Lena Derricott Bell King

Lena Derriecott Bell King (January 27, 1923 – January 18, 2024) was an American soldier who was a member of the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion, the only all-Black, all-female unit to serve overseas during World War II. Known as the "Six Triple Eight", this battalion played a critical role in maintaining morale for U.S. troops in Europe by clearing a massive backlog of undelivered mail. In 2022, the Congressional Gold Medal was awarded to the 6888th in recognition of its members' contributions. King was one of the Battalion's last five surviving members. Derriecott attended Germantown High School, where she was an active participant in civic activities, including protesting segregated restaurants through Eleanor Roosevelt's National Youth Administration program. Afterward, she served as a nurse and later as a fuel officer at Douglas Army Airfield in Arizona. During her time in service, she met and married Hugh T. Bell, a fellow servicemember.

In 1945, Derriecott volunteered for overseas duty and was assigned to the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion. The unit's mission was to clear a two-year backlog of mail addressed to U.S. troops stationed in Europe. Operating under harsh conditions in rat-infested warehouses, the battalion worked in three shifts around the clock.

Challenges and achievements The women of the Six Triple Eight faced racism and sexism both at home and abroad. While stationed in Birmingham, England, Derriecott and her colleagues endured freezing conditions, frequent air raids, and prejudice from some of their male counterparts. In 2019, she was recognized for her service with the 2019 Audie Murphy Award during the nationally televised ceremony of the American Valor Awards.