DE HCR39

The U.S. War Department lifted the ban on African-American women in the Women's Army Corps in November 1944, leading to formation of the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion, the only all African-American, all-female battalion deployed to the European Theater during World War II.

855 African-American women (824 enlisted and 31 officers) served in the 6888th Battalion from February 1945 to March 1946, sorting and clearing a seven-million-piece backlog of mail for American military and civilian personnel stationed in Europe.

Working in poor conditions (dark, unheated, rat-infested aircraft hangars) despite air raids, the Battalion processed an average of 195,000 parcels daily across three 8-hour shifts, clearing a six-month mail backlog in Birmingham in 3 months and a two-to-three-year backlog in Rouen in 3 months.

Four members of the 6888th Battalion were Delaware residents at the time of enlistment: CPL Grace Evelyn Bryant (Elbert), CPL Edith Marguerete Carter, PVT Mary Crawford (Ragland), and PVT Evelina Rachel Griffin.

The resolution recognizes the 6888th Battalion's contributions to the United States and acknowledges their outstanding efforts during World War II, including their receipt of the Congressional Gold Medal in 2022 and other military commendations.