"No Mail, Low Morale": The 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion - FREE

by National Museum of the U.S. Army

Recognize the commitment, challenges, and sacrifices African American Women’s Army Corps members during World War II.

Program Description:
Since the Revolutionary War generations of African Americans have served the armed forces, but it was not until World War II that Black women joined the Army as part of the Women’s Army Corps (WAC).

In February 1945 members of the 6888th Central Postal Battalion arrived in Birmingham, England. Nicknamed the “Six Triple Eight,” they were the first and only all-Black WAC unit sent overseas during World War II. They faced the daunting task of sorting and delivering mail to the roughly 7 million service members stationed in the European Theater. Their mission boosted the morale across the entirety of deployed forces. They completed their mission in three months’ time before deploying to France to undertake the same work. The battalion was awarded the Congressional Gold Medal in honor of their dedication and service to mission in 2022.

Explore the commitment, challenges, and sacrifices of the Six Triple Eight. Learn how their actions, along with thousands of other Black WACs, contributed to the Allied victory. Examine the legacy of their service and its impact on the civil rights movement.

Program Rating

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About This Program

Cost

Point to Point: $0.00
Point to Point Premium: $0.00

FREE!

This program is free.

Length

45 minutes

Target Audience

Education: Grade(s) 9, 10, 11, 12, Teacher(s)/Educator(s), Parent, Adult Learners, Homeschool/Family Public Library: Library Patrons, Library Staff

Minimum participants:

Maximum participants:

Primary Disciplines

History & Social Studies

Program Delivery Mode

Videoconference – Webcam/desktop (Zoom, Google Meet, Cisco WebEx, GoToMeeting, Microsoft Teams, etc...)
Zoom
WebEx
Microsoft Teams

Booking Information

This program can be reserved Monday - Sunday, 9 - 3:30 p.m. ET.

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For more information contact CILC by email info@cilc.org or by phone (507) 388-3672

Provider's Cancellation Policy

Cancellations must be made 48 hours prior to the start of the program.

About This Provider

National Museum of the U.S. Army

Fort Belvoir, VA
United States

The National Museum of the United States Army provides the only comprehensive portrayal of Army history and traditions through the eyes of the American Soldier. Through preserving, interpreting, and exhibiting invaluable artifacts, the National Army Museum creates learning opportunities for all visitors and bonds the American people to their oldest military service.

We are America’s Army Museum.

Contact:
Jennifer Dubina
usarmy.belvoir.hqda.mbx.programs-education-division@army.mil
5715150783

Program Details

Format

This program guides participants through an examination of primary resources and demonstrations to learn more about the Six Triple Eight. Participants will be encouraged to answer questions and solve problems. Time will be allowed for questions and answers.

Objectives

At the end of this lesson students, will be able to

*Discuss how World War II further women’s professional opportunities.
*Recognize the challenges faced by African American Soldiers during World War II.
*Understand how African Americans have used military service to advance civil rights.
*Describe the impact of African American military service on the home front during and following World War II.

Standards Alignment

National Standards

Common Core Standards

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RH.6-8.2
Determine the central ideas or information of a primary or secondary source; provide an accurate summary of the source distinct from prior knowledge or opinions.

History and Social Science Standards of Learning for Virginia Public Schools

United States History: 1865 to the Present
USII.6 The student will apply social science skills to understand the major causes and events of World War II and effects of America’s role by
f) identifying the roles and sacrifices of American armed forces, including prisoners of war, women, and segregated units, as well as other notable heroics, including but not limited to the contributions of the Tuskegee Airmen, the 442nd Regimental Combat Team, Women’s Army Auxiliary Corps, the Women Airforce Service Pilots, the Navajo Code Talkers, and the Bedford Boys;

Virginia and United States History
VUS.14 The student will apply social science skills to analyze the Untied States’ involvement in World War II by
d) evaluating and explaining the contributions of heroic military units including but not limited to segregated, minority units, women, and the role of Virginia units in the American war effort.