The Six Triple Eight’s release has sparked interest and conversations about certain unsung heroes of World War II. Specifically, the unsung heroes of the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion, also known as the “Six Triple Eight,” an all-Black Women’s Army Corps unit. True to its portrayal in Tyler Perry’s film, the battalion was the first to be deployed overseas during the war. It was tasked with the seemingly impossible responsibility of organizing and delivering a massive backlog of mail to soldiers and civilians.
Most people would assume delivering the mail is a menial task. However, during WWII, the mail was an essential lifeline for soldiers and their families waiting for them at home. Going weeks or months without contact from their families and vice versa greatly affected soldiers’ morale on the frontlines. Thus, the impact of the 6888th’s work was monumental, but the story was largely absent from mainstream history textbooks and narratives until now.
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Growing up, I never heard the story of the 6888th Battalion in my history classes, nor did I learn about their vast contributions in documentaries or lessons about World War II. I knew that Black women, like many other women, joined the fight in WWII by either joining the workforce or enlisting in the military directly. However, the glaring omission of the 6888th’s work speaks volumes about how narratives are shaped and whose stories are deemed worthy of inclusion in American history.
The Triple Six Eight feels groundbreaking because it brings a chapter of history and its figures to the forefront after being overlooked for many years. Watching the story of the Six Triple Eight told on the big screen was an emotional experience as it captured the struggle, sacrifices, and resourcefulness of these courageous Black women that I wish I had learned about in school growing up. Although the film’s portrayal of the 6888th is awe-inspiring, it is important to examine where the facts meet fiction.
Like most Hollywood productions based on real war stories and figures, there is always some embellishment to play up the drama and fit the film’s run time. This article breaks down some facts and fiction within Tyler Perry’s Netflix Original The Six Triple Eight film.
Fiction: Lena’s Romances with Abram and Hugh
The film starts with Lena Derriecott and her childhood friend Abram David, a young Jewish boy, who become romantically involved before Abram joins the war. As he departs, Abram promises to write to Lena until he returns home from the war. Unfortunately, Abram dies before his letter can reach Lena. News of his death profoundly affects Lena and inspires her to join the fight. In real life, Lena Derriecott is only friends with a Jewish boy named Abram.
Although his death moved her, Lena was already active in politics through Eleanor Roosevelt’s National Youth Administration. Len was also working in a hospital before enlisting to join the war. In the Netflix film, Lena meets Private Hugh Bell during her basic training, and he is instantly taken with her. However, Lena still grieves Abram’s death and is initially uninterested in romance. Towards the film’s end, their relationship grows as Lena moves past her grief.
In real life, Lena’s relationship with Hugh began before her deployment. Hugh was not a private; he was a drill sergeant. The two were also married when Lena was selected for the 6888th Battalion.
Fact: Major Charity Adams’ Trailblazing Promotion
In reality, as portrayed in the film, Major Charity Adams was a trailblazing figure and an exceptional military leader. Major Adams made history when she earned the rank of Lieutenant Colonel, thus making her the highest-ranking Black woman officer in the United States Army during WWII. Her promotion to the rank of major during her services with the 6888 Battalion was a groundbreaking achievement, highlighting her exceptional leadership skills and dedication to her country.
Her promotion to officer, during a time that was entrenched in racism and sexism, inspired many of the women under her command and countless others over the years who faced barriers in pursuing military careers. Adams’ accomplishments helped pave the way for Black women in the armed forces.
Fiction: Major Charity Adams’ Role in Lena’s Story
The Six Triple Eight gives Major Charity Adams and Lena significant screen time as a mentor-mentee relationship. Throughout the film, Major Adams makes an example of Lena several times, giving her a more challenging time than the other battalion members. Their dynamic is a central element of the story as it highlights the importance of leadership and camaraderie within the 6888th Battalion.
Major Adams’ interactions with Lena in the film are fictionalized. Lena’s joining the 6888 and deployment were based on rigorous training and a competitive selection process. Lena was also more than equipped and qualified for her role before ever meeting Major Adams. That is not to say that Major Adams’ leadership was not instrumental to the 6888th’s overall success. Still, there is little evidence that she and Lena had many interactions or a personal mentor relationship.
Fiction: The Six Triple Eight’s Working Locations
The film primarily focuses on the 6888 Battalions’ mission in Birmingham, England, where they were assigned to tackle a backlog of 17 million mail pieces. The film’s portrayal of the dank, rat-infested warehouses and the unit’s tireless work efforts over three months accurately reflects the unit’s experience in Birmingham. However, the film does not include the Battalion’s work beyond England.
After the Six Triple Eight successfully completed their mission, they went to France, where they continued their vital work amidst the previously Nazi-occupied territories. It should also be noted that while in Rouen, France, three members of the battalion, Private Battaliony Bankston, Private Mary Barlow, and Sergeant Dolores Browne, died in a car accident, and not a bomb as it was portrayed in the film.
As The Six Triple Eight continues to spark interest in the 6888th Battalion, I hope it catalyzes further exploration and education for other viewers to learn more about other unsung heroes in our country’s history.
The Six Triple Eight is now streaming on Netflix.
