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Anna Mae Robertson, 95, has been called a “quiet warrior” for her service in the Women’s Army Corps 6888th Central Directory Postal Battalion. Last week she greeted well-wishers who attended a screening about the battalion. (Photo by Caroline White)
Editor’s note: This story has been updated to correct details of the 6668th’s membership, work and recent recognitions.
Editor’s note: This story is part of an occasional series that highlights groups and people worth knowing in Milwaukee. To nominate a person or a group, email info@milwaukeenns.org and put “Spotlight” in the subject line.
Anna Mae Robertson once spent her time evading Nazi U-boats in war-torn Europe. Now, perched on her living room recliner with photos of her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren covering the walls, some may find it difficult to believe.
Robertson, 95 and a longtime Milwaukee resident, was a member of the only Women’s Army Corps all-African American battalion that served overseas in World War II. The Women’s Army Corps 6888th Central Directory Postal Battalion, or the “Six Triple Eight” as it’s otherwise known, was sent to Europe in 1945 to sort a backlog of mail more than 2 years old.
“I remember all the jobs we did” and “the work we had to do to earn the jobs,” Robertson said.
The women’s efforts were celebrated and discussed in the documentary “The Six Triple Eight: No Mail, Low Morale.” The film was shown in the Milwaukee County War Memorial Center earlier this month.
The “Six Triple Eight,” an African American women’s Army Corps that deployed to Europe to clear the postal system’s backlog, worked to ensure the approximately 65,000 letters were sent to their final destinations. (Photo provided by U.S. Department of Defense)
Robertson enlisted in the Army in March 1943, shortly after her mother died. She was 19 years old. After completing training at Fort Des Moines, Iowa, and Fort Oglethorpe, Georgia, Robertson was ready for duty.
In February 1945, the “Six Triple Eight” set sail for Europe and were chased by German submarines along the way. The women were first sent to Birmingham, England.
They worked around the clock to ensure approximately 65,000 letters per eight-hour shift were sent to their final destinations.
The assignment was expected to take the group six months, but the women were able to complete it in half the time. The battalion’s motto was “no mail, low morale.”
The women endured more than their fair share of racism, sexism and challenging work environments, but that didn’t slow them down. After leaving England, the Six Triple Eight moved on to Rouen, France, then finally to Paris, France.
‘A lot of determination’
Robertson’s daughter Sheree calls her mother “a quiet warrior.”
“She’s a reflection of a woman who’s resilient, who has a lot of courage, a lot of determination and a woman who walks by her faith,” she said.
Sheree said her mother didn’t often talk about her military service. Instead she led her children by example, taking them with her to the open housing demonstrations held in Milwaukee in the 1960s. Sheree recalls marching with the Father James Groppi across the 16th St. viaduct with her mother and her siblings.
Robertson worked at the Milwaukee VA Medical Center as a nurse’s aide. Along the way, she got married and had eight children. In December 1945, Robertson retired from military service
She was visiting Milwaukee to attend the wedding of a fellow “Six Triple Eight” service member when she decided to stay.
Long overdue recognition
When members of the “Six Triple Eight” returned from overseas in 1945, they were not recognized for their work. It wasn’t until 2014 that Robertson received her service medals. In 2018, a monument was dedicated to the 6888th Battalion in Fort Leavenworth, Kansas.
This year, the battalion finally received the Army Meritorious Unit Citation. In addition, Sen. Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) and Rep. Gwen Moore (D-Milwaukee) introduced bills to award the battalion a Congressional Gold Medal. Most recently, after the Milwaukee showing of the documentary, Robertson received a Certificate of Commendation from Gov. Tony Evers.
Edna Cummings, a veteran and producer of the documentary, said the women of the Six Triple Eight were courageous-and inspiring.
“It’s a narrative that’s so compelling. It transcends race and gender. It’s a lesson in leadership, resilience and an approach to getting the job done when the odds are stacked against you,” Cummings said.
Carolyn,
You did an outstanding job introducing your readers to Anna Mae Robertson. Hopefully, your article will inspire others to be courageous as they journey through life.
Clarification: The 6888th processed 65,000 pieces of mail per eight hour shift for three months- more than 17 million pieces of mail and packages in three months in Birmingham, England, they then moved to Rouen and Paris France to clear the backlog.
Thank you so much for your feedback and concern. We will look into this after we confer with staff.
Col. Cummings — we updated the story to reflect your correction. Again, we appreciate you taking the time to clarify these details.
A special deep thank you to Caroline White for her ability to capture the essence of my mother Anna Robertson service.
Your professional skills including your interview communicates the human connections we all share in common.
Our community will be enhanced by your sense of being and professional skills.
Thank you
Daughter of Anna Robertson
Thank you for the article about the 6888th. However, there are several factual errors about the 6888th in the article. If you are interested in correcting these please give me a call at 816 679-1734. I am the Ghairman of the group that built $180,000 6888th 6888th monument at Fort Leavenworth.
Mr. Philpot — we updated the story with your corrections and suggestions. Thank you for your diligence and care.
Happy Fathers Day to My Fellow Milwaukee’s . Miss Robertson is truly a Role Model For Young Women and also a soul of inspiration for EVERYBODY . MS Robertson , is one of the reasons her GENERATION was called the GREATEST Generation . Miss Robertson , You have made the RIGHT Decision to Stay in Milwaukee . , and the citizens of milwaukee feel the same.