Founded 1988
" An International Stamp Society, honoring the African Diaspora and African Americans on stamps"
Our 37th Year
HISPANIC WOMEN IN SIX TRIPLE EIGHT
"No Mail, Low Morale"
The WWII 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion was the first and only all-Black female unit to be deployed overseas during WWII. The unit was active from 1945 to 1946 and consisted of 855 women under the command of Major Charity Adams. Their nickname was “Six-Triple Eight” and their motto was “No Mail, Low Morale.” The unit served at home and in Europe where they sorted and routed mail for millions of American service members and civilians. By dividing their work into shifts that ran 7 days a week, the women processed an average of 65,000 pieces of mail per shift.
In England and Europe they sorted 17 million letters and packages that had piled up in warehouses and get them to the troops. They cleared a six-month backlog of mail in half the time expected; not once but twice, in England and in France.
On 15 March 2016, the U.S. Army Women’s Foundation inducted the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion into the Army Women’s Hall of Fame. Elsie Garris, a veteran from the 6888th, was on hand for the induction ceremony
Private Lydia Esther Thornton
(February 19, 1922 - May 2, 2011)
Lydia was born on February 19, 1922, in Nogales, Arizona to Daniel and Trancito Perez de Ruiz Thornton and was the third eldest daughter of 10 children. Her father, Daniel Thornton was an African American who worked as postal carrier for the U.S. Postal Service and later as a caretaker of the Nogales City Cemetery. Trancito, her mother, was a housewife and became a minister in the El Mesias Methodist Church in Nogales.
Lydia attended the segregated Grand Avenue/Frank Reed School and Nogales High School.
​
Her brother, Corporal Daniel Thornton, was assigned to the 25th Infantry in WWII. Sometime between 1942–43, he received a bayonet injury in the Battle of Guadalcanal, returned home, and died in 1946. On April 18, 1943, at the age of 19, and as a response to her brother’s injury, Lydia enlisted in the Army from Phoenix, Arizona. As a native Spanish speaker and perhaps due to her skin tone, the Army gave her the choice to join either the White or Black WAC unit. Rather than have the privileges and freedom of working with the White WACs, she chose the Black unit that would be later known as the Six Triple Eight.
After the war, Lydia followed her best friend from Nogales, Carmen Ochoa Patton, to Los Angeles, California. While in California, Lydia met her husband Alfred Scott Moore while they worked nights at the Department of Water and Power. They had three children: Alva Phoebe, Alfred Scott II (deceased in 1975), and Rosenda Elizabeth. Moore enlisted in the Air Force and served in the Korean War as a radio operator. Racial quotas prevented him from applying to be a pilot. After his military service Moore became a Los Angeles educator and community activist.
​
While in her 50s, Lydia returned to school, for a bilingual teaching credential from Immaculate Heart College. She taught in both public and parochial schools before retiring and was a poll worker during the elections. In 1984, Lydia was a member of the volunteer security team for the 1984 Olympic boxing team. Her translation skills were particularly valuable for the Spanish-speaking athletes. Also impactful was her role within community as a volunteer social worker. She assisted Latinas and Afro-Latinas to understand and apply for U.S. citizenship, and acquire life skills such as driving, accessing social services, or returning to school.
​
Lydia died on May 2, 2011, at the age of 89. She is buried at Inglewood Park Cemetery, Inglewood, California.
Private Crescencia “Joyce” J. Garcia
April 18, 1920 - August 3, 2023
Crescencia “Joyce” Garcia, aged 103, of Maunabo, Puerto Rico, peacefully passed away on August 3, 2023, in The Bronx, NY. She was born April 18, 1920, and her departure from this world marks the end of a life well-lived. In her youth, Crescencia answered the call of duty and proudly served as Private First Class in the U.S. Army during World War II as a member of The 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion and is a recipient of the Gold Congressional Medal of Honor. Her commitment to her country and her bravery in the face of adversity exemplified the highest ideals of patriotism.
​
As a woman of faith, Joyce found solace and strength in her devotion to St. Augustine/Our Lady of Victory Church in the Bronx, NY. Her unwavering belief in the power of prayer guided her through life’s joys and sorrows, providing her with a steadfast foundation.
​
Joyce is survived by her loving sons, Estaban III (Palmira), Angel (Carol), her devoted daughter , Rhona (Edward). A cherished legacy of four grandchildren, Tara, Michael, Brian and Steven, and two great-grandchildren, William & Mikaya. Her nurturing spirit and unwavering love will forever remembered by her family and those who were fortunate enough to know her. She preceded in death by her husband, Esteban Garcia II. Cresencia Garcia’s departure leaves a void in the hearts of those who loved her, but her memory will forever be cherished . She will be remembered for her unwavering love, her strength of character , and her dedication to family and country. May she find eternal peace and may her spirit continue to inspire all who knew her.
