The Women’s Army Corps (WAC) was a landmark in women’s US history. WAC gave women the opportunity to serve in the US Military for the first time. WAC is home to many remarkable women whose efforts and service to the US military are unforgettable. Today, we recognize these women and thank them for their service.
Keep reading to learn about a few of many notable female figures who served in the Women’s Army Corps.
The 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion
One of the most remarkable groups of women in WAC was the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion. Also known as the Six Triple Eight, this battalion consisted mostly of African American women. However, this battalion also included women of Caribbean and Mexican descent.
As a postal directory battalion, the Six Triple Eight sorted, organized, and directed mail. These women were diligent about their work, processing about 65,000 pieces of mail per shift. Their motto was “No mail, low morale,” reflecting the women of WAC’s dedication to supporting the US war effort and pride in their service.
On February 28th, 2022, the US House of Representatives awarded the Congressional Gold Medal to the women of the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion. This award recognized these women’s hard work and service in WAC.
Major Charity Adams
The Six Triple Eights’ legacy includes Major Charity Adams, the highest-ranking female African American officer, leading the battalion. Under her leadership, Major Adams and her battalion boycotted the segregation of male and female facilities in Old King Edward School and ran their own food hall, hair salon, and refreshment bar.
Mildred Gates Hooper
Mildred Gates Hooper was one of the incredible women of the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion. In 1943, Hooper’s began serving after completing basic training at Fort Des Moines in Iowa. After training, Hooper was working in the Six Triple Eight, the only African American WAC unit to go overseas. During Hooper’s service, she and the women in her battalion developed a new system of organizing and tracking mail. This system utilized seven million information cards with serial numbers assigned to specific servicemen, allowing for up to 195,000 pieces of mail to be processed each day.
In December 1945, Hooper was honorably discharged from the WAC in Fort Dix, New Jersey. Waiting for her discharge was her husband, who was drafted into the war, returning from campaigns in Africa and Italy. The two had three daughters in Houston, Texas. Mrs. Mildred Hooper died on December 18th, 2018, at age 96.
Conclusion
The 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion was the first African American unit in WAC. It was led by Major Charity Adams, the highest-ranking female African American officer, whose leadership advocated for gender and racial equality. Mildred Gates Hooper, whose work contributed to the battalion’s renown as one of the hardest-working units, eventually received recognition by the US House of Representatives in 2022.
For more information about the Women’s Army Corps, keep reading at Ferry Godmother Productions!