Still Cummings said the time overseas with the Army left a lasting impression on the women, many of whom dismantled barriers in their personal lives.
Elizabeth Barker Johnson was the first female to attend Winston-Salem State University (a historically black college) under the G.I. Bill. She took part in the school's graduation ceremony at the age of 99 -- 70 years after getting her degree.
McClendon joined the Air Force after the military was integrated and retired in 1971. She was the first female to command an all-male squadron with the Strategic Air Command. Another unit member, the late Doris Moore, became the first black social worker in New Hampshire according to her family.
The unit's story has also been getting more attention. A monument was erected in 2018 at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, to honor them, and the 6888th was given the Meritorious Unit Commendation in 2019. A documentary "The Six Triple Eight" was made about their exploits. There is talk of a movie.
GreGen
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