COLUMBUS, OH — A hidden chapter of American military history has officially been given its own day on the Ohio calendar. State Representative Erika White (D-Springfield Township) joined colleagues this week to celebrate the signing of Senate Bill 17, which formally designates March 9th as 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion Day in the Buckeye State.
The bipartisan legislation, which mirrors a House effort led by Rep. White and Rep. Melanie Miller (R-Ashland), honors the only all-Black, all-female battalion to serve overseas during World War II.
Honoring the “Six Triple Eight”
The 6888th Battalion was tasked with a monumental mission: clearing a two-year backlog of millions of pieces of mail in unheated, rat-infested warehouses in Europe. Led by Ohio’s own Lieutenant Colonel Charity Adams, the women adopted the motto “No mail, low morale,” successfully delivering letters that reconnected millions of soldiers with their families.
“Today we have not re-written history but restored the footsteps that the 855 women of the 6888th Battalion… have left as an indelible path for all women,” Rep. White said in a statement. “Designating March 9th to honor these trailblazing women… is a victory for the state, and for women.”
Restoring the Record
For decades, the contributions of the “Six Triple Eight” went largely unrecognized in official historical records. This new state holiday aims to correct that oversight, ensuring their service is viewed with the same prestige as any other combat or support role.
By establishing this day of recognition, Ohio lawmakers highlighted several key points:
- Leadership: Celebrating the command of Lt. Col. Charity Adams, a trailblazer for women in the military.
- Dedication: Recognizing the grueling conditions the battalion faced while serving their country.
- Equality: Affirming that military service is honored based on impact, regardless of race or gender.
“It reminds us that when we recognize every contribution with equal respect, we build a more honest history and a stronger future for those who will serve next,” added Rep. White.
