Black Female WWII Unit Hoping to Get Congressional Honor
July 18, 2021 World War II veteran Maj. Fannie Griffin McClendon poses at her home, Thursday, June 10, 2021, in Tempe, Ariz. (AP Photo/Matt York)
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Major Fannie Griffin McClendon never thought too much about being part of the only Black female United States army group to serve in Europe during World War II. Neither did those who served with her in the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion. The soldiers had a job to do.
The women are credited with solving a serious U.S. Army mail crisis during the war. Upon their return, they were seen as models for generations of Black women who would join the military.
07-17-2021
In this photo provided by the U.S. Army Women s Museum, members of the 6888th battalion stand in formation in Birmingham, England, in 1945. (U.S. Army Women s Museum via AP)
BOSTON (AP) Maj. Fannie Griffin McClendon and her Army colleagues never dwelled on being the only Black battalion of women to serve in Europe during World War II. They had a job to do.
The 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion was credited with solving a growing mail crisis during its stint in England and, upon their return, serving as a role model to generations of Black women who joined the military.
BOSTON
Maj. Fannie Griffin McClendon and her Army colleagues never dwelled on being the only Black battalion of women to serve in Europe during World War II. They had a job to do.
The 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion was credited with solving a growing mail crisis during its stint in England and, upon its return, serving as a role model to generations of Black women who joined the military.
But for decades, the exploits of the 855 members never got wider recognition â until now.
The Senate passed legislation that would award members of the battalion, affectionately known as the Six Triple Eight, with the Congressional Gold Medal.
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Black female WWII Army unit up for congressional honor at last
Michael Casey
The Associated Press
BOSTON Maj. Fannie Griffin McClendon and her Army colleagues never dwelled on being the only Black battalion of women to serve in Europe during World War II. They had a job to do.
The 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion was credited with solving a growing mail crisis during its stint in England and, upon their return, serving as a role model to generations of Black women who joined the military.
But for decades, the exploits of the 855 members never got wider recognition until now.