# Plain Language Summary: The "Six Triple Eight" Congressional Gold Medal Act of 2021

This bill awards the Congressional Gold Medal to the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion, a unit of African American women who served in the U.S. Army during World War II. The Congressional Gold Medal is one of the highest civilian honors Congress can give, recognizing extraordinary achievements and contributions to American history and culture.

The 6888th Battalion, nicknamed the "Six Triple Eight," was a groundbreaking military unit made up entirely of Black women who worked as postal clerks and mail handlers during the war. They were stationed in Europe and took on the massive job of sorting and delivering mail to American troops overseas—a task that had fallen dangerously behind. These women processed millions of pieces of mail under difficult wartime conditions, helping keep soldiers connected to their families back home. Despite their crucial service, they faced racial discrimination and their contributions were largely forgotten by history.

By awarding them this medal, Congress is officially recognizing their service and sacrifice, bringing long-overdue attention to their story. The bill also directs the Secretary of the Treasury to design and mint the medal. This is primarily a symbolic honor rather than something that directly changes laws or affects most people's daily lives, but it represents an important acknowledgment of these women's military service and their place in American history. For the surviving members of the 6888th and their families, it provides official recognition of their wartime contributions that were overlooked for decades.

‘Six Triple Eight’ Congressional Gold Medal Act of 2021

Moore, Gwen

&quot;Six Triple Eight&quot; Congressional Gold Medal Act of 2021 This bill directs the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President pro tempore of the Senate to arrange for the award of a Congressional Gold Medal in honor of the women of the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion (commonly known as the Six Triple Eight) in recognition of their pioneering military service, devotion to duty, and contributions to increase the morale of personnel stationed in the European theater of operations during World War II. The medal shall be given to the Smithsonian Institution and made available for display and research.