The Six Triple Eight

In West Virginia, a mother anxiously awaits updates from her two sons who are serving overseas. Her daily vigil highlights the concern and uncertainty faced by families during wartime.

In 1940s Philadelphia, childhood friends Lena and Abram navigate the complexities of their budding romance amid societal and racial challenges. Lena, who is Black, finds herself caught between love and the realities of their different backgrounds as Abram prepares for deployment.

After commissioning as an officer pilot, Abram is deployed and tragically dies shortly thereafter. Devastated by his loss, Lena resolves to enlist in the military upon her graduation, seeking to honor his memory.

On a train to basic training in Georgia, Lena meets other enlistees who will become her close friends during their service. Under the guidance of Captain Charity Adams and Lieutenant Noel Campbell, they undergo rigorous military training.

In a meeting at the White House, a West Virginia mother voices her concerns to Eleanor Roosevelt about the lack of mail delivery from overseas troops. President Roosevelt and his advisors discuss the huge backlog of undelivered letters and the reasons behind the crisis.

After recognizing the logistical nightmare surrounding the mail backlog, high-ranking officials determine that the Black Women's Army Corps, led by Captain Adams, is capable of handling the delivery issues. They are finally given orders, marking a pivotal moment for Lena's battalion.

The battalion embarks on a perilous journey across the stormy Atlantic Ocean aboard the Île de France without naval escort. Upon arrival in Glasgow, they face immediate challenges, including a hostile and racist commanding officer.

Upon landing in Glasgow, Major Adams and her second-in-command are given six months to convert a dilapidated and unheated school into a functional post office and barracks. This seemingly impossible task is designed to ensure their failure.

As the battalion works diligently to create livable conditions and an efficient mail sorting facility, Lena breaks down while observing the mishandling of dog tags from damaged letters. This moment of vulnerability reveals her personal stakes in their mission, leading her friends to promise to help her find Abram's letters.

The battalion is tasked with hosting African-American soldiers to improve morale, which leads Lena to reconnect with Hugh. However, a nostalgic song reminds her of Abram, driving her to leave the dance, hence choosing the path of friendship with Hugh.

While sorting, the battalion faces multiple challenges including identical names, damaged letters, and pests destroying mail. These issues highlight the daunting task they have in overcoming the two-year backlog of mail.

A visit from General Halt brings further challenges as he criticizes Major Adams and her abilities. His attempts to undermine her authority provoke a powerful response from Adams, who bravely asserts her commitment to lead her battalion despite facing adversity.

A significant moment occurs when a letter from Abram is discovered the same day two unit members are killed by a bomb. Lena finally visits Abram's grave, reading his letter that encourages her to live fully, which brings her much-needed closure.

Despite facing numerous obstacles, the battalion triumphs, successfully sorting 17 million pieces of mail in just 90 days. Their triumph demonstrates dedication and effectiveness, leading them to be reassigned to France to tackle another backlog.

Years later, the unsung contributions of the 6888 battalion are finally acknowledged when Michelle Obama oversees a ceremony honoring their service. The legacy of Major Adams is honored when a US Army Base is renamed in her tribute, symbolizing a long-overdue recognition of their achievements.