Governor DeWine Signs Bill Recognizing Historic All-Women Battalion

State Representative Melanie Miller (R-Ashland) today joined Governor Mike DeWine for the ceremonial bill signing of Senate Bill 17, bipartisan legislation recognizing the 6888th Central Post Battalion.

Senate Bill 17 (sponsored by Senators Michele Reynolds and Hearcel Craig) is the companion bill to House Bill 204, legislation spearheaded by Rep. Miller alongside State Representative Erika White (D-Toledo) that designates March 9th of each year in Ohio as 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion Day, a day to remember and honor the only all-Black women's unit that served overseas during World War II.

"The women of the Six Triple Eight exemplified courage, perseverance, and unwavering dedication to our nation," said Miller. "Working under extraordinary pressure and challenging circumstances, they carried out a vital mission that connected millions of troops to their loved ones and strengthened morale across the frontlines. Their legacy is one of resilience and excellence."

The ceremonial signing was especially meaningful as family members of the battalion's commanding officer, Lieutenant Colonel Charity Adams, were in attendance. Judith Earley and Stanley Earley, daughter and son of LTC Adams, joined state leaders and veterans to commemorate the occasion, honoring their mother's groundbreaking leadership and legacy.

Major General (Ret.) John Harris, Jr., Director of the Ohio Department of Veterans Services, was also present, along with senior military leaders, veterans, community advocates, and individuals who played key roles in advancing the legislation. Among those in attendance were representatives from the Ohio Department of Veterans Services, the Ohio National Guard, the United States Air Force, veteran service organizations, community leaders affiliated with the Adams family, and citizens who provided testimony in support of the bill.

The 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion, nicknamed the "Six Triple Eight," included 855 women and was led by Major Charity Adams, the highest-ranking Black female officer in the US Army in World War II.

The battalion worked 7 days a week, in 3 shifts, processing and delivering mail to the troops fighting in Europe. Each shift handled an estimated 65,000 pieces of mail. In total, the unit handled mail for over 4 million military and civilian personnel and untangled massive mail backlogs in the UK and France. A task that military leaders estimated to take six months, the battalion completed the task in three months.

Miller added, "These remarkable women are not only heroes of history - they are powerful role models for young women today, proving that leadership, strength, and service know no bounds. Ohio is proud to ensure their story is honored and remembered for generations to come."

The battalion was disbanded on March 9, 1946, at Camp Kilmer, New Jersey.