Dayton Reporter

DAYTON, OHIO – Congressman Mike Turner (OH-10) and Congresswoman Joyce Beatty (OH-03) have introduced a resolution to honor the life and legacy of Lieutenant Colonel Charity Adams-Earley. The resolution directs the United States Postal Service to issue a commemorative stamp in recognition of Lt. Col. Adams-Earley, who was the first Black officer in the U.S. Army’s Women’s Army Corps (WAC) and led the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion—the only all-Black WAC battalion deployed overseas during World War II.

“Lieutenant Colonel Charity Adams-Earley was a patriot and a pioneer who represented the very best of Ohio,” said Congressman Mike Turner. “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.”

“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 Joyce 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 service. Lieutenant Charity Adams-Earley—whose bravery, dignity, and devotion to service is apparent in her service to the Army and to young Ohioans—is most deserving of this honor and commemoration.”

Lieutenant Colonel Adams-Earley is widely remembered for her activism throughout Ohio, devoting her life to education and youth mentoring after discharging from the Army. She has been recognized by numerous organizations including: National Postal Museum, National Women’s History Museum, Ohio Women’s Hall of Fame, Smithsonian Institute, South Carolina Black Hall of Fame.

During the 117th Congress, members of Lt. Col. Adams Earley's 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion were awarded Congressional Gold Medals posthumously including their commander Lt. Col. Charity Adams Earley. Last month, Dayton VA Medical Center renamed its women’s clinic "Lieutenant Colonel Charity Adams-Earley Women’s Clinic."

Beatty and Turner also sent a letter requesting that USPS issue a commemorative stamp honoring Lt. Col. Adams-Earley.

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