Anna Mae Robertson was born on March 5, 1924, in Osceola, Arkansas, at a time when racial segregation and few possibilities for African Americans shaped normal lifestyles. She grew up in a sharecropping family, and after her mother’s passing, she was raised along with her brother in the care of her own family members. Life became hard, and Anna Mae speedily found out the significance of hard work and resilience.
Answering the Call to Serve
In 1943, at the height of World War II, Anna Mae Robertson made a hard choice that could outline her legacy: she enlisted in the Women’s Army Corps. She has become part of the historic 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion—the first all-Black, all-girl army unit deployed in remote places at the time of the battle.
Known as the “Six Triple Eight,” the battalion was dispatched to Birmingham, England, in February 1945. Their assignment? Clear a huge backlog of mail over 17 million letters and packages that were affecting soldiers’ enthusiasm. They worked in shifts around the clock, running in cold, cramped warehouses. Their motto, “No Mail, Low Morale,” captured the critical emotional aid their work gave to troops throughout Europe.
Thanks to their speed and performance, what was expected to take six months was executed in only 3 months, a testament to their discipline and willpower.
Life After the War
After returning to the USA in early 1946, Anna Mae moved to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where she began a brand new chapter of her life. She married John Robertson, a fellow World War II veteran, and together they raised 8 kids. Anna Mae persevered to serve her community in civilian life, working as a nurse’s aide at the VA Medical Center, where she cared for fellow veterans.
Her post-years before the war had been described as using quiet service—raising her own family, helping others, and staying involved in her local church and community. She remained a role model to many, specifically younger generations who respected her discipline, warmth, and humility.
Long-Awaited Recognition
For many years, the contributions of the 6888th Battalion went unrecognized. But in March 2022, that changed when the unit obtained the Congressional Gold Medal, one of the nation’s highest civilian honors. Anna Mae lived to see this long-overdue acknowledgment of her provider.
Her tale received even greater interest in 2024 when she was portrayed in Tyler Perry’s Netflix film “Six Triple Eight,” with support from stars like Kerry Washington. The movie introduced her inspiring story to a much broader audience, and Anna Mae became publicly honored at some point during Black History Month 2025 in Milwaukee for her services and contributions.
A Century of Life
On March 5, 2025, Anna Mae Robertson celebrated her 101st birthday, a living witness to over a century of American history. She remained sharp and deeply respected by her community. Sadly, she passed away on May 30, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of service, braveness, and quiet power.
In June, she was posthumously named the Grand Marshal of Milwaukee’s 2025 Juneteenth parade, a fitting tribute to a female who broke limitations and served her country with dignity.
A Lasting Legacy
Anna Mae Robertson’s tale is one of perseverance, sacrifice, and service. She proved that even in the face of discrimination and adversity, dedication and teamwork could create real change. Her life continues to encourage:
- As a soldier who helped hold morale alive throughout World War II,
- As a mom and caregiver who served her own family and fellow veterans
- As a trailblazer whose story is now finally being shared with the world.
Final Thoughts
Anna Mae Robertson was not just a warfare hero or a community figure—she was a symbol of hope, braveness, and humility. Her life reminds us that change frequently starts with small acts of providing. Though she is gone, her legacy will continue to educate, uplift, and empower for generations to come.
