The 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion (1945)

The 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion (1945)

AP African American Studies Guide

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Topic 4.3

A Photograph of the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion in England (1945)

Two Black women in military uniform (dark jackets, light shirts and ties, dark skirts and boots) looking on at two rows of other Black women in military uniform standing at attention.


Source: Major Charity E. Adams and Captain Mary Kearney inspect members of the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion in England on February 15, 1945 (Records of the Office of the Chief Signal Officer, Photographs of American Military Activities, National Archives)

Discussion Questions

  1. What does the fact that only Black women are present in this photograph suggest about the US military during WWII?
  2. What conclusions can you draw from the inspecting officers’ attire, posture, and facial expressions? In what ways are they similar to or different from the troops?
  3. How is the concept of Double Victory reflected in this photograph?