Gladys Carter facts for kids

Gladys Schuster Carter was an amazing American woman who made history during World War II. She was one of 885 women who served in a special group called the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion. This group was part of the Women's Army Corps (WAC). Their very important job was to sort through huge piles of mail in Europe, making sure soldiers got their letters and packages from home.

Gladys Carter served in the WAC for two years, from February 1943 to November 1945. She reached the rank of Private First Class. After the war, she became a founding member of a local group for Black military women in Virginia.

Who Was Gladys Schuster Carter?

Gladys Schuster Carter was a brave woman who answered her country's call during a very difficult time. She joined the Women's Army Corps (WAC) in 1943. The WAC was a special part of the United States Army created for women. It allowed women to take on many important roles that helped the war effort.

Joining the Women's Army Corps

When Gladys joined the WAC, she became part of a pioneering group of women. Before World War II, most military jobs were only for men. But the war needed everyone's help. The WAC allowed women to serve in non-combat roles. This freed up more men to fight on the front lines. Gladys and other WAC members showed that women could do many different jobs in the military just as well as men.

The Historic 6888th Battalion

Gladys Schuster Carter was a member of the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion. This group is often called the "Six Triple Eight." It was the only all-Black, all-female battalion to serve overseas during World War II. Their mission was incredibly important and challenging.

Why Was the 6888th So Important?

During World War II, millions of American soldiers were fighting far from home in Europe. They relied on letters and packages from their families and friends to stay connected and keep their spirits up. But by 1945, there was a huge problem: millions of pieces of mail had piled up in warehouses in England and France. This mail had not been delivered for months, and some of it had been sitting for years!

Soldiers were feeling sad and forgotten because they weren't getting their mail. It was a big problem for their morale. The 6888th Battalion was sent to fix this mess.

Tackling the Mail Mountain

When the "Six Triple Eight" arrived in England, they found warehouses filled to the ceiling with undelivered mail. The piles were so big that some letters were covered in rats! It was a daunting task, but these women were determined.

They worked in shifts, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. They sorted mail in huge, cold, and often dark warehouses. They had to figure out where each piece of mail needed to go, even if the addresses were incomplete or unclear. They created a special system to track soldiers who had moved or had similar names.

Overcoming Challenges

The women of the 6888th faced many challenges. Besides the difficult working conditions, they also had to deal with unfair treatment because of their race and gender. Even though they were serving their country, they still faced discrimination. However, they didn't let this stop them. They focused on their mission and proved how capable they were.

Their Amazing Success

The 6888th Battalion was incredibly successful. They were given six months to clear the mail backlog in England. They finished the job in just three months! Then, they moved to France and did the same thing there, clearing another huge backlog in a few more months.

Their hard work and dedication meant that millions of letters and packages finally reached the soldiers they were meant for. This boosted morale and showed everyone the power of teamwork and determination.

Gladys Carter's Legacy

After her service in the war, Gladys Schuster Carter continued to be a leader in her community. She was a founding member of the local chapter of the National Association of Black Military Women in Greater Hampton Roads, Virginia. This group helps support and recognize the contributions of Black women who have served in the military.

Gladys Schuster Carter's story is a reminder of the important role women played in World War II. It also highlights the courage and strength of the "Six Triple Eight" battalion, who broke barriers and made a huge difference during a critical time in history.