Anna Mae Robertson, WWII Hero and Member of the 'Six Triple Eight,' Passes Away at 101

Anna Mae Robertson, one of the last surviving members of the groundbreaking 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion—known as the “Six Triple Eight”—passed away on May 30, 2025, at the age of 101. Her passing marks the end of an era and the loss of a trailblazing figure in both military and American history.

Born on March 5, 1923, in Arkansas, Robertson joined the U.S. Army at age 19, seeking purpose and stability after the death of her mother. She became part of the Six Triple Eight, the only all-Black, all-female battalion deployed overseas during World War II. Their mission was to clear a massive backlog of undelivered mail—over 17 million pieces—that had accumulated in Europe. Operating under the motto “No mail, low morale,” the unit worked tirelessly in challenging conditions, including unheated warehouses and the threat of enemy attacks, to reconnect soldiers with their loved ones back home. They completed their task in just three months, far ahead of the projected six-month timeline.

After the war, Robertson settled in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where she worked as a nurse’s aide at the local Veterans Affairs hospital. She remained active in her community and was a living testament to the resilience and dedication of the women who served in the Six Triple Eight. In recognition of their service, the unit was awarded the Congressional Gold Medal in April 2025, one of the highest civilian honors in the United States.

Robertson's legacy was further cemented by the 2024 Netflix film “The Six Triple Eight,” directed by Tyler Perry and starring Kerry Washington, which brought widespread attention to the battalion's contributions. Robertson had the opportunity to meet with Washington during the film's production, a moment that highlighted the growing recognition of the unit's historical significance.

In her later years, Robertson continued to be honored for her service. She was named the grand marshal of Milwaukee's Juneteenth parade, a role her family will now fulfill in her memory. Her daughter, Sheree Robertson, emphasized the importance of remembering and learning from history, stating, “We need to know our history. I think if we knew our history, people would be inspired to do good, be good, and to overcome all the obstacles that we may encounter in life.”

Anna Mae Robertson's life and service stand as a powerful reminder of the vital roles that Black women have played in shaping American history. Her contributions to the war effort and her community leave an enduring legacy that will continue to inspire future generations.