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The only black unit operating in Europe during World War II received the gold medal in Congress on Tuesday in Capitol the United States.
The Central Central Directory Battalion 6888, known as “Six Three Time”, accumulated from 17 million pieces of mail in three months before service in France and eventually returning to the United States
Besides the leaders of the two parties in Congress, the spokesperson Mike Johnson (R-La), the honor, the highest civil honor granted by Congress, presented to the family of the commander of unity, Litanant Colonel Charity, Adams Erly. More than 300 grandchildren and family members in the six -three battalions attended the ceremony, according to Johnson in his speech.
Johnson said: “This wonderful story has seized Zahi’s imagination, and it has now inspired books and films, and has caused millions of Americans, who now hear now and share this amazing story,” Johnson said.
Erly’s children, Stanley Erly III, was awarded the award from the leaders of the House of Representatives and the Senate.
Parliament Speaker Mike Johnson will give the gold medal of the Congress to the Central Central Directory Battalion 6888 to Stanley Erly during a ceremony in the liberation hall, April 29, 2025, in Washington, DC
Kayla Bartkowski/Getty Images
During their service in 1945, the battalion of 855 members did not acquire any fuss or recognition on its own. This medal comes after years of campaigns for the ignored battalion, which many say, as an example of black women in the army.
Congress 422-0 voted to give 6888 with this honor in 2022. Representative Join Moore (D-WISC), who participated in his care in the legislation, spoke in the goal, praising the “unknown heroes” who received the acknowledgment after 80 years.
This honor represents the latest development in recognition of late unity. A memorial was held in 2018 in Fort Levinworth, Kansas, in their honor, and 6,888 units were granted by the US military in 2019.
The NETFLIX movie, which was made by Tyler Perry for the year 2024, was starred, starring Kerry Washington, nominated an Academy Award for Best original song.
Retired Colonel Edna Kamings, who participated in a few words of admission at the ceremony, directed a documentary on the unit in 2019.
She said: “This date has now regained the passion of service, as it is clear from the young girls who are now wearing as members of the six three.”
The Democratic Leader of the House of Representatives, Hakim Jeffrez (D-Ny), participated in a few words at the ceremony, focusing on the importance of party celebration in the political climate today.
“We meet here today to salute these old warriors. We salute the creativity that they set out to the battle,” said Jeffrez. “We salute the barriers that they broke in the system designed to pay them aside. We salute their homogeneous spirit and the road that responded to others.”
The 6888 Central Postal Directory Battalion joins less than 200 receivers to receive the gold medal in Congress.