Lena Derriecott Bell King

Lena Derriecott Bell King was a brave American soldier. She was part of a very special group called the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion. This group was amazing because it was made up of only Black women who served overseas during World War II.

They were like the mail superheroes of the war, making sure letters and packages reached the soldiers. Lena was one of the last few members of this incredible team.

Imagine a giant pile of mail, so big it would fill a whole playground! That's what the 6888th had to sort. They worked super fast to deliver mail to soldiers fighting far from home.

Getting letters from family and friends was super important for keeping their spirits up. Lena and her friends worked hard to make sure no one missed out on these important messages. They were like the glue that held everyone together.

Because the 6888th did such an important job, they were given a very special award. In 2022, the whole group received the Congressional Gold Medal. This is one of the highest honors a civilian group can get in the United States. It's like getting the biggest, shiniest trophy for being incredibly helpful and brave. Lena was alive to see her unit get this amazing recognition for their hard work.

Lena lived a very long life, from 1923 all the way to 2024. That's over 100 years! She saw so many amazing changes in the world. She was a part of history, serving in a time when many Black women weren't given the chance to serve their country overseas. Her story shows us how important it is for everyone to have a chance to contribute and be recognized for their efforts.