CITY OF FORT WORTH RESOLUTION HONORING FORT WORTH WOMEN IN THE 6888TH CENTRAL POSTAL DIRECTORY BATTALION.

 

CITY OF FORT WORTH RESOLUTION HONORING FORT WORTH WOMEN IN THE 6888TH CENTRAL POSTAL DIRECTORY BATTALION. https://libraries.uta.edu/news/honoring-local-6888th-battalion-members

Proposed and Presented on May 24, 2025 By Pastor Kyev Tatum, Sr.

New Mount Rose Missionary Baptist Church of Fort Worth

President, Ministers Justice Coalition of Texas and founding director of the Texas 6888th Project and the Little Miss 6888th Youth Ambassadors. 

Honoring the Yellow Roses from Fort Worth, Texas.

WHEREAS, the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion—commonly known as the “Six Triple Eight”—was activated on March 3, 1945, during World War II to resolve a massive backlog of undelivered mail, ensuring that millions of letters and packages reached American service members stationed in Europe and sustaining morale through their motto: “No Mail, Low Morale”; and

WHEREAS, the 6888th made history as the first and only all-Black and Latina, all-female battalion deployed overseas during World War II, fulfilling their vital mission with dignity, discipline, and determination—despite enduring poor working conditions, long hours in unheated warehouses, and systemic racism and sexism; and

WHEREAS, the women of the 6888th demonstrated extraordinary courage and precision, famously clearing a six-month backlog of 17 million pieces of mail in just three months while stationed in Birmingham, England, and processing additional mail in Rouen and Paris, France—an achievement that showcased their unmatched organizational excellence and steadfast commitment to service; and

WHEREAS, three distinguished daughters of Fort Worth, Texas, were among those who served in the 6888th with honor and valor:

• Technician Fifth Grade Florence Marie Rawls (née Cole), who enlisted in the Women’s Army Auxiliary Corps (WAAC) in 1942 and later served in the Women’s Army Corps (WAC). At the time of her enlistment, she was unmarried, childless, and employed as a nursemaid;

• Sergeant First Class Helen Beatrice Minor, who joined the Women’s Army Corps in 1943, bringing with her the work ethic and resilience gained from her civilian occupation as a waitress;

• Sergeant Lucille Smith (née Lewis), also enlisting in 1943, served with distinction and was a teacher by profession. She, too, was unmarried and childless at the time of enlistment;

These women represent the quiet strength, courage, and excellence that define the legacy of Fort Worth; and

WHEREAS, forty-four members of the 6888th hailed from Texas and are affectionately known as the “Yellow Roses of Texas,” symbolizing grace under pressure, loyalty to country, and service beyond self; and

WHEREAS, the members of the 6888th returned home without fanfare or the recognition their service deserved—an oversight that is only now being addressed through long-overdue national and state honors, including the awarding of the Congressional Gold Medal in 2022, the formal presentation held on April 29, 2025, in Emancipation Hall, and the passage of House Resolution 1086 by the Texas House of Representatives on May 22, 2024; and

WHEREAS, Fort Worth is proud to be home to the Texas 6888th Project and the Little Miss 6888th Youth Group, which received national attention during the Congressional Gold Medal Ceremony on April 29, 2025, and which established the Hope in an Envelope Campaign to inspire patriotism, service, and civic pride among youth across the nation; and

WHEREAS, the legacy of these Fort Worth women in the 6888th Battalion reflects the highest ideals of citizenship, sacrifice, and perseverance, offering lasting inspiration to generations of Texans and Americans alike;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED

That the Mayor and City Council of the City of Fort Worth, on behalf of a deeply grateful community, do hereby recognize and honor the extraordinary military service and historic contributions of:

• Technician Fifth Grade Florence Marie Rawls (née Cole)

• Sergeant First Class Helen Beatrice Minor

• Sergeant Lucille Smith (née Lewis)

for their valorous service in the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion, their support of the Allied victory in World War II, and their enduring influence on the progress of civil rights and gender equality in the United States.

Let this resolution encourage all citizens of Fort Worth to honor, recognize, and celebrate their extraordinary contributions to safeguarding the morale of the nation during one of its most pivotal conflicts.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED

That July 8, 2025 be officially designated in the City of Fort Worth as:

FORT WORTH WOMEN OF THE 6888TH CENTRAL POSTAL DIRECTORY BATTALION DAY

in everlasting tribute to their remarkable courage, unwavering service, and the immense pride they bring to Fort Worth, to Texas, and to the United States of America.