[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 73 (Monday, April 27, 2026)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E371]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  HONORING WINNIE BEATRICE ``BEA'' RICHARDSON FOR HER SERVICE IN THE 
                  6888TH BATTALION DURING WORLD WAR II

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JOSH HARDER

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, April 27, 2026

  Mr. HARDER of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the 
life, service, and enduring legacy of Ms. Winnie Beatrice ``Bea'' 
Richardson, a proud member of the 6888th Central Postal Directory 
Battalion during World War II, as her family will gather in Texas on 
June 13, 2026, to commemorate her contributions to our Nation.
  Ms. Richardson joined the United States Army on August 28, 1943, in 
Houston, Texas, at 23 years old. Prior to her service, she worked as a 
private maid. She began her military career as a supply clerk and later 
served as a postal clerk, achieving the rank of Private First Class. As 
part of the historic 6888th Battalion--an all-Black, all-female unit of 
the Women's Army Corps--she played a vital role in clearing a massive 
backlog of mail, ensuring troops overseas remained connected to loved 
ones and strengthening morale during wartime.
  For her service, Ms. Richardson received numerous commendations, 
including the Good Conduct Medal, the Women's Army Corps Service Medal, 
the American Campaign Medal, the European-African-Middle Eastern 
Campaign Medal, the World War II Victory Medal, and the Honorable 
Service Lapel Button. She was honorably discharged on November 16, 
1945.
  Following her military service, Ms. Richardson continued a lifetime 
of public service. She worked for 43 years at the Sacramento Army 
Depot, rising from custodian to Supply Clerk. Her dedication earned 
recognition for maintaining zero sick leave for a decade from 1983 to 
1993, along with many additional awards before retirement.
  Ms. Richardson was deeply devoted to her community. She served as a 
Den Mother and youth leader across scouting organizations, as PTA 
President, and as Auxiliary President of the Veterans of Foreign Wars 
in 1970. A longtime member of St. Paul Baptist Church, she served 
faithfully on the Usher Board and as a Senior Usher.
  Affectionately known as ``Mother West,'' she was remembered for her 
generosity, opening her home to those in need of a meal or safe place 
to stay.
  Ms. Richardson passed away on August 15, 2004, at the age of 84, and 
is laid to rest at Sacramento Memorial Lawn Cemetery alongside her 
husband, Andrew Bryan West, a fellow World War II Army veteran. Married 
in 1950, they raised five children and are survived by a large and 
loving family who continue to honor her legacy of service and 
compassion.
  This ceremony will stand as a meaningful tribute to Ms. Richardson 
and the broader contributions of the women of the 6888th Battalion. Her 
story of courage, perseverance, and patriotism continues to inspire 
future generations.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Winnie 
Beatrice ``Bea'' Richardson for her extraordinary service and lasting 
impact on our Nation's history.

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