You’ve Got Mail: Allentown’s Marion VanOrkey & the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion

Marion VanOrkey was an Allentown High School student when in 1941 the U.S. was attacked at Pearl Harbor and entered World War II. Like many of her peers, she wanted to serve, but opportunities for black women were limited. In 1943 she enlisted in the Women’s Army Corps. – WAC – and was assigned to the 6888 th Central Postal Directory Battalion. The “Six Triple Eight” as it became known, was charged with delivering over 14 million pieces of mail to 7 million U.S. servicemen and civilian personnel stationed in Europe at the end of the war – A seemingly impossible task that was accomplished by 855 African American women in just 3 months – the only African-American women to serve overseas during the war.

In 2022 the women of the Six Triple Eight were awarded the Congressional Gold Medal – the oldest and highest civilian award in the United States. Allentown’s own Marion VanOrkey is among the recipients, but unfortunately she passed away in 2004 at the age of 89.

How did these amazing women accomplish their mission? Join us on February 22, 2024 to find out when TAVI presents “You’ve Got Mail – The Story of Marion VanOrkey and the 6888th
Postal Division.” The program begins at 6 pm in Allentown Methodist Church at 23 Church Street with a pasta dinner (donation $5). Please register to attend by emailing [email protected].

The program is made possible in part by a grant from Monmouth Arts, a partner of the New Jersey State Council on the Arts, and the Monmouth County Board of County Commissioners.
​
TAVI (The Allentown Village Initiative) is a 501(c)(3) volunteer driven group which is working diligently to improve the quality of life in and around Allentown. Visit www.allentownvinj.org today to learn about – and become a part of -- TAVI’s many ongoing projects. Call (609) 208-9991 if you need more information or email [email protected]

Your browser does not support viewing this document. Click here to download the document.