Lena Derriecott Bell King
Corporal Lena Derriecott Bell King | |
|---|---|
Army photograph of Lena Derriecott | |
| Birth name | Lena Derriecott |
| Born | January 27, 1923 |
| Died | January 18, 2024 (aged 100) |
| Allegiance | United States of America |
| Branch | United States Army |
| Service years | 1943 - 1948 |
| Unit | 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion |
| Known for | Being a member of the only all-Black, all-female unit to serve overseas in WWII, helping deliver a massive backlog of undelivered mail to U.S Soldiers. |
| Awards | US Congressional Gold Medal |
| Spouse | Hugh T Bell (m. 1944) |
Lena Derriecott Bell King (January 27, 1923 – January 18, 2024) was an American soldier who was a member of the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion, the only all-Black, all-female unit to serve overseas during World War II. Known as the "Six Triple Eight", this battalion played a critical role in maintaining morale for U.S. troops in Europe by clearing a massive backlog of undelivered mail. In 2022, the Congressional Gold Medal was awarded to the 6888th in recognition of its members' contributions. King was one of the Battalion's last five surviving members.