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Legislative bills

Congressional Gold Medal Awarded to the Women's Army Corps 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

In a landmark moment, President Joe Biden signed into law a bill authored by Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) awarding the Congressional Gold Medal to the members of the Women's Army Corps 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion, also known as the "Six Triple Eight." This legislation, sponsored by Senator Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.) in the Senate and Representatives Gwen Moore (WI-04) and Jake LaTurner (KS-02) in the House, recognizes the sacrifices and contributions of these pioneering women who served during World War II.

Key Takeaways:

  • The 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion was the only all-black, all-female battalion to serve overseas during World War II, processing millions of letters and packages for American troops in Europe.
  • The battalion, composed of 855 women, cleared out an overwhelming backlog of mail, ensuring that American soldiers received letters from home to boost their morale.
  • Senator Jerry Moran's legislation, signed into law by President Biden, awards the Congressional Gold Medal to the members of the 6888th, the highest expression of national appreciation from Congress.
  • The Six Triple Eight Congressional Gold Medal Act was over a decade in the making, with Senator Moran reintroducing the bill in February 2021, and it unanimously passed the U.S. Senate in April 2021.
  • The Congressional Gold Medal is a meaningful recognition of the critical service the 6888th provided to the country under extraordinary difficult conditions.
  • The medal will be designed and presented to the surviving members of the battalion or their families in a formal congressional ceremony.
  • Senator Moran has been a tireless advocate for the 6888th, delivering remarks on the Senate floor and participating in the dedication of the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion Monument in Kansas.

Statistics:

  • An estimated 855 women served in the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion during World War II.
  • The battalion processed millions of letters and packages for American troops in Europe, clearing out an overwhelming backlog of mail.
  • The 6888th was the only all-black, all-female battalion to serve overseas during World War II.
  • The Congressional Gold Medal is the highest expression of national appreciation from Congress and will be presented to the surviving members of the battalion or their families in a formal congressional ceremony.

Sources:

  • "Kansas Senator Jerry Moran Celebrates Signing of Legislation Awarding Congressional Gold Medal to Women's Army Corps' 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion"
  • Sen. Jerry Moran's speech on the Senate floor (via YouTube)
  • Senate.gov: S. 633: A bill to award the Congressional Gold Medal to the members of the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion (via Senate.gov)
  • U.S. Army website: 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion (via Army.mil)
  • Sen. Jacky Rosen's press release: "Rosen Statement on the Signing of the Six Triple Eight Congressional Gold Medal Act"

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