In honor of Women’s History Month, and the addition of Maj. McClendon’s story to the Women in the Air Force Exhibit, museum visitors are encouraged to enjoy a free showing of the documentary, the SixTripleEight.
This free showing will take place every Sunday in March at 1 p.m. in the Museum's Carney Auditorium.
Advanced registration is not required.
In February 1945, the U.S. Army sent 855 black women from the Women's Army Corps "WACs" to England and France to clear the backlog of mail in the European Theater of Operations.
The 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion, known as the SixTripleEight, was the only all-black female battalion to serve in Europe during WWII. Confronted with racism and sexism from their own leadership and troops, they served with honor and distinction completing their mission in six months. By war's end, the SixTripleEight had cleared over 17 million pieces of backlogged mail, ensuring the troops stayed in touch with their loved ones back home.
The last of the women returned home in March 1946. They were never fully recognized until now.