Last month marked a historic moment for women in the military: 102-year-old Romay Davis received the Congressional Gold Medal in Montgomery, Alabama. As the highest civilian honor Congress bestows on behalf of the American people, Davis was recognized as one of 855 Black women who served in the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion in World War II.

As the oldest member, and only one of six women still living to receive this award, Davis shared that joining the military was one of the best things she has done in her esteemed lifetime. “I wish I could encourage more young people to take a stint away from home and join the military because it is one of the best educations one can get.”

Fighting for multiple victories

Col. Eries Mentzer, 42nd Air Base Wing commander, hosted the medal recognition ceremony and shared in a U.S. Army article that Davis and other Black, female Americans were fighting more than just a battle against fascism during World War II: They were also facing oppressive sexism, racism, and prejudices at home, in addition to standing up against their common enemy overseas.

“The service of the 6888th demonstrated the talent and worth of minority and female Americans in service to our country abroad and paved the way for greater equal opportunity and civil rights in American communities,” said Mentzer. “I humbly follow in an exceptional legacy of Ms. Davis and the 6888th, they paved more freedom to serve, and I am incredibly honored, grateful, and frankly here because of their service.”

A legacy of leading by example

Although Davis and her peers were often victims of discrimination, Davis still served the Armed Forces bravely, working in the motor pool where she drove staff cars and trucks, when she and her team weren’t sorting the mail.

Following the war, Davis attended fashion school on the GI Bill and enjoyed a three-decade-long career as a fashion designer. She also earned her master’s degree, a second-degree black belt in Taekwondo, and worked well into her 80s at a local grocery store.

Celebrating our women in the military

Although it has been over three-quarters of a century since Davis fought in WWII, it’s heartening to know the patriotism and valor of the 6888th have finally been formally recognized and applauded. Davis’ accomplishments remind us of our nation’s founding ideals and the ongoing fight we must all do to support and uphold the ideals and actions of freedom, justice, and equality for all—no matter our race, religion, or beliefs.

If you’d like to learn more about the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion, be sure to check out the following U.S. Army resources:

• Black Americans in the U.S. Army
• Women in the U.S. Army
• The U.S. Army Center for Military History: The 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion

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