Seth Udinski, FISM News
On Tuesday, 102-year-old Romay Davis of Alabama was awarded the Congressional Gold Medal for her service during World War II.
Davis was part of an all-African American female regiment of civilians who traveled to the European theatre in 1945. Their task, while seemingly mundane at first glance, contributed greatly to lifting Allied spirits as they approached the war’s end. She was part of the 6,888th regiment, a civilian group of nearly 900 women, tasked with unclogging an accumulation of some 18 million letters from home that had not reached the Allied forces.
Private Davis’ work gave the Allied soldiers the encouragement they needed to finish the war and lead the way to victory over the Axis.
“Words cannot express what it means to stand with you in this incredible moment. I and so many others would not be here had you not paved the freedom to serve. Thank you for your exemplary service,” said Col. Eries Mentzer, 42nd Air Base Wing Commander, Maxwell AFB.
Col. Mentzer shared that Davis is the oldest living member of the 6,888th and one of six still living to receive the Congressional Gold Medal.
Private Davis is not only lauded for her service during the war, but also for the way she pioneered the path for so many women and African Americans to obtain the right to serve their country.
Reports further revealed that this honor carried extra significance for Davis, who had her original military uniform robbed from her when she returned from the war.
Upon reception of the honor, Davis said, “I never would have thought that anything like this could have happened to me. I never seen a uniform before — I lost mine on the way home. And the first time a Congressional medal for all of us. For all of us — those who have gone and those who remain. Thank you… Thank you so very much everyone.”
The ceremony coincided with the 74th anniversary of the American integration of armed forces.