Mansfield Times

The Ohio House of Representatives has passed House Bill 204, which aims to recognize the historic contributions of the 6888th Central Post Battalion. The bill received unanimous support and was introduced by State Representative Melanie Miller (R-City of Ashland) alongside State Representative Erika White (D-Toledo).

House Bill 204 proposes that March 9th be designated annually in Ohio as 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion Day. This day will honor the only all-Black women’s unit that served overseas during World War II.

“These remarkable women overcame numerous obstacles and left behind a legacy of service as the unsung heroes of WWII,” stated Miller. “They deserve our honor and recognition as they made the impossible possible and accomplished a critical task that boosted the moral of the American people and American soldiers.”

The battalion, known as the "Six Triple Eight," comprised 855 women led by Major Charity Adams, who was the highest-ranking Black female officer in the US Army during World War II. They worked tirelessly in three shifts every day to process and deliver mail to troops stationed in Europe, handling an estimated 65,000 pieces per shift. In total, they managed mail for over four million military and civilian personnel, significantly reducing backlogs in both the UK and France from an expected six months to just three months.

The battalion was disbanded on March 9, 1946, at Camp Kilmer in New Jersey.

House Bill 204 is now pending consideration by the Ohio Senate.

Rep. Miller's floor remarks can be accessed through a provided link.