“The soldiers were motivated to continue fighting by receiving letters from home,” Perry explained in the press notes for the film. “During wartime, communication across seas was limited to letters, making it crucial for the soldiers to receive them. Those letters were their lifeline.”
Learn more about “The Six Triple Eight” and the true events that inspired the film, premiering on Netflix on Dec. 20.
Who were the Six Triple Eight? The Six Triple Eight, a nickname for the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion, was the only U.S. Women’s Army Corps (WAC) unit of color stationed in Europe during World War II. The battalion consisted of 855 women, primarily Black service members, with some women of Caribbean and Mexican descent.
In February 1945, the 6888th was assigned the monumental task of handling a backlog of over 17 million pieces of mail, sorting letters and packages that filled three aircraft hangars. This was challenging due to many letters being improperly addressed or addressed to common names like “Robert Smith.”
Members of the 6888th participated in a parade ceremony honoring Joan d’Arc in 1945. The women developed an efficient mail sorting system and worked tirelessly in freezing conditions in Birmingham, England, with minimal heating and blacked-out windows due to air raid threats.
Despite their physical challenges, the women also faced racism and misogyny within the Army. They were segregated from other personnel and soldiers and encountered discrimination. Maj. Charity Adams (later Lt. Col. Charity Adams Earley), the first Black woman officer in the WAC, commanded the battalion, becoming the highest-ranking Black woman in the U.S. Army by the end of the war.
Given six months to complete their task, the 6888th finished in just 90 days before being relocated to France.
Kerry Washington portrays Maj. Charity Adams in “The Six Triple Eight.” The movie’s characters are based on real members of the 6888th, with Washington’s character inspired by the battalion’s actual leader. The film includes authentic moments based on documented events, such as Adams’ refusal to accept a white officer sent to oversee her unit.
Washington, an executive producer on the film, emphasizes the importance of presenting the story truthfully, drawing from the lived experiences of the women of the 6888th.
The article ended with Washington sharing that Lena Derriecott King, portrayed by Ebony Obsidian, was court-martialed in real life but successfully defended herself due to her deep knowledge of military laws and rules. She continued to serve in the army, earn multiple degrees on the GI Bill, and later became an invaluable resource for Perry’s research on the 6888th battalion.
Perry also recounted his memorable encounter with King, who at 99 years old, impressed him with her sharpness and vivid storytelling. He was able to show her a rough cut of the movie before her passing at 100, and she expressed her gratitude for the film highlighting the contributions of their unit.
The article delved into the historical accuracy of the film, noting that while most events closely followed reality, there was a creative liberty taken by Perry towards the end with a salute scene that symbolized the collective recognition of the entire battalion.
Regarding the fate of the 6888th, the article mentioned how they were initially not celebrated upon their return and faced disparaging rumors that sought to diminish their legacy. However, in recent years, their work has been acknowledged and honored nationally, with monuments and awards recognizing their significant contributions during World War II.
It was also highlighted that in 2023, the U.S. Army renamed the Fort Lee Army base to Fort Gregg-Adams in honor of Lt. Col. Charity Adams and Lt. Gen. Arthur Gregg. As of 2024, only two members of the 6888th battalion, Fannie McClendon and Anna Mae Robertson, remain.
