18-03-2025
New Jersey lawmakers look to honor the women of Six Triple Eight
ALLENTOWN, N.J. (PIX11) — Unsung, and largely unseen, these women were heroes of World War II.
They were the Women's Army Corp's 6888th Postal Directory Battalion – the first and only battalion of women of Color who served overseas in the war. Their mission was to make sure troops received their mail – a task more daunting than you might imagine.
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'They had six airplane hangars full of mail packed to the ceiling,' said Dr. Karen Jordan, a descendent of one of the Six Triple Eight's soldiers, 'and the Army gave them six months to clear this.'
With soldiers not getting letters from their families, and morale falling fast, the Six Triple Eight was sent to do the impossible – all while dealing with poor conditions, racism, and sexism. Not only did they finish the job, they did it ahead of schedule.
'These trailblazing women broke barriers, demonstrated extraordinary resilience and dedication to our country,' said Assemblywoman Tennille McCoy (D-NJ 14th District).
In New Jersey, their story could soon be etched into history.
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On Monday, the Assembly Veterans and Military Affairs committee moved forward with a joint resolution bill to formally recognize the Six Triple Eight. If it is passed by both chambers and signed by the Governor, New Jersey will recognize May 18th every year as Six Triple Eight Day.
One of the soldiers of the battalion hails from the small town of Allentown, New Jersey, just a 15-minute drive from the State House.
'It's a huge source of pride as a little town,' said Michael McCormick of the Allentown Village Initiative.
Marion VanOrkey was one of the 855 women of the battalion, almost 30 of which were from New Jersey.
'We want them… to learn the story, to know, and be inspired by it,' said McCormick.
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