Romay Davis, the oldest living member of a World War II battalion of Black women, has been awarded the Congressional Gold Medal. The U.S. Army, which revealed the recognition in a statement Monday, described the award as the highest honor Congress gives to civilians.

Romay Davis, a 102-year-old World War II veteran from an all-Black, all-female battalion, was honored with the Congressional Gold Medal at Montgomery City Hall in Alabama. https://t.co/OMoAggy3PN pic.twitter.com/ygSXodNRJP
— ABC News (@ABC) August 3, 2022

Davis, who was one of the 855 Black women who served in the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion during World War II, received her medal at Montgomery City Hall in Alabama on July 26.

“Joining the military is one of the biggest and best things I have chosen to do,” Davis, said, according to the Army. “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.”

The Six Triple Eight battalion, which was the only predominantly Black female unit that served overseas during WWII, played a key role in making sure mail was delivered to American troops.

Romay Davis

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