The Alabama Women Behind the Inspiring New Netflix Film ‘Six Triple Eight’

Alabama women formed part of the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion, the Women’s Army Corps’ only colored unit in World War II.

The true story of this group of women is told in Netflix’s The Six Triple Eight, starring Kerry Washington and written and directed by Tyler Perry.

The 855 women who were part of the battalion contributed to the war effort by sorting through a three-year backlog of mail, estimated at 17 million pieces, that had not been delivered to American soldiers far from home. The ladies were given six months to complete the task, but they completed it in three months.

Romay Davis, a Montgomery woman, was awarded the 2021 Congressional Gold Medal for her service.

Davis, a Virginia native, entered in 1943, succeeding her five brothers. After the war, she lived abroad, worked in fashion and managed a Winn-Dixie grocery store.

At 104, she was the oldest living member of the Six Triple Eight until her death in June 2024.

Another woman from Alabama, a graduate of Talladega College, was 1st Lt. Lillian W. Duncan, who graduated in 1937, continued her service and returned to active duty as a captain in the U.S. Air Force in 1949, according to the school.

At one point in her military career she was stationed in London and later at McGuire Air Force Base in New Jersey, where she received the Air Force Commendation Medal. She retired as a major in 1964 and became an educator. Duncan died in 2010.

In all, an estimated two dozen Alabama women were part of the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion.

“Six Triple Eight” will be available to stream on Netflix starting December 20th.