Honoring History: Beatty and Turner Propose Commemorative Stamp for WWII Trailblazer Charity Adams-Earley

Representatives Joyce Beatty (OH-03) and Mike Turner (OH-10) introduced a bipartisan, symbolic resolution to honor the life and legacy of Lieutenant Colonel Charity Adams-Earley, an Ohioan who became the first Black officer in the U.S. Army's Women's Army Corps (WAC). The resolution encourages the U.S. Postal Service to issue a commemorative stamp in honor of Adams-Earley, who led the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion - the only all-Black WAC battalion deployed overseas during the Second World War.

"I am honored to introduce this resolution to commemorate my lifelong friend and mentor, Lieutenant Colonel Charity Adams-Earley, the first Black woman officer in the Women's Auxiliary Corps." said Congresswoman Beatty.Lieutenant Colonel Adams-Earley laid the groundwork for today's integrated military as the top-ranking Black woman officer and paved the way for Black women in the armed forces. Lieutenant Charity Adams-Earley-whose bravery, dignity, and commitment is evident in her service to the Army and to young Ohioans, is most deserving of this honor and commemoration."

"Lieutenant Colonel Charity Adams-Earley was a patriot and a pioneer who represented the very best of Ohio. I am proud to partner with Congresswoman Beatty and celebrate Lieutenant Charity Adams-Earley's service as the highest-ranking Black woman officer during World War II. After she retired from the military, Lieutenant Charity Adams-Earley moved to Dayton and became an important voice in the Miami Valley, creating the Black Leadership Development Program in 1982, which seeks to educate and train African Americans to be community leaders," said Congressman Mike Turner.

Lieutenant Colonel Adams-Earley is also remembered for her activism throughout Ohio, devoting her life to education and youth mentoring after discharging from the Army. She has been recognized by the National Postal Museum, National Women's History Museum, Ohio Women's Hall of Fame, Smithsonian Institute, the South Carolina Black Hall of Fame, and many others for her pioneering military service and work on promoting opportunities for Black Americans. During the 117th Congress, the Congressional Gold Medal was awarded to the members of the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion, including posthumously to their commander, Charity Adams Earley. Last month, the Dayton VA Medical Center renamed its women's clinic the "Lieutenant Colonel Charity Adams-Earley Women's Clinic."

The bill text is available here(link is external).

Beatty and Turner also sent a letter to the Citizens' Stamp Advisory Committee of the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) requesting that USPS issue a commemorative stamp honoring Adams-Earley. The committee has the authority to recommend USPS issue specific commemorative stamps.

The letter text is available here(link is external).

For inquiries, please contact [email protected](link sends email)or Hannah Edwards at [email protected](link sends email)

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