The House tonight unanimously passed legislation to award the Congressional Gold Medal to members of the Women’s Army Corps who were assigned to the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion, the “Six Triple Eight,” during World War II—including 101-year-old Tempe resident and retired Army Major Fannie Griffin McClendon.
Rep. Greg Stanton, an original co-sponsor of the bill, recorded Maj. McClendon’s oral history of for the Library of Congress’s Veterans History Project in 2019.
“Despite facing racism and sexism, Major Fannie McClendon and the brave women of the 'Six-Triple-Eight' answered the call of duty during World War II. This is a long overdue recognition of our gratitude for their service to their country,” Stanton said following the bill’s passage.
The Six Triple Eight was the only all-Black, all-female battalion to serve overseas during World War II. They were responsible for clearing out an overwhelming backlog of mail, making certain American troops on the front lines received letters from home to boost their morale. Only seven of the original 855 members are believed to still be alive, including Maj. McClendon.
The bill now heads to the President’s desk for signature.