The women were sent to Europe to clear a backlog of 17 million pieces of mail waiting to be sent to U.S. troops.

The 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion was the only one comprised of Black women to be sent overseas during World War II.

The only Black, all-female unit to serve in Europe during World War II, commonly known as the "Six Triple Eight," was honored Tuesday with the Congressional Gold Medal after a long-running campaign to recognize their efforts.