Van Hollen Joins Moran, Colleagues in Calling for a Congressional Gold Medal Ceremony to Recognize the Six Triple Eight

Today, U.S. Senator Chirs Van Hollen joined Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) and 14 of their colleagues in urging House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) to quickly authorize a Congressional Gold Medal ceremony to commemorate the Women’s Army Corps unit, the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion.

In 2022, President Biden signed into law Sen. Moran’s legislation to award the “Six Triple Eight” the Congressional Gold Medal.

“The Six Triple Eight was the only all-Black, all-female unit of the United States Army serving overseas during World War II,” the senators wrote. “Their momentous task was to clear out a three-year, 17-million-piece backlog of mail sent to American servicemembers on the battlefield. Their motto, ‘no mail, low morale,’ encouraged them as they faced these insurmountable odds.”

“Today, only two members of the Six Triple Eight are known to be alive,” the senators continued. “Those still surviving ought to not wait any longer to receive this long-awaited recognition they rightfully deserve. The design and production of the Six Triple Eight Congressional Gold Medal is complete. Therefore, we ask that you swiftly schedule a ceremony to recognize the service these women gave to our nation.”

Senators Van Hollen and Moran were joined in this effort by Senators Jim Risch (R-Idaho), Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.), Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Angus King (I-Maine), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Andy Kim (D-N.J.), Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.) and Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.).

The full letter can be read here or below:

Dear Mr. Speaker,

We write today to request a Congressional Gold Medal ceremony commemorating the Women's Army Corps unit, the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion. This battalion, commonly known as the Six Triple Eight, was composed of courageous women who played a crucial role in America's pivotal victory in the European Theatre during World War II.

The Six Triple Eight was the only all-Black, all-female unit of the United States Army serving overseas during World War II. Their momentous task was to clear out a three-year, 17-millionpiece backlog of mail sent to American servicemembers on the battlefield. Their motto, "no mail, low morale," encouraged them as they faced these insurmountable odds.

We first recognized these women in 2018 when the Senate passed a resolution to honor the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion. In 2020, the Senate successfully passed the "Six Triple Eight" Congressional Gold Medal Act of 2021 to award the Congressional Gold Medal to members of this battalion. Finally, in 2022, the Six Triple Eight legislation was signed into law.

Since passing this legislation, numerous historical articles have been written, and a film was produced in commemoration of the tireless work accomplished by more than 850 women. The role these women played in boosting the morale of young servicemembers during World War II is cemented in our nation's history. However, we are nearing a critical juncture. Today, only two members of the Six Triple Eight are known to be alive. Those still surviving ought to not wait any longer to receive this long-awaited recognition they rightfully deserve. The design and production of the Six Triple Eight Congressional Gold Medal is complete. Therefore, we ask that you swiftly schedule a ceremony to recognize the service these women gave to our nation.

We appreciate the work you do in ensuring the recognition of deserving Americans with the highest distinction Congress can bestow, and we look forward to working with you in making this ceremony a reality.

Sincerely,