North Baltimore Journal

Kweisi Mfume was mentioned in ``SIX TRIPLE EIGHT'' CONGRESSIONAL GOLD MEDAL ACT OF 2021..... on page E224 covering the 2nd Session of the 117th Congress published on March 7 in the Congressional Record.

The publication is reproduced in full below:

``SIX TRIPLE EIGHT'' CONGRESSIONAL GOLD MEDAL ACT OF 2021

______

speech of

HON. KWEISI MFUME

of maryland

in the house of representatives

Monday, February 28, 2022

Mr. MFUME. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the legacy of the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion, known as the ``Six Triple Eight.'' I also rise to support S. 321, the legislation to award a Congressional Gold Medal in honor of the Battalion's patriotism, valor, and achievements.

Since its first mission in 1945, the Six Triple Eight was comprised of 855 Black women including 824 enlisted personnel and 31 officers. Groundbreaking for the time, the Six Triple Eight was the only African American women's unit of its size to serve overseas during World War II. Most of the 6888th worked as postal clerks, but others were cooks, mechanics, and held support positions so that the 6888th was a self-

sufficient unit.

The Six Triple Eight was led by Major Charity Edna Adams and trained for their overseas mission at Fort Oglethorpe in Georgia. In practice, the Battalion's assignment entailed more than ensuring the swift delivery of mail. Rather, the Battalion was also trained to identify enemies by air and sea, meet the physical demands of military service, and evacuate targeted ships.

Amid war, the tenacity of these brave women never wavered. Rain or shine, day in and day out, the Six Triple Eight worked around the clock, operating under their motto, ``no mail, low morale.'' These women sacrificed despite knowing their return home would be to an America that still denied their basic rights and liberties.

I am proud to support this measure that honors such a courageously driven Battalion of women and bestows them the highest expression of national appreciation Congress can grant.

I urge swift passage of S. 321, the ``Six Triple Eight'' Congressional Gold Medal Act of 2021.

____________________

SOURCE: Congressional Record Vol. 168, No. 40

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