By Randy & Shelly Langston
A group of brave women from South Carolina played a crucial role in the United States Army 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion during World War II. Among them was Evelyn Reed Trice from Lexington County, who was part of the largest all-black, all-female unit to serve in the war, known as the 6888th Battalion. Over 30 women from South Carolina were a part of this historic battalion. The incredible story of the 6888th Battalion is now the subject of a Netflix film titled “The Six-Triple-Eight,” written and directed by Tyler Perry.
Evelyn was born on December 3, 1919, in Platts Springs Township in Lexington County. She was the daughter of Mallory and Lilly Reed (née Merritt) and was raised there with her brother, Franklin. While living in New York City, she joined the United States Women’s Army Corps (WAC) on April 6, 1943. Evelyn rose to the rank of Private First Class and, in March of 1945, she was assigned to the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion, (one of 855 black women in the unit) in Birmingham, England.
In 1945, during the final year of World War II, the 6888th Battalion made a significant impact by tackling a massive three-year backlog of mail—17 million letters and packages—that hadn’t reached American soldiers overseas. Despite facing discrimination and working in the war-torn countries of England and France, these women brought hope to the front lines. Given a six-month deadline, the 6888th Battalion completed their mission in under 90 days, lifting spirits at a time when the U.S. military needed it most. Their efforts not only aided the war but also opened doors for more opportunities for African American women in the armed forces.
In February 1946, the unit was disbanded at Fort Dix, New Jersey, with no ceremony, no parade and no public acknowledgement of the vital role they played in boosting the morale of young American troops who had fought to make the world a safer place. For her service during the war, Evelyn received the World War II Victory Medal and an honorable discharge.
After the war, Evelyn married Harold Trice in February of 1948 in Richmond, Virginia. At the time of her marriage, Evelyn was working as a nurse in White Plains, New York, and for the next thirty years she continued her work as a nurse at Westchester County Medical Center, Albany Medical Center, and at the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Hospital Veterans Administration Hospital in Montrose, New York. Evelyn died in October 1996, in Peekskill, New York.
In 2019, the Army issued a Meritorious Unit Commendation to the Six-Triple Eight for its service from February 14, 1945, to February 15, 1946. The commendation states, in part, “The 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion’s professionalism and dedication are in keeping with the finest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon themselves, the Women’s Army Corps and the United States Army.” On March 14, 2022, President Joseph Biden signed a bill to award the battalion the Congressional Gold Medal.
The 6888th Central Postal Battalion Monument can be found at the Buffalo Soldier Military Park in Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, where Evelyn’s name is honored. She’s also a Charter Member of the Military Women’s Memorial in
Washington, DC, which recognizes her military service and her story. The Military Women’s Memorial is the only historical repository documenting all military women’s service. It offers educational and inspiring experiences through its interactive exhibits, impressive collections, and various programs and events that appeal to people of all ages.
Women Veterans Recognition Day will be observed this year on Thursday, June 12th, to honor, recognize, and remember the signing of the Women’s Armed Services Integration Act, allowing women the right to permanently serve in the regular armed forces. The Act was signed into law by President Harry S. Truman on June 12, 1948. This act allowed women to serve as permanent members of the U.S. military, including the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, and Air Force. Annually, many states, including South Carolina, honor this date with a Proclamation of Recognition. Source: News. VA.Gov/105206/dispelling-the-myths-of-women-veterans-recognition-day
Our Town Magazine is grateful to all military men and women who paid the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. We honor you this Memorial Day.
The 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion Monument Womenofthe6888th.org
The Military Women’s Memorial WomensMemorial.org
