The Six Triple Eight Was The Only All-Black, All-Female Battalion Serving in Europe During World War II
Watch Senator Rosen’s Full Remarks HERE.
WASHINGTON DC – U.S. Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV) helped award the Congressional Gold Medal in honor of the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion, commonly known as the Six Triple Eight, the only all-Black, all-women battalion serving in Europe during World War II. These women were tasked with clearing a three-year backlog of mail in Europe, approximately 17 million pieces, for servicemembers and their families back home.
Nevada was home to three members of the 6888: Corporals Mable Nevels, Alberta Bradley, and Lena Bell King. Corporal King moved to Las Vegas later in life and was the last surviving Nevadan until her death in January 2024 at the age of 100. Senator Rosen helped introduce the bipartisan Six Triple Eight Congressional Gold Medal Act, which was later signed into law.
Below are excerpts from Senator Rosen’s remarks:
Again, Congresswoman Moore, and I’m proud to work with Senator Moran [and] our partners all across both Houses to make sure the Six Triple Eight Central Postal Directory Battalion got the recognition that they truly and rightfully deserve with the Congressional Gold Medal – Congress’s highest civilian honor.
I got involved with these efforts, these heroes, especially because of the women who called my state of Nevada home.
Women like Corporal Mable Nevels, women like Corporal Alberta Bradley, and women like Corporal Lena King, who later in her life came to call Nevada home. That’s right.
And it was Corporal King’s story that motivated me to make sure that these heroic women – these heroic women – got the recognition that they deserved. And even though she is no longer with us, she is with us in spirit. Her heroism remains, her spirit and her legacy intact.
All of these trailblazing women, they not only answered the call to serve their country, but they did so in the face of incredible challenges of the time, like racism and sexism.
And let this medal, in this time, in this place – Emancipation Hall – and this moment, stand as a permanent reminder that courage knows no color, that strength knows no gender, and patriotism knows no bounds.
So on behalf of a grateful nation, to the families, the descendents, the friends, and the loved ones, the women of Six Triple Eight, we thank you for your service, and we are so proud to honor you here today. You have our eternal gratitude. Thank you.
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