Author Dr. Artika R. Tyner has turned her talents to an epic part of history in her latest book, “The Courageous Six Triple Eight: The All-Black Female Battalion of World War II.” It’s a true story of the first and only all-Black battalion in the Women’s Army Corps sent overseas and their critical contribution to the war effort.
Now available on Bookshop in a paperback and hardcover edition, the book is illustrated by Cynthia Paul. Tyner explains how African American women entered the war effort and the essential function performed by the 6888th Battalion. The 32-page children’s book is written for reading ages 8-11 and reveals a little-known part of World War II and the contributions of Black women.
On Feb. 4, 1945, the women of the Six Triple Eight Battalion embarked on an unknown mission overseas that was expected to take a minimum of six months. Comprised of 855 Black women, they underwent standard training and their ship survived close calls with Nazi U-boats.
Tyner brings to life how the Black women of the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion of the Women’s Army Corp heroically eliminated a two-year backlog of mail in just three months. They maintained the morale of soldiers, while fighting their own battles against racism, gender inequality, and discrimination.
Traditional mail was the primary means for soldiers to communicate with their families. By the end of the war, the women of the 6888th ensured that nearly 17 million pieces of mail was delivered to more than 7,000 soldiers, government personnel and Red Cross workers in the European Theater of Operations.
Readers will learn about Charity Adams Earley, commander of the 6888th. She reached the highest military ranking of a Black woman in the military during World War II when she became lieutenant colonel.
Tyner’s book, “The Courageous Six Triple Eight: The All-Black Female Battalion of World War II,” was published by Capstone Publishing. It’s a tribute to the importance of this all-Black female battalion in the Women’s Army Corps. It’s a true tale of bravery, patriotism, and excellence.
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