen landed on the beaches during D-Day. Or that women can’t fly a plane. Yes, anything to stroke that Anglo-Saxon western inflated ego. Yet when history has a light shined on it. We are all so amazed and think it can only be true if Tyler Perry makes it into a movie. (not hating on TP just saying).
Herstory is so important in the grand scheme of American History. Black Herstory is equally as important and when it comes to our stories, we want everyone to get it right.
In 1943, when the WAC’s began admitting Black women, the War Department said that it would continue to follow Army policy and maintain a 10 percent quota of Black women admitted. There were about 6,500 Black women enlisted in the Women’s Army Corps during World War II. In 1944, Mary McLeod Bethune worked to get the support of the First Lady, Eleanor Roosevelt, for "a role for black women in the war overseas."
In November 1944, the War Department acquiesced. Despite slow recruitment of volunteers, a battalion of 817 (later 824) enlisted personnel and 31 officers, all African American women drawn from the WAC, the Army Service Forces, and the Army Air Forces, was created and eventually designated as the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion, nicknamed "Six Triple Eight." The 6888th included a Headquarters Company for administrative and service support and Companies A, B, C, and D, each commanded by a captain or first lieutenant. Major Charity Edna Adams was selected to command the battalion. The battalion was trained for their overseas mission at Fort Oglethorpe, Georgia:
"They crawled under logs wearing gas masks and jumped over trenches," according to a Washington Post article of 26 February 2009. The women learned to identify enemy aircraft, ships, and weapons; to climb ropes; to board and evacuate ships; and to do long marches with rucksacks.
Major Charity Adams (Earley) was the first Black woman to become an officer, appointed in July 1942. Major Adams received her orders. The 6888th consisted of 855 American women of color to include Latino and Puerto Rican decent. They came from all parts of the United States of American served in the 6888th Central Postal Battalion. This all-Black, all-woman U.S. Army unit headed to Europe and faced both racism and sexism.
When Adams was promoted to major, a white colonel called her to his office and said bluntly, “Don’t let being an officer go to your head; you are still colored, and I want you to remember that. You people have to stay in your place. Why, your folks might have been slaves to my people right in South Carolina.” The tirade went on for three-quarters of an hour, she wrote in her memoir, adding: “I was proud of the fact that I maintained the position of attention for the whole time.”
-Major Charity Adams Earley
Facts:
In February 1945, the 6888th – commanded by Maj. Charity Adams (later Adams Earley), was sent to England, where a shortage of personnel was wreaking havoc with the mail system and not enough soldiers who were able to manage the postal service for the U.S. Army overseas. Black newspapers challenged the U.S. Army to "use black women in meaningful Army jobs not just in custodial roles. The battalion – which served in England and France – had a tough assignment: clear up an overwhelming backlog of letters and care packages that had been building up for years. Mail was considered a lifeline and a morale booster – a reminder of home and the country those troops were fighting for, and the Army wanted the job done fast. Army leadership estimated that it would take at least six months and closer to a year to get the backlog taken care of. The Six Triple Eight did it in three months.
The enlisted women were quartered in the old King Edward School, and the officers were quartered in two houses. None of these facilities was very warm during the winter. Everything was segregated by race and gender. Although male African American Soldiers, along with white servicemen and women, had been allowed in a local club for enlisted American military personnel run by the American Red Cross, neither this club nor the American Red Cross hotels set up for White WACS in London welcomed the African American WACs. In response, Major Adams led the unit in a boycott of the alternative segregated facilities which the Red Cross offered. The women of the 6888th ran their own mess hall, hair salon, refreshment bar, and other recreational facilities. They experienced food rationing with daily portions of Spam.
Earlier in her military career, unit commander Major Charity Adams had been reprimanded by a colonel for "race-mixing" after accepting an invitation to a white Officers Club. When a male general came to inspect the unit, Major Adams prevented him from viewing the women's private rooms while some were sleeping. After headquarters and off-duty personnel of the unit were assembled in a formation as instructed, the general chastised Major Adams for not having all her troops present. When Major Adams attempted to explain that the women worked three different shifts and that she followed the orders she was given, the general cut her off and threatened to send a "white first lieutenant" to show her how to command the unit. Major Adams' famous reply, "Over my dead body, Sir," nearly earned her a court-martial, but the general was subsequently dissuaded from taking that course of action. By the time the same general visited the unit in France, his attitude had changed, and he appreciated the 6888th's accomplishments.
On July 8, 1945, while stationed in Rouen, France, three of the women, Sgt. Delores Browne, Pfc. Mary Bankston, and Pfc. Mary Barlow, were killed in a Jeep accident. They were buried at Coleville-Sur-Mer Normandy American Cemetery. Of the 9,400 other Americans buried there, only four are women. Three from the Six Triple Eight. (The fourth, Elizabeth Ann Richardson, was a Red Cross volunteer killed in a Piper Cub plane crash near Rouen in July 1945.)
The Six Triple Eight was a self-sufficient unit; they had their own medics, dining hall, military police (who were not armed, but were trained in jiu jitsu), transportation, administrative, and support services. The Six Triple Eight often worked in cold, dark conditions for months, but completed their mission even earlier than expected. Yet, when they came home, the unit of African American women were treated to little or no fanfare, the women of the 6888th returned from the war to one of the most segregated countries in the world (America) - while some remained in the military, others used the GI Bill to further their education and create new opportunities for themselves. They became teachers, nurses, and businesswomen. One of the most important aspects of their legacy was their contributions to civil rights.
They received no parades, no awards, no thank you. They were all but forgotten.
Until they weren’t
On November 30, 2018, a monument was dedicated in their honor at Ft. Leavenworth, Kansas.
On February 20, 2019, Secretary of the Army, Dr. Mark T. Esper, awarded them the Meritorious Unit Commendation for Meritorious Service during Military Operations from February 15, 1945, to March 4, 1946.
On February 28, and June 6, 2019, US Senator Jerry Moran, R-KS, and US Rep. Gwen Moore, D-Wis., respectively introduced bipartisan bills to award the Six Triple Eight the Congressional Gold Medal, the nation’s highest civilian award. The Bill passed with Unanimous consent.
On May 13, 2019, US Ambassador to the UK Woody Johnson presented a blue plaque to King Edward's School to commemorate the 6888th's achievements while in Birmingham. The plaque now features on the route of guided tours organized by Birmingham's Black Heritage Walks Network.
On February 12, 2021, U.S. Senators Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) and Jacky Rosen (D-Nevada) introduced bipartisan legislation to award the Congressional Gold Medal to the members of the Women's Army Corps, who were assigned to the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion during World War II. U.S. Representative Gwen Moore (D-Wis.) introduced the companion legislation in the House where it passed unanimously.
On March 14, 2022, President Biden signed a bipartisan bill to award the battalion the Congressional Gold Medal.
The 6888th was not the only Black unit deployed during World War II, The Black nurses (not a WAC unit) were deployed to Liberia in 1943, and a group of Black Nurses also landed in the European Theater of Operations on 15 Aug 1944.
LET US NEVER FORGET
The 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion - Six Triple Eight:
ALABAMA
Battle, Lillian Irma PVT; Brown, Dorothy Elizabeth PFC; Campbell, Abbie Noel CPT; Campbell, Addie Lee T4; Coleman, Willie Lee PVT; Davis, Elizabeth Mary PFC; Duncan, Lilian Willierob 1LT; Edwards, Eva PVT; Fairgood, Marcelene Lettice T4; Fry, Ruby L PVT; George, Christel Stocks T5; Greene, Irene Robinson PVT; House, Willie Mae PFC; Johnson, Felicia LaVon PVT; Maniece, Mary Rose PFC; Middlebrook, Susie Irma PFC; Moorehead, Jeanetta Lucile T5; Quarles, Minnie Bell PVT; Seymour, Tassie Mae PFC; Smith, Delores Hall PVT; Smith, Mary Frances T5; Steele, Hattie Irene PFC; Thomas, Ophelia Dark PVT; Walthall, Mary Louise PVT; Williams, Julia H 1LT.
ARIZONA
Thornton, Lydia E PVT.
ARKANSAS
Anderson, Rose Marie PVT; Caywood, Virgie L CPL; Davis, Ella Mae PVT; Evans, Vernice Eloweiss T5; Glass, Rebecca Adella PVT; Griffin, Mattie L PFC; Jacobs, Emma Jean T5; Presley, Torrine Delores PFC; Richardson, Cora Lee PFC; Tate, Lyria Earnestine PFC; Tatum, Ella B 1LT; Ward, Ruby Lee PVT; Williams, Estelle Bernice PVT; Willis, Bessie M T5; Wilson, Anna Mae PVT; Young, Evelyn M PVT.
CALIFORNIA
Bragg, Ora Elizabeth T5; Clark, Gurthalee SSG; Collier, Gladys L PVT; Daniels, Dorothy Ella PVT; Edwards, Alice E 2LT; Foster, Frances Anna PVT; Frazier, Polly Anna PFC; Gray, Mattie Lou PVT; Hall, Jessie Bowie PVT; Johnson, Thelma Pearlie PVT; McDonald, Bette Elizabeth PFC; Moorehead, Mattie Mae T4; Suarez, Viola Evelina T5; Tabb, Dorothy B SGT; Thomas, Essie M PVT; Williams, Estell Bernice PVT; Williams, LaMonthal Laffette PVT.
COLORADO
Brady, Erma Pauline PVT; Fant, Beula Tee PFC; Holbert Luella E T5; Hudson, Jessie G PVT.
CONNECTICUT
*Barlow, Mary J PVT; *Browne, Dolores Mercedes SGT; Fraser, Burnardine E PFC; Harris, Audrey Elizabeth PFC; Jackson, Marian Sarah PFC; Janer, Margaret Beatrice PVT; Kearney, Mary F CPT; McNair, Elizabeth M PFC; Powell, Margaret Mae PVT; Tarryk, Anna M PFC.
DELAWARE
Bryant, Grace Evelyn CPL; Carter, Edith Marguerete CPL; Crawford, Mary PVT; Griffin, Evelina Rachel PVT.
DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
Battle, Arleatha Silver PVT; Bridgers, Jessie Mae PVT; Campbell, Irma Lucille CPL; Cephas Frances E PFC; Crabtree, Susan V CPL; Dedeaux, Olive Katheryn PFC; Dixon, Alyce Lillian PFC; Ellison, Edith Marie PFC; Gary, Sarah Belle PVT; Gibson, Eleanor Wyetta PVT; Givens, Elsie PFC; Hall, Gertrude Virginia SGT; Harrison, Lillie Beatrice PFC; Hart, Bernice Annie T5; Jackson, Elvire Louise PFC; Johnson, Emma Elizabeth PVT; Johnson, Lucille Virginia Mae PVT; Kelly, Cecelia Hare SGT; Knight, Annie B.; Knox, Vergie D SSG; Lee, Hattie Mae PFC; Lofty, Velma Claire PVT; McKinney, Marie A PVT; Miller, Hilda M PFC; Primus, Dona Mary PVT; Ruddock, Deloris Louise PFC; Scott, Blanche Leona 1LT; Simmons, Margaret Perkins PFC; Stone, Christina CPL; Truatt, Alva C PFC; Wardell, Constance Arnold PVT; Ware Doris Madeline PVT; Webb Constance Elaine PVT; Williams, Dora Mae PVT; Williams Vertile Jessie Mae PVT.
FLORIDA
Burton, Edna Cross T5; Clayton, Gladys Selucia SGT; Cosey, Beatrice PFC; Duncan, Thelma Ann PVT; Everett, Ruby Leania PVT; Fayson, Jennie Lee PVT; Flanagan, Burnadine PFC; Gray, Mattie L PFC; Godboldte, Jessie Lee CPL; Greenlee, Sarah L PVT; Hutchins, Dena M SSG; Jackson, Florida Bell PVT; Lamb, Elizabeth Ola PFC; Little, Fannie Boyd SSG; Lowe, Josie M PVT; Mackey, Marion CPL; Rodriguez, Erma Louise PVT; Singleton, Dannie M CPL; Smith, Elaine O SSG; Smith, Florita Davis PFC; Smith, Geneva Iona PVT; Watts, Essie M T5; Williams, Willie Mae PVT; Wingo, Ethel Mae PFC.
GEORGIA
Armstrong, Sylvia Ethel PVT; Barnes, Wilma Evonne PVT; Bradsher, Herlene Roberta PFC; Breedlove, Aileen PFC; Brown, Eugenia Anjoline PVT; Brown, Susie B PFC; Brumfield, Gladys Lenyer SGT; Crawl, Annie Olivie PVT; Davis, Lola Bernice PVT; Davis, Mary F PFC; Dupree, Bertha C PFC; Evans, Cleopatra PFC; Faulk, Jessie Kate PFC; Goddard, Martha Lorraine CPL; Goode, Marian Sidney SGT; Goodwin, Marseleana Rebecca, SSG; Greene Phyletus Clyde PVT; Hannah, Vernelle Annalee PFC; Harris, Julia Catherine PFC; Harmon, Nellie Ruth T5; Hill, Florine J CPL; Huff, Sadie PVT; Hurston, Cora Lee PVT; Irvin, Willie Belle PVT; Mason, Annie Mae PFC; Morgan, Sarah F PVT; O’Bryant, Essie Dell T5; O’Bryant, Tessie Theresa PFC; Patten, Beulah Helen PVT; Peterson, Mary Louise, PFC; Pinkney, Elouise Algatia CPL; Pitts, Ardella Cody PVT; Rice, Elouise Hudgins PFC; Sherard, Corrie S 1LT; Sloan, Ruth Cathryn PFC; Smith, Henrie Mae T5; Smothers, Ozie Bell PVT; Tanner, Maybelle Rutland PVT; Turner, Bessie Gladys PFC; Waters, Claire Lillia PFC; Wheat, Leola L T5; Williams, Lettie Roberta PVT; Wilson, Clara Emma PVT.
ILLINOIS
Amos, Gatha Louise PVT; Armstrong, Ella Kelley PFC; Barton, Johnnie M PFC; Beard, Mamie Lee PVT; Beaumont, Geraldine PFC; Bowen, Betty Lou T5; Burt, Lila Virginia PVT; Carr, Gloria Hermoline T5; Collier, Pinkie PVT; Conner, Arjean D PFC; Couch, Anna Mae PFC; Cummings, Ruthanna PVT; Doss, Mamie Ann T4; Eiland, Evelyn T5; Ellis, Dorothy PFC; English, Helen Navalee PVT; Fifer, Erma Lee SGT; Fly, Willeen S PVT; Fuller, Jacqulyn PFC; Fuller, Winona PFC; Goldsby, Cecilia Delphine T5; Grant, Callie Nichols PFC; Grimes, Annie L PVT; Haley, Creadell Johnette T4; Hampton, Margaret Ethelyn PFC; Hibler, Rhoda Mae PVT; Hinton, Lorraine T5; Horace, Marian Clay PVT; Jackson, Mattie Laura SGT; Jacobs, Ruth Sarver PFC; Kitchen, Georgia Ella PVT; Lane, Juanita Rose PFC; Lewis, Ruth Ellen PVT; Lowe, Leatrice Joy PVT; Maddox, Eddye G CPL; Marsaw, Rosa Lee PVT; McBride, Mary Jean PVT; McDougal, Evelyn PVT; Miller, DeLois George PVT; Moore, Lethelma PFC; Norris, Helen Marie PFC; O’Kelly, Thelma Lee PFC; Parker, Sarah Antoinette PVT; Patterson, Elizabeth M T5; Perkins, Willa Mae PFC; Phibbs, Rhoda PVT; Pitts, Lucia M T4; Porter, Maude Virginia PVT; Radcliff, Florence Lucille PFC; Sales, Margaret Glenn PVT; Samples, Edna Randola PFC; Scott, Dorothy H 1LT; Smith, Mary Jane PVT; Stewart, Gussye Delores 2LT; Trail, Sammye Lee PFC; Vairin, Grace PVT; Washington, Lois M PVT; Whiting, Willie M PFC; Wilson, Mildred J PVT; Yerger, John Evelyn PVT.
INDIANA
Bivens, Bridget Viola PVT; Butler, Lucille Frances PVT; Cable, Doris M Norrel CPT; Daniels, Bennye Barbara CPL; Dogan, Blanche Wilhelmina CPL; Edmonson, Lula M PVT; Holloway, Mildred PFC Hunter, Alice Tine PVT;; Machlin, Josephine PVT; Maxwell, Doris M PVT; Moore, Hazel D PVT; Tolliver, Cordelia Lucille PFC; Webb, Clara Marie CPL; Whiting, Mary L PVT; Woods, Dolly B PVT.
IOWA
Craddock, Hazel Evelyn 2LT; Herndon, Geraldine Eunice PFC; Young, Margaret Lydia T4.
KANSAS
Albert, Bettie Mae PFC; Alvin, Thelma Carol PFC; Anderson, Mabel W PVT; Berry, Tommye Ruth TSGT; Jackson, Dollie Elizabeth PVT; Jones, Mintha PVT; Lowery, Lavinia Cleora PVT; O’Dell, Evelena PFC; Patton, Golda Lee T5; Simmons, Rosalie Adelaide PFC; Smith, Bettie Jeanne SGT; Tapp, Alonda Rose PVT; Underwood, Bernice Nelly PVT; Washington, Hazel Leona T5; Wilson, CecilIone PVT.
KENTUCKY
Adams, Henrietta G T5; Blythe, Jennetta Schooler CPL; Brock, Emma H PFC; Chambers, Effie PVT; Coleman, Alberta CPL; Cox, Venus B PVT; Cross, Minnie Grace PFC; Gill, Marilyn E T4; Hammond, Ruth Henrielle CPL; Harris, Norene SSG; Hayden, Vivian G PFC; Jackson, Julia M PVT; Longmire, Sara Elizabeth PFC; Marshall, Grant Esther PVT; Miller, Evelyn Eva PVT; Nelson, Carrie Ethel PFC; Ricketts, Adele PFC; Saunders, Nettie Mae PVT.
LOUISIANA
Alexander, Lubertha M PVT; Batiste, Annetta A T4; Bell, Theresa Mae CPL; Carter, Bessie Mae PFC; Charlot, Marie Dora T5; Chestang, Margie Antoinette PVT; Duncan, Liddie Mae SGT; Dunn, Althea Ceronica PFC; Ellis, Margaret G PVT; Green, Dorothy D PVT; Harris, Hattie Jane PVT; Jewett, Willie Mae CPL; Johnson, Martha Lee T5; Jones, Lucille Muril PVT; Landry, Catherine G 1LT; Lawson, Annie Mae T5; LeBeau, ElFreda St Anne 2LT; McClain, Mary PFC; McCullum, Charlotte M CPL; Moore, Marion Mildred PFC; Morrison, Almeta Phelice PFC; Moses, Annie L PFC; Niblet, Normal PFC; O’Gilvie, Gladys B PVT; Pickett, Frances Elizabeth CPL; Simmons, Annette W T5; Talbert, Manthie Robbie PFC; Washington, Malinda Ann PFC; Wearey, Shirley Hertiesine T5; White, Velma Lawhorn T5.
MARYLAND
Barnes, Agnes E PVT; Elzie, Vivian N 2LT; Jackson, Mary Rebecca CPL; Jones, Laura Mae PVT; Matthews, Vashti Murphy PFC; Moore, Annie Beulah PVT; Nailor, Mary Catherine PVT; Noisette, Emily Olive PFC; Parker, Thelma Alice PVT; Philyaw, Ethel; Pollard, Hortense PFC; Pollitt, Lucy Geraldine PVT; Sydnor, Gloria A PVT; Tate, Catherine L PVT; Taylor, Gloria Phenryne PVT; Whyte, Grace Margaret PVT; Wilkins, Annie B PVT; Wilson, Eleanor Ann PVT; Young, Vivian Winifred SGT.
MASSACHUSETTS
Bias, Laura Amelia PFC; Carrington, Beverly Winifred T5; Carter, Mildred Ellen Davenport CPT; Clark, Enid Ernestine PFC; Dailey, Dorothy Senara PFC; Hernandez, Elizabeth Constance Muriel CPL; McNeeley, Eloise B PVT; Moody, Mary Elizabeth T5; Oliver, Elsie Jeannetta PFC.
MICHIGAN
Braceful, Annie Lee T5; Brown, Edna L SSG; Collins, Arthurine PVT; Cherry, Willia G 1LT; Dupree, Mildred Virginia 1LT; Gaines, Rosetta PVT; Grinter, Annie K PVT; Hairston, Maetris Lee PVT; Hester, Bernice PVT; Hudgins, Madelyn Lou CPL; Johnson, Philista PFC; King, Adella PVT; Mathis, Celestine PVT; Richardson, Bettye Jean PVT; Taylor, Maude PVT; Thomas, Gladys Odessa PFC; Ussery, Lucy June PVT; Wade, Ruth Verena T4; Woodward, Levonia T5.
MINNESOTA
Huggar, Bernice Eunice PFC; Lane, Virginia Marcelline CPL; Smith, Vernie Mae SGT; Wallace, Elnora Alta PVT.
MISSISSIPPI
Abram, Leona PVT; Bruce, Louise Rita PFC; Cleggett, Lola Irene PVT; Easterling, Sophia E PFC; Fletcher, Edna Allyne PFC; Foster, Bessie Alice T5; Grace, Flora CPL; Griffin, Isabel J PVT; Harding, Adlease PVT; Haskin, Mabel Lucille PFC; Johnson, Olivia PVT; Lackey, Minnie Pearl T4; Montgomery, Mildred Fredonia T5; Paige, Doris Louise T5; Reed, Annie Proctor SGT; Saddler, Gertie Marie PFC; Sibbie, Minnie Smith PFC; Smith, Pettie Mae SGT; Thomas, Essie Mae PVT; Wimberly, Annie Lee PFC.
MISSOURI
Cox, Dorothy T5; Hill, Violet W 1LT; Jackson, Anna M PFC; McKell, Pearline CPL; Scales, Florence Verlillan T4; Simmons, Helen Sheron PFC; Taylor, Odessa CPL; Threadgill, Hazel E PFC; Tivis, Georgia Evan T5; Weddle, Theada G T5
MONTANA
Williams, Genevieve Hanna PVT.
NEBRASKA
Smith, Evelena Odell PFC
NEVADA
Bradley, Alberta Ora CPL; Nevels, Mable Virginia CPL.
NEW HAMPSHIRE
Moore, Doris PVT.
NEW JERSEY
Arkward, Velma Jerome PFC; Avant, Gladys Beatrice PFC; Axam, Bernice S PVT; Birkhead, Dorothy Dale PVT; Boatright, Willamae PVT; Butterfield, Lillian A SGT; Debman, Gladys Eva PFC; Dinkins, Daisy Bell CPL; Gillis, Sylvia PVT; Givens, Hester PFC; Holley, Ada W PVT; Johnson, Johnita Alyse PVT; Johnson, Lillian Willene CPL; Johnston, Dolores Maime PVT; Linzey, Edith Marguerite T4; McMillan, Vermeil Elmira PFC; Miller, Doretha PVT; Moore, Queen Esther CPL; Morton, Georgiana T5; Murray, Edith Frances PVT; Smith, Caroline Elizabeth PVT; Suggs, Marjorie Randolph TSGT; Terry, Estelle PVT; Turner, Catherine E PVT; VanOrkey, Marion PVT; Williams, Breda Violet PVT; Withers, Hearther Riley PFC; Wray, Lauretta CPL.
NEW YORK
Amis, Margie L PFC; Anderson, Joyce G PVT; Anderson, Margaret Francis PFC; Armistead, Edith Jane PVT; Augustine, Bernice A CPL; Banks, Dorothy Elizabeth PVT; *Bankston, Mary Hortensa PFC; Bartlett, Dorothy Agnes PVT; Bell, Adelina Harris T5; Blackett, Clarice E PVT; Blake, Virginia A PVT; Braddock, Doris Elnora CPL; Branch, Phyllis Louise PFC; Brown, Marjorie CPL; Bryant, Theodora D CPL; Cabbell, Lillian PFC; Canty, Marcella Lee PFC; Carter, Gladys Schuster PVT; Coleman, Madeline A T5; Collins, Carmew Ismary Hyacinth PVT; Cumberbatch, Pearl Ethlene PVT; Daniels, Ruth Elizabeth PFC; Daniels, Cleopatra Vivian SGT; Deane, Gwendolyn Clark PVT; DeFreese, Emma Scott PVT; Douglas, Harriett Elaine PFC; Douglas, Izetta M PVT; Downing, Lular Rachel PVT; Ebo, Mary Aleese SGT; Fairweather, Amy Mary PVT; Ferguson, Rebecca Beatrice PVT; Finch, Ermantrude PVT; Flatts, Frances E 2LT; Fray, Evelyn Louise PFC; Garcia, Crescencia PVT; Garrett, Mattie E T3; Gillisslee, Marie Birdell PFC; Grant, Bernice M PFC; Greene, Mary Elizabeth PFC; Griffin, Fannie A 1LT; Hall, Dolly Floyd PFC; Heyward, Louise Susan CPL; Hunt, Indiana PVT; Isaac, Elvena E PVT; Jackson, Edna L CPL; James, Ruth Elmah PVT; Jeffrey, Evangeline Gertrude PFC; Jennings, Ada Louise CPL; Johnson, Aleese Eileen PFC; Johnson, Lauretta PVT; Jones, Lillian Vera PFC; Jones, Louise Bromfield PVT; Jordan, Mercedes Antoinette 2LT; King, Sybil Muriel PVT; Lee, William Henrietta PVT; Lounds, Dorothy Elizabeth PVT; Loving, Ethel Christina T4; Lozi, Evelyn Bernice PFC; Lynch, Fannie E TEC5; Marshall, Gertrude W Martin SGT; Martin, Evelyn Clarisse T4; Mays, Emily Cynthia PFC; Mays, Ruth Michael PVT; McRae, Geneva T5; McRae, Ina SSG; McWhorter, Jetta Mae CPL; Meyers, Audrey PVT; Mitcherson, Katherine A PVT; Moore, Norma Katherine PFC; Morris Beatrice Rosetta PFC; Nowell, Vivian A PVT; Owens Lucie C CPL; Palmer Theodora Porcher PFC; Powell Josephine PVT; Reed, Evelyn PFC; Reeves, Earlene June PFC; Reid, Louise Almenta CPL; Rhoden, Myrtle A T5; Richardson Doris S T5; Riddick, Velma Ann T5; Robinson, Beulah E T5; Rose, Gertrude Louise SSG; Sanders, Edna Bernice T5; Schuster, Benita Franklin PVT; Sherman, Frances Cleo PVT; Showell, Lillian Viola PFC; Smith, Callie Katrina CPL; Stewart, Doris Elizabeth T5; Stone, Rose PVT; Studdard, Naomi PFC: Swantner, Blanche V PFC; Talbert, Fannie Louise T5; Tankard, Nispa Victoria PVT; Thomas, Bernice SGT; Toolsie, Edna PVT; Walker, Mary Elizabeth T5; Watts, Norma L PVT; Williams, Sara E PVT; Wood, Helen M PFC; Young, Dorothy Gloria PVT
NORTH CAROLINA
Alexander, Sallie B PFC; Barker, Elizabeth B PFC; Brake, Odessa Alice PVT; Butler, Davetter PVT; Conrad, Charlet Lillian PVT; Dunn, Millie L T5; Gaddy, Ruth Lillian PFC; Glenn, Virginia Louise PVT; Gray, Frances Myrtle PVT; Hall, Esther DeLois CPL; Hayes, Vernese Virgina PFC; Hinton, Catherine Rosander PVT; Houston, Lucile M PFC; Jenkins, Emma L PVT; Johnson, Anne Leach SGT; Jones, Nannie Pearl PVT; Latta, Maggie Ada T4; Ledbetter, Theopia Louise PVT; Mills, Lottie S T5; Smith, Fannie Clarine PVT; Stroud, Inez Naomi CPL; Sutton, Effie Clark PFC; Taylor, Sarah G PFC; Terry; Annie Lee PVT; Whitley, Artelya PFC.
OHIO
Armstrong, Katherine S PVT; Auls, Nevella T5; Barnes, Margaret Ellen 1LT; Bennett, Pearl L PVT; Bolden, Katherine S PVT; Boyce, Hattie PFC; Braxton, Claudia Drucilla PVT; Brown, Vivian Mae PFC; Bryers, Louise Ellene PFC; Bybee, Anna L PVT; Crockett, Maxine Amelia PVT; Cruse, Gertrude Elizabeth T5; Daniels, Mary Margaret T5; Dawson, Effie Vena PFC; DeWitt, Elizabeth Joyce CPL; Edwards, Carroll M PVT; Fitzsimmons, Vivian PFC; Gates, Mildred Rebecca PFC; Garner, Irene H. PFC; Gatliff, Dorothy M PVT; Grooms, Zella H PVT; Harrison, Vera A CPT; Harshaw, Allie Gearldyn PVT; Hayes, Velma Paulene T5; Henderson, Bernice Gaines 1LT; Jefferson, Ruth Elizabeth CPL; Johnson, Catherine Caroline T5; Johnson, Eunice Lee PVT; Johnson, Tommie Mae PVT; Lottier, Ruth Lucille T5; McCloud, Ira Mae Harris PVT; McClure, Clara Jewett Johnson PVT; Metoyer, Katherine Secina PVT; Minter, Alma Gladys T4; Norman, Hazel PFC; Oliver, Azalia PFC; Petway, Moniesah PVT; Prestwood, Duray Mae PFC; Queen, Dorothy PVT; Ringer, Dorothy Mae PFC; Robinson, Bessie Lee T4; Rookard, Tommie Lon PVT; Rozier, Mary Elizabeth PFC; Russell, Hazel Marie T5; Scott, Bernyce Quinette SGT; Singleton, Virginia Ann PFC; ; Smith, Alberta Myke SSG; Smith, Darnela Bernice PVT; Smith, Doris Josephine PVT; Smith, Rubye Marie PVT; Smith, Thelma T5; Solomon, Bertha Mae PVT; Tabb, Sarah Lee PFC; Turner, Dorothy Eurgenia PFC; Usher, Louise Rachel PVT; Warden, Laura Frazier PVT; Washington, Alberta Dorothy PFC; Wyatt, Ruth Lelan SGT.
OKLAHOMA
Albretton, Blanche PVT; Brown, Izona J PVT; Brown, Opal Doris PFC; Colbert, Elizabeth Jean PFC; Jackson, Ethel Mae PVT; Jackson, Jewell Lorraine CPL; Lee, Theodosia Ernestine PFC; Loggins, Leatha Mae PVT; McClenton, Maggie M PFC; Morrow, Irene PVT; Rowland, Guthrie H PVT; Smith, Anjenettie PVT; Sneed, Mabel F PVT; Stokenberry, Trenna J PVT; Tillman, Birdie SSG; Williams, Allie E T5; Zeigler, Edna Mae T5.
PENNSYLVANIA
Anderson, Love Peace CPL; Artist, Mary A PFC; Balls, Louisa PVT; Bastin, Edna PVT; Bell, Lena Derriecott CPL; Berry, Carolyn Morse PVT; Brooks, Lucille McGhee CPL; Brown, Gladys Williams PVT; Bugg, Vyvyanne Elmore PFC; Cartwright, Charlotte PVT; Charles, Alice Serena PFC; Collins, Florence A PVT; Cornwell, Elizabeth H PFC; Crews, Frances Vernon PVT; Crump, Catherine Jane PVT; Dabney, Violet PFC; Daniel, Rhoda A SGT; Dannals, Elsie Alverna PFC; Davenport, Naomi PFC; Davis, Ursula Virginia PVT; Dean, Freda Mae PVT; Dean, Ruth Naomi PVT; Demby, Addie Mae PFC; Elzie, Marian M PFC; Evans, Adele PVT; Ewings, Ophelia Mae PFC; Faulk, Ermayne Sanata PVT; Ferguson Alvia PVT; Ford, Alice Olivia PVT; Glover, Arena Theresa T5; Gould, Helen Vivian T5; Gray, Dolores Carolyn SGT; Green, Thelma Vivian PVT; Griggs, Hilda Parthenia PVT; Grundy, Marian Rosalie PFC; Harris, Rosa Mae SGT; Ingold, Thelma Blanche PVT; Jackson, Willie Marie PVT; Jacobs, Isofine PVT; Johnson, Bebe C PVT; Johnson, Hessie PFC; Jones, Elaine Viola T5; Jordan, Frances C PFC; King, Catherine Alice SGT; LeSueuer, Evelyn C PFC; Lewis, Bernice F PFC; Long, Phyllis Gray PVT; Lucas, Grace Elizabeth PFC; Lucas, Willma Henrietta PVT; Marsett, Berenice Elisabeth PVT; McNeal, Julia PFC; Monroe, Mary Priscilla T5; Moraney, Elizabeth PVT; Patillo, Stella E SGT; Perry, Lillie PVT; Perry, Nazimova Lee PVT; Philpot, Alma Marjorie CPL; Pinkett, Helen Lee PVT; Purdy, Thelma Elizabeth PFC; Reid, Dorothy Louise PFC; Rich, Julia A 2LT; Robinson, Aleese Juanita PFC; Rodgers, Juanita Gertrude PFC; Smith, Alice Hester PVT; Stewart, Naomi Virginia PVT; Stovall, Janyce Lee PFC; Stribbling, Helen DeVon CPL; Sullivan, Eleanor Frances PVT; Townsend, Margoit Michele PVT; Warfield, Cornelia Dolores PVT; Williams, Dorothy Elizabeth T5; Williams, Eunice Viola SSG; Willis, Alberta Clarteen PVT; Wilson, Emma M PFC; Wilson, Ruby Mae PVT; Wood, Hilda E PFC; Wright, Catherine PVT; Young, Mary Purnell PVT.
RHODE ISLAND
Reese, Annie Mae PVT.
SOUTH CAROLINA
Adams, Charity Edna MAJ; Bacote, Alva B PFC; Balloon, Lucile M PVT; Hairston, Lucille Miller PFC; Holmes, Wilhelmina Lorenza PVT; Jackson, Hazel Stanford PFC; Jackson, Novella Ernestine PFC; Lipscomb, Ruby L PFC; Mazyck, Vivian Alice SGT; Poole, Carolyn Blondell PVT; Smalls, Ann E PFC; Taylor, Ermene Elizabeth PFC; Turner, Jennie Ruth CPL.
TENNESSEE
Allen, Luvenia T5; Baker, Myrtle PFC; Barksdale, Crinnia Mae PFC; Boggues, Ruth Elizabeth PVT; Burrell, Annie E PFC; Dailey, Gladys Sylvertla PVT; Howard, Lima Justine PVT; League, Ilda Ruth PVT; Madison, Cora DeVerne PVT; Martin, Mary Margurite PVT; Ross, Mary L PFC.
TEXAS
Allen, Hazel PFC; Booker, Bessie PVT; Boyd, Erma Pauline PVT; Brown, Ruth Verjil T5; Chinn, Freddie William PFC; Cole, Florence Marie T5; Ellis, Marguerite J PFC; Goodloe, Juanita SSG; Harris, Ira Mae PVT; Hill, Mary Louise PFC; Hooper, Mildred Lois PFC; Hopkins, Pauline Lewis PFC; Howard, Dorothy Lee CPL; Hughes, Ernestine Elizabeth T5; Jackson, Ella Mae PFC; Lawrence, Jerrell SSG; Lee, Catherine PFC; Lewis, Lucille SGT; McClung, Ruby Lee SGT; McKnight, Martha Anna PVT; Mills, Ophelia PFC; Minor, Helen Beatrice PFC; Nelson, Catherine Louise SGT; O’Brien, Ruby M SGT; O’Riley, Essie Oralea PFC; Ortiz, Mablyne T5; Pate, Kate PFC; Penn, Essie Lee PVT; Peterson, Mildred Elizabeth PVT; Powell, Calonia V 2LT; Rettig, Jewell T5; Revernal, Minerva Loraine PVT; Richards Eddie, T PVT; Richardson Winnie, B PFC; Roberts, Onnie Lois PFC; Robey, Florida Elizabeth T4; Smith, Erma L PFC; Smith, Lucille PFC; Stuart, Rose T4; Taylor, Millie Mary PVT; Walton, Johnnie Mae CPL; Wright, Myrtle Elizabeth PFC; Zenon, Mable Jeannette PVT.
VIRGINIA
Akers, Amelia T5; Allen, Dorothy Elizabeth PFC; Allen, Earnestine Ada PVT; Allison, Alice Mae T4; Barbour, Margaret Francis PFC; Bowden, Kitty Cornelia PFC; Buster, Mary Emira SGT; Bratcher, Lillie G PFC; Brown, Catherine G SGT; Carr, Irene V CPL; Chappell, Frances PVT; Coleman, Mary Minkins PVT; Davis, Eula Gray PVT; Diggs, Rosa Gertrude PFC; Drummond, Martha A CPL; Edwards, Bertie Marie 2LT; Evans, Isabella P SSG; Finley, Annie Turner PFC; Galloway, Phyllis Inez PVT; Garrison, Anne B PVT; Gaskill, Edith F PFC; Hairston, Marie M T5; Henderson, Helen Ernestine PFC; Holmes, Helen R T5; Hutchins, Dorothy Elizabeth T5; Jackson, Dorothy Mae PFC; Jefferson, Frances Gertrude T5; Jennings, Hazel C CPL; Johnson, Romay C PVT; Jones, Leona Virginia PVT; Lawrence, Marian Elizabeth SGT; Lee, Katherine T5; Lewis, Mamie Lessie PFC; Marshall, Genevieve PVT; Medley, Mary Nannie T5; Mitchell, Myke A PVT; Moore, Elizabeth Christina CPL; Moton, Jennie Dee CPL; Penny, Louise Tyler SGT; Pleasants, Annie Lucille PVT; Riddick, Ruth V CPL; Ross, Louise Virginia PVT; Ruffin, Grace Lee PFC; Scott, Antoinette Lillian PVT; Sessoms, Gertrude CPL; Smith, Myke A. Mitchell PVT; Stokes, Aubrey Annette 2LT; Tonkins, Vashti B 1LT; Wilson, Marcell Booker SGT.
WEST VIRGINIA
Cawthorne, Anlethea Mollie PFC; Ferguson, Jane Elizabeth PFC; Ford, Lorener F CPL; Gammon, Mamie PVT; Jackson, Dorothy Delilah PVT; Martin, Frances PVT; Martin, Jeanette Belle T5; Miller, Phoebe Elaine PVT; Poindexter, Lucille A PFC; Saunders, Lerah N SGT; Simon, Clara Belle PVT Smith, Sallie M SGT; Thomas, Amanda F SSG; Watkins, Leila Mae PFC; Watkins, Virginia Powell PFC; Wells, Ester R PFC.
WISCONSIN
Ross, Evelyn T4; Woodson, Alice G SGT.
Unidentified States
Irby, Doris PFC; Keys, Sarah L PVT.
“The members of the Six Triple Eight fought in World War II on many fronts,” Lt. Col. Charity Adams Earley, commander of the 6888th, is quoted as saying in the release. “One, the prejudice of males against females; two, the prejudice of white against Blacks; three, the prejudice of natives against foreigners; four, organizational prejudices brought from home; and five, the common enemy we all fought.”
Lt. Colonel Charity Adams Earley
Celly Blue - I Do Know This
Celly Blue -- "I do know this!": What a contrast between valor and gallantry on the part of the women of the 6888th and the swine who berated them.
I was moved with both admiration and outrage with such events as your record here:
"When Adams was promoted to major, a white colonel called her to his office and said bluntly, “Don’t let being an officer go to your head; you are still colored, and I want you to remember that. You people have to stay in your place. Why, your folks might have been slaves to my people right in South Carolina.” The tirade went on for three-quarters of an hour, she wrote in her memoir, adding: “I was proud of the fact that I maintained the position of attention for the whole time.”
"-Major Charity Adams Earley"
Superbly interesting history that many have no idea. I looked for names in my state and i indeed found it. Thank you so much for informing us of the dedication and determination of these heroic women who didn’t receive positive recognition very much at the time. I hope their present day families recognize and take some pride in their ancestors named here. They were truly warrior patriot
Women of their time. They indeed serviced America. Awesome that they were finally honored.