[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 40 (Wednesday, March 6, 2024)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E217-E218]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  TRIBUTE TO ANNA MAE WILSON ROBERTSON

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. GWEN MOORE

                              of wisconsin

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, March 6, 2024

  Ms. MOORE of Wisconsin. Mr. Speaker, ten years ago, I had the honor 
and the esteemed privilege of addressing this body in honor of Anna Mae 
Wilson Robertson's 90th birthday. Today, it is with great pleasure and 
reverence that we gather once more to commemorate the extraordinary 
life of Anna Mae Wilson Robertson as she celebrates her centennial 
birthday. Anna Mae Wilson Robertson is a cherished mother, devoted 
volunteer, and esteemed veteran. Mrs. Robertson, a cherished figure in 
the community of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, marks a century of life on March 
8, 2024.
  Anna Mae Wilson Robertson embarked on a Journey of resilience and 
service, exemplified by her marriage to John Robertson, a partnership 
that spanned 33 years and blessed them with eight children. Throughout 
her career, she made meaningful contributions as an employee of 
Marquette University and St. Camillus Health Center, leaving a lasting 
impact on the hearts and lives of those she encountered.
  However, Mrs. Robertson's unyielding spirit and dedication to duty 
truly distinguished her. In 1945, amidst the backdrop of World War II, 
she answered the call to serve her country, enlisting in the Army and 
joining the Women's Army Corps (WAC) ranks. Notably, she became a 
member of the illustrious 6888 Central Postal Directory Battalion, 
fondly known as the Six Triple Eight.
  Comprised of 855 courageous women, the Six Triple Eight achieved 
remarkable feats, blazing trails as the first African American all-
female battalion and the sole all-women battalion deployed overseas. 
Their mission was clear: to address the logistical challenges hindering 
mail delivery to troops stationed across Western Europe. Mrs. Robertson 
and the Six Triple Eight surpassed expectations and demonstrated 
exceptional efficiency by overcoming logistical difficulties in just 
three months.
  Navigating treacherous waters plagued by German U Boats and facing 
the threat of enemy bombardment, the Six Triple Eight persevered, 
establishing a groundbreaking mail distribution system that became a 
lifeline for over 7 million military personnel and civilians. Despite 
adverse conditions, Mrs. Robertson and her comrades processed an 
astonishing 65,000 pieces of mail per shift, seven days a week.
  Yet, their triumphs were muted by the harsh realities of 
discrimination as they confronted the barriers of ``dual segregation'' 
based on gender and race. Undeterred, they forged ahead, creating their 
support systems, and achieving their objectives in record time. 
Following their valiant service abroad, Mrs. Robertson and her fellow 
soldiers returned home as unsung heroes.

[[Page E218]]

  On February 11, 2021, I was honored to introduce H.R. 1012, The `Six 
Triple Eight' Congressional Gold Medal Act of 2021, to recognize the 
service and sacrifice of Mrs. Robertson and her fellow heroes for their 
service. That long awaited recognition was passed in the 117th Congress 
and became Public Law No: 117-97 on March 14, 2022.
  Today, as we reflect on Mrs. Robertson's centennial birthday, let us 
also honor the legacy of the 6888 Central Postal Directory Battalion--a 
legacy of bravery, resilience, and unwavering dedication to duty. Let 
us pledge to uplift and celebrate the untold stories of individuals 
like Mrs. Robertson, whose contributions have long been overshadowed by 
the passage of time.
  Mr. Speaker, on this auspicious occasion, let us pin in celebrating 
Anna Mae Wilson Robertson's 100th birthday and expressing our profound 
gratitude for her exemplary service to our nation and her enduring 
impact on the community of Milwaukee. May her remarkable life continue 
to inspire generations to come.

                          ____________________