In today’s digital age, it’s easy to lose sight of how the postal system was once the only link between families, both in the United States and around the world.
In 1945, at the end of World War II, the U.S. Army had a gigantic backlog of undelivered mail and packages that had been sent to troops overseas. While soldiers wondered why their families hadn’t written, piles of letters sat in warehouses across Europe.
The Army responded in February 1945 by assigning the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion to address the growing mail problem. This segregated unit was the largest all-Black, all-female group to serve in the war. As such, these soldiers faced both racism and sexism on the job.
“We all had to be broken in, so to speak, to do what had to be done,” said Romay Davis, who served in the unit. “The mail situation was in such horrid shape they didn’t think the girls could do it. But they proved a point.”
The 6888th rolled up their sleeves and got to work, taking on the overwhelming job in 24/7 shifts. They came up with a new tracking system that processed roughly 65,000 pieces of mail per shift. With their hard work and ingenuity, they cleared a 6-month backlog in just 3 months!
Today, Romay is 102 years old, making her the oldest living member of the 6888th.
In 1943, Romay joined the Army because her five brothers had already enlisted. She was part of the motor pool, and while in Europe she drove mail trucks to help clear out the warehouses. When the war ended, the battalion went to France to clear out their mail backlogs as well.
After the war, Romay continued to break down barriers. She worked in the fashion industry for 30 years and earned a black belt in martial arts in her late 70s. After she retired, she took a job at her local grocery store in Montgomery, Alabama. She’s still working to this day!
In 2022, President Joe Biden signed a bill authorizing the Congressional Gold Medal for the “Six Triple Eight” unit. With additional support from U.S. Senator Jerry Moran of Kansas, Romay and her fellow soldiers were finally recognized for their service.
In an event at Montgomery City Hall, Romay was given a World War II uniform replica, American flag, and other memorabilia from her time in the service. The official congressional medals will be presented in a few months.
During the event, Romay expressed her gratitude for the recognition, but was quick to point out that she is but one member of this incredible group.
“I think it’s an exciting event, and it’s something for families to remember,” she said. “It isn’t mine, just mine. No. It’s everybody’s.”
We’re grateful Romay and the rest of the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion are finally getting recognized for their service to their country.
Share this story to congratulate Romay on her amazingly accomplished life, and to thank her for her service.
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