Mrs. Romay Catherine Johnson Davis, at the age of 102, is the oldest living member of the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion of the United States Army. On the 74th anniversary of the integration of the armed services this week, the 6888th Battalion was awarded the Congressional Gold Medal, the highest civilian honor that Congress can bestow.
“Alabama's own Romay Davis was critical in ensuring servicemembers received aid & letters from their families throughout WWII,” said U.S. Sen. Tommy Tuberville (R-Alabama) on Facebook. “Her work increased morale & paved the way for women in the military.
"Congrats on the well-deserved Congressional Gold Medal!"
Congresswoman Terri Sewell (D-AL07) spoke on the House Floor to honor Davis.
“I rise today to honor the extraordinary life and legacy of Mrs. Romay Catherine Johnson Davis who was awarded the Congressional Gold Medal for her extraordinary service to our nation as one of the women of the 6888th Postal Battalion during World War II,” Sewell said. “At the age of 102, Mrs. Davis is the oldest living member of the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion of the United States Army. Throughout World War II, this dedicated group of African American women sorted mail and care packages to maintain the morale of American soldiers stationed abroad."
Before President Harry S. Truman’s post-World War II order to desegregate the armed forces, the U.S. fielded segregated units, even though American forces in the Revolutionary War were often integrated with Blacks and Whites serving side by side.
A video recording of Sewell’s remarks can be accessed and downloaded here.
To connect with the author of this story, or to comment, email brandon.moseley@1819News.com.
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