From the July 13, 2021, Daily Press "Black female World War II unit hoping to get Congressional honor" by Michael Casey, AP.
Major Fannie Griffin McClendon and her Army colleagues never dwelled on being the only black battalion of women to serve in Europe. They had a job to do.
The 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion was credited with solving a growing postal crisis during its stint in England, and, on their return, serving as an example to generations of black women who joined the military.
But for decades, the exploits of the group's 855 members received next to nothing as far as recognition, that is, until now.
The Senate passed legislation that would award members of the battalion, affectionately known as the Six Triple Eight, with the Congressional Gold Medal.
The bill is awaiting action in the House, but it is already too late for most of the 6888's members. There are only believed to be seven still alive, including McClendon.
"Well, it would be nice, but it never occurred to me that we would even qualify for it," McClendon said from her home in Arizona.
An Overdue Honor. --GreGen
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