'Six Triple Eight' service member Anna Mae Robertson dies at 101
The Brief
A long-time Milwaukee resident who was recently honored for her service during World War II has passed away.
Ann Mae Robertson served in the 'Six Triple Eight' during WWII, an all-female African American unit that cleared backlogs of mail sent to American soldiers.
She was 101 years old.
MILWAUKEE - Anna Mae Robertson, who served in the only all-female African-American unit deployed overseas during World War II, has died at age 101.
Her service was recently celebrated and honored back in February 2025 in Milwaukee.
What they're saying
"I am deeply saddened to learn of Ms. Anna Mae Roberston's passing. Ms. Robertson was a hero who served her country in the Six Triple Eight Central Postal Directory Battalion, helping connect service members during World War II to their loved ones at a time when letters were the only way to stay in touch. Their selfless service played a crucial role in boosting morale during World War II. The story of the Six Triple Eight Battalion has since inspired Americans across the country."
I am honored to have championed legislation to award Six Triple Eight members a Congressional Gold Medal. After receiving the Congressional Gold Medal and national recognition decades after her heroic service, I am thankful that my constituent, Ms. Robertson, was able to receive her flowers while she could still smell them. Though Ms. Robertson was born and raised in Arkansas, she moved to Milwaukee and established roots here, and we are so appreciative of that."
"I join our community in mourning her loss and remembering her trailblazing legacy."
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The backstory
She broke barriers and played a pivotal role in World War II.
Anna Mae Robertson served in the only all-female African American unit deployed overseas during the war, and her service was celebrated on Sunday, Feb. 23, in Milwaukee.
There was praise and prayer inside Tabernacle Community Baptist Church.
Even poetry for Black History Month.
And it's the strength of a 100-year-old woman fueling celebration during the Sunday service.
A quilt covers Anna Mae Robertson, fitting for a woman stitched into the fabric of American history.
The backstory
"Mother Anna Robertson was part of the 6888 all-women of color postal battalion unit who served in World War II," said Pastor Donna Childs.
The "Six Triple Eight" was the first and only all-female African-American unit deployed overseas during World War II.
The unit was tasked with clearing a two-year backlog of mail to send to American troops.
"Their motto was "no mail, low morale," Childs added.
They had to clear millions of pieces, and they did it in record time.
They were given six months to finish the job. They did it in three.
The unit received little recognition shortly after the war.
In 2024, Tyler Perry wrote and directed a movie based on the women's experience for Netflix.
What they're saying
"Today, we recognize one of our own for her service and engagement to this country," said Gregory Jones with the NAACP.
Robertson received recognitions from the NAACP and County Executive David Crowley.
"Let's understand that she fought for us, and she fought for our ability to stand up and use our voices as well," Crowley said.
The mother of eight sat quietly with her family around her during the event.
There was pure pride from the front row for a woman who helped support the front lines.
"While we recognize her, that we give her her flowers, that we have a role to play because we have a responsibility to her as well," Crowley added.
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Gov. Tony Evers also honored Robertson with a resolution.
It's another recognition for a trailblazing woman who turns 101 next month.
The Six Triple Eight women received a Congressional Gold Medal.
The Source
FOX6 originally reported on Anna Mae Robertson's service at a celebration back in February 2025. U.S. Rep. Gwen Moore provided the information on her passing in a statement sent to FOX6.
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