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Lena Derricott: Honoring A Life Of Service And Lasting Legacy

Lena Derriecott: How Did the Six Triple Eight Soldier Die?

Jul 27, 2025
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Lena Derriecott: How Did the Six Triple Eight Soldier Die?

It's a rather quiet moment, perhaps, when we consider the lives of people who shaped history, especially those who served their country with immense courage. Corporal Lena Derricott, a name that truly resonates with strength and dedication, recently passed away, leaving behind a story that truly deserves to be remembered. She was a remarkable woman, a true pioneer, and her contributions, particularly during a time of great global upheaval, stand as a powerful reminder of resilience and purpose. You know, her passing marked the end of an era for many who knew her or learned of her incredible journey.

Lena Derricott, a very special African American soldier, lived a full and meaningful life, reaching the impressive age of 100 before her peaceful passing in January 2024. Her story, you see, is not just about military service; it's about breaking barriers, showing incredible resolve, and inspiring others. It's almost as if her life was a living testament to the power of perseverance, a beacon for future generations to look upon with respect.

This article will explore the rich life of Lena Derricott, from her early beginnings to her pivotal role in a truly unique military unit, and the quiet dignity of her later years. We will look at her journey, the moments that shaped her, and the lasting impact she left on the world, a story that, in a way, feels very important to share with everyone.

Table of Contents

Biography of Lena Derricott

Lena Derricott's life was a long and rather full one, spanning a century of change and growth. She was a woman who saw so much, experienced a great deal, and contributed in ways that helped pave the path for others. Her journey began in the South, and eventually led her to serve her country, something that was quite remarkable for women of her time, particularly African American women.

Her commitment to service and her quiet strength were hallmarks of her character. She was, in many respects, a person who truly embodied the spirit of her generation, facing challenges with grace and determination. The details of her life paint a picture of someone who lived with purpose, always striving to do what was right and good. It's really quite inspiring to consider.

Personal Details of Lena Derricott

DetailInformation
Full NameLena Derricott Bell King
BornJanuary 27, 1923
BirthplaceWashington, Georgia (also Atlanta, Georgia mentioned)
ParentsWilliam Derricott and Emma Jane Austin
Passed AwayJanuary 18, 2024
Age at Passing100 years old
Place of PassingLas Vegas, Nevada
SpouseHugh Thadius Bell
Military RankCorporal (Cpl)
Military Unit6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion ("Six Triple Eight" Bn.)
Enlistment DateNovember 23, 1943
Enlistment LocationPhiladelphia, Pennsylvania

Early Life and Inspirations

Lena Derricott, whose full name was Lena Derricott King, was born on January 27, 1923. Her birth certificate, or perhaps family records, show her arrival in Washington, Georgia, though some accounts also mention Atlanta, Georgia as her birthplace. This slight variation in location, in a way, doesn't diminish the very real start of her long and impactful life. She was the daughter of William Derricott and Emma Jane Austin, and her family roots were clearly important to her.

In the 1940 census, when Lena was just 17 years old, she was listed as a single lodger with Emma, presumably her mother. This detail offers a small glimpse into her early life, suggesting a young woman living with her family during a time of great economic challenge in the country. It's a snapshot of a young person on the cusp of adulthood, before the world truly called her to a higher purpose. So, her upbringing, you see, was very much rooted in a particular time and place in American history.

A truly profound moment that shaped Lena's decision to serve her country was the death of a friend. Abram “Hyman” David, a person close to her, was killed, and this loss inspired Lena to enlist in the military. It's a rather powerful reason, isn't it? The grief over a friend's passing often moves people to act, and for Lena, it meant stepping up to protect others. This personal tragedy, therefore, became a catalyst for her remarkable military career, showing just how deeply she felt about things.

Service in the "Six Triple Eight"

Corporal Lena Derricott Bell became a very important member of the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion, a unit famously nicknamed the “Six Triple Eight” Battalion. This group was truly unique, consisting of 855 women, and it stood as the only all-female, all-African American battalion to serve overseas during World War II. It's a really significant part of history, and Lena was right there, contributing to its legacy. She enlisted in the Women’s Army Corps on November 23, 1943, from her home in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, a city that was a hub of activity during the war.

The "Six Triple Eight" had a truly monumental task: to clear a massive backlog of mail for American service members in Europe. Imagine, if you will, warehouses filled to the ceiling with undelivered letters and packages, all waiting to reach soldiers who desperately missed news from home. This was a critical morale booster, and the women of the 6888th, including Lena, worked tirelessly, often in very difficult conditions, to ensure that mail reached its intended recipients. Their work was, in a way, absolutely vital to the war effort, connecting soldiers to their families across oceans.

Their mission was not just about sorting letters; it was about boosting the spirits of hundreds of thousands of troops who were far from their loved ones. The women of the "Six Triple Eight" brought order to chaos, transforming mountains of mail into organized deliveries. This effort, in some respects, demonstrated their exceptional organizational skills and their unwavering dedication to their fellow soldiers. It was a rather demanding job, requiring incredible focus and a strong sense of purpose from every single member.

A Pioneering Battalion

The 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion, where Lena Derricott served, truly broke new ground in military history. It was the first and only African American Women’s Army Corps unit to serve overseas during World War II. This fact alone makes their story, and Lena’s part in it, incredibly important. They faced not only the challenges of war but also the prejudices of their time, yet they performed their duties with remarkable efficiency and dignity. Their very presence was, you know, a powerful statement.

Their work was so effective that they cleared the backlog of mail in a fraction of the time military leaders had estimated. This achievement proved, beyond any doubt, the capability and dedication of these women. They were, in a way, pioneers, showing the world what women, and particularly African American women, could accomplish when given the opportunity. This success was a clear win for everyone involved, especially for the morale of the troops waiting for their letters.

The legacy of the "Six Triple Eight" and individuals like Lena Derricott continues to inspire. Their story, which for many years was not widely known, is now gaining the recognition it truly deserves. It's a rather powerful reminder that contributions to history come from all walks of life, and often from those whose stories were overlooked for too long. Their service, you see, helped to shape not only the outcome of the war but also the future of military service for women and people of color. It's a history that should, in fact, be celebrated.

Later Years and Recognition

After her time in the army, Lena Derricott found love and companionship. She was married to Hugh Thadius Bell, whom she had met during her time serving her country. Their shared experiences, perhaps, forged a bond that lasted through the years. It's a rather sweet detail, isn't it, that she found her life partner during such a momentous period of her life? She later went by Lena Derricott Bell King, reflecting the different chapters of her life and family connections.

In her later years, Lena Derricott Bell King lived in Las Vegas, Nevada. She passed away peacefully on January 18, 2024, at the grand age of 100 years old. Her passing, just shy of her 101st birthday, marked the end of a truly remarkable century of life. It's a very significant milestone to reach, and her longevity itself speaks volumes about her resilience and spirit. Her departure from this world, you know, left a quiet void for those who cherished her.

Before her passing, Lena Derricott King had the chance to witness her story, and the story of the "Six Triple Eight," come to life in a new way. She sat down with Tyler Perry and the cast of a film about the "Six Triple Eight" battalion. This interaction must have been incredibly meaningful for her, seeing her experiences portrayed for a wider audience. She thanked the crew for bringing their story to life, a moment that, in a way, truly honored her and her fellow service members. It's a beautiful thing when history is recognized while its living witnesses are still with us.

Remembering Lena Derricott

The life of Corporal Lena Derricott Bell King is a powerful testament to service, perseverance, and the quiet strength of an individual who contributed to a greater cause. Her role in the "Six Triple Eight" Central Postal Directory Battalion was, you know, absolutely critical, helping to ensure that vital connections between soldiers and their families were maintained during a global conflict. Her passing at 100 years old marks the end of an era, yet her story continues to inspire. It's a story that truly reminds us of the sacrifices made by so many during challenging times.

Her dedication, from her inspiration to enlist after a friend's passing to her tireless work in the postal battalion, shows a deep commitment to her country and her fellow human beings. She was a woman who faced the realities of war and the prejudices of her time with grace and determination. Her life, in a way, teaches us about resilience and the importance of recognizing all who serve. We can learn more about the history of women in the military and the incredible impact they had, just like Lena did.

As we reflect on Lena Derricott's century of life, we are reminded of the profound impact one person can have. Her legacy is woven into the fabric of American history, a quiet yet powerful thread that speaks of courage, community, and unwavering spirit. To truly appreciate the breadth of her contributions, you might want to learn more about our site, and link to this page for more stories of inspiring individuals. Her story, you see, is very much a part of a larger narrative of unsung heroes.

Frequently Asked Questions About Lena Derricott

What was Lena Derricott's military unit?

Lena Derricott was a Corporal in the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion, which was famously known as the “Six Triple Eight” Battalion. This unit was, in fact, the only all-female, all-African American battalion to serve overseas during World War II. They did a very important job, handling mail for service members.

When did Lena Derricott pass away?

Lena Derricott Bell King passed away peacefully on January 18, 2024. She was 100 years old at the time of her passing. Her departure from this world occurred in Las Vegas, Nevada, a place she called home in her later years. It was, you know, just shy of her 101st birthday.

What inspired Lena Derricott to enlist in the army?

Lena Derricott was inspired to enlist in the military following the death of her friend, Abram “Hyman” David. He was killed, and this personal loss motivated her to serve her country. It's a rather moving reason, isn't it, to join up and help protect others? Her decision was, in a way, very much a tribute to him.

Lena Derriecott: How Did the Six Triple Eight Soldier Die?
Lena Derriecott: How Did the Six Triple Eight Soldier Die?
DVIDS - News - Black History Month: WAC Corporal Lena Derriecott served
DVIDS - News - Black History Month: WAC Corporal Lena Derriecott served
WAC Corporal Lena Derriecott and the 6888th Central Postal Battalion
WAC Corporal Lena Derriecott and the 6888th Central Postal Battalion

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