WASHINGTON – President Joe Biden today signed into law bipartisan legislation cosponsored by U.S. Senators Maggie Hassan and Jeanne Shaheen, as well as U.S. Representatives Annie Kuster and Chris Pappas, to award the Congressional Gold Medal to the women of the 6888th Battalion, which was the only all-Black, all-female battalion serving overseas during World War II, including Portsmouth native Doris Moore. The 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion served during World War II, both in the U.S. and in Europe, where members sorted and routed mail for millions of American service members and civilians.

“The bravery and service of the Six Triple Eight Battalion has been overlooked for too long. Today, the trailblazing women of the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion finally received the recognition that they have long-deserved,” said Senator Hassan. “It is important that Granite Stater Doris Moore is finally being honored, and I am grateful to the families of these veterans for pushing this effort forward.”

“I’m proud to have cosponsored this legislation and pleased President Biden swiftly signed it into law to honor the incredible contributions of the only all-Black, all-female battalion during World War II – the Six Triple Eight Battalion,” said Senator Shaheen. “New Hampshire’s own Doris Moore was part of the battalion that valiantly served overseas. A Congressional Gold Medal – Congress’ highest honor – recognizing their service and patriotism is long overdue.”

“This legislation marks a long-overdue shift in our nation’s recognition of World War II heroes. The Six Triple Eight was the only all-female, all-Black battalion during World War II – a group of American heroes that included New Hampshire’s own Doris Moore,” said Representative Kuster. “I was proud to help advance this bill to award the 6888 Battalion the Congressional Gold Medal and commend their valiant efforts to defeat the Nazis and am pleased to see President Biden sign this measure into law to grant these American heroes the long-overdue recognition they deserve.”

“This is a long-overdue honor and recognition for the women of the Six Triple Eight, including New Hampshire’s own Doris Moore,” said Representative Pappas. “I was honored to help advance this legislation in the House and it’s welcome news President Biden has now signed it into law. Doris and her sisters in arms were trailblazers and patriots who answered the call to service. It’s even more remarkable that their sacrifice and service in defense of freedom came at a time when many of the very freedoms they fought for were not yet available to them. This honor will ensure we remember and honor the service of Black women like Doris Moore who selflessly helped to defend America and defeat the forces of fascism.” 

Doris Moore’s nieces -- Sarah Bodge, Gail Pettiford, Elizabeth Pettiford, and Doris Terry -- shared a statement on the Six Triple Eight Gold Medal of Honor Act becoming law:

“Doris Moore’s service in the Six Triple Eight has made our family very proud of her. Doris took pride in wearing her uniform along with her fellow sisters of color who served with her in the United Stated Army. These brave women served with pride and fortitude as they experienced racial bias and limited notation. As a family, we are just as proud of her now as we were when our grandmother, who was a Service Star mother, displayed the Service Star in her window at her home in Portsmouth, New Hampshire during the war.

“We thank you Senator Hassan, Senator Shaheen, and all who participated in the efforts for this notable recognition granting the Six Triple Eight Congressional Gold Medal of Honor Act Postal Division Battalion. The notable contributions of Doris Moore and other African American Women who diligently served the call to duty for our country is paramount. We as a family are delighted and thank the Senate and the House of Representatives for passing the bill recognizing the Six Triple Eight.”                                  

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