Maryland

Historian uncovers largely unknown story of the 6888 Battalion with Maryland ties

Published

1 year ago

February 21, 2025

Historian uncovers largely unknown story of the 6888 Battalion with Maryland ties

‘The 6 Triple Eight’, an American war drama, has become Tyler Perry’s most-watched Netflix film.

Viewed close to 75 million times, it tells the largely unknown story of the all-black, all-woman 6888 postal battalion, the only such battalion to ever serve overseas during World War II.

The movie was inspired by an article written by a military historian who interviewed the few surviving members of the battalion.

However, to understand their story, you must go back to 1947, when then-President Harry Truman desegregated the army and had the records of almost all the black units destroyed. This “we’re all one” gesture was originally meant to signify that the U.S. army was all-inclusive, despite civil rights strides throughout the U.S.

Truman’s efforts made it extremely tough for historian Kevin Hymel when he was asked to write an article about the 6888 Battalion on the occasion of a monument being erected for the brave women.

“This story really hadn’t been told for almost 80 years when I wrote my first article about them,” Hymel said. “The biggest thing I learned…there was a black unit of women in Europe in World War II. I had no idea!”

Kevin wrote his second article on the 6888 in 2018, as the postal directory monument at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas was to be unveiled. He contacted the few remaining veterans including 94-year-old, Lena Derricott King.

“At 94-years-old she was still cooking her own meals and going out every Saturday night dancing. At 94 years old this is an amazing woman…was an amazing woman,” Hymel said.

Lena’s story is featured in the film.

“I think the movie did an amazing job…”

Before Kevin’s article came out, his publisher reached out to Hollywood producers, who then called Kevin.

“One day they called and said, ‘Tyler Perry is going to be calling you. He’s very interested in the movie. I thought, ‘Right, Tyler Perry is going to call me’,” Kevin said sarcastically. “And sure enough, two days later Tyler Perry called me”

Kevin then became the military history advisor on the film.

“I think the movie did an amazing job of showing the dignity of these women that went into an unknown atmosphere. Not just a war zone, but a zone where they were not wanted in certain ways and proved themselves and kind of rose above and showed what they could do,” he explained.

What they did was disentangle a mail system that wasn’t working.

“This mail has been sitting here for over 10 months. The soldiers have not heard from their loved ones and their loved ones have not heard from them,” said Kerry Washington as she played Major Charity Adams in the film.

Letters and packages hadn’t been distributed to soldiers for close to a year.

“When there is no mail, there is no morale. But all that said, this is our mission and we will not fail,” Major Adams says during an inspirational moment as she gives a speech to the 6888 battalion.

In just 90 days, 17 million pieces of mail were sent out. However, it’s important to note that this is at a time when the military environment wasn’t always welcoming, especially while training in the U.S.

“…where they [were] met with all kinds of prejudices [that] they really were not prepared for,” Kevin added. “Being completely ignored by your officers, or having one of your fellow soldiers, a white female, throw glasses of water over the stall while you’re trying to go to the bathroom in the ladies’ room.”

“I was happy, and I was sad…”

Karen Taylor grew up hearing stories like this from her mother, Second Lieutenant Vivian Elzie Taylor. She and 18 other Maryland women volunteered for the 6888.

While the work was hard, Karen says her mother loved being overseas.

“It was not like the U.S. In the U.S., we couldn’t go…she couldn’t go to restaurants,” Karen said.

She told WJZ’s Denise Koch that she has seen the Tyler Perry film at least 5 times since it was released on December 6, 2024.

“I was happy, and I was sad,” Karen said as she reflected on the film. “The sad part was I’m sitting here watching a story that no one knew about.”

“So many women in the 6888 came home and almost never spoke about their service…They served their country. They came home and got on with their lives. And it’s amazing that the story is finally being told to a larger audience,” Kevin rejoiced. “And those few women survivors, and more importantly their descendants, should be so proud of the movie and the service that their mothers and aunts, you know, and anyone related to the 6888 accomplished in World War II.”

Denise Koch

Viewers turn to Denise Koch when they want credible news reports presented by one of the most veteran news reporters and anchors in Baltimore.

Source link

Related Topics:black history month Featured

Click to comment

Maryland

Maryland Lottery Powerball, Pick 3 results for April 13, 2026

Published

3 hours ago

April 14, 2026

Press Room

Maryland Lottery Powerball, Pick 3 results for April 13, 2026

The Maryland Lottery offers several draw games for those aiming to win big.

Here’s a look at April 13, 2026, results for each game:

Winning Powerball numbers from April 13 drawing

38-43-59-63-64, Powerball: 15, Power Play: 3

Check Powerball payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Pick 3 numbers from April 13 drawing

Midday: 2-2-8

Evening: 9-4-9

Check Pick 3 payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Pick 4 numbers from April 13 drawing

Midday: 2-0-0-2

Evening: 5-9-3-6

Check Pick 4 payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Pick 5 numbers from April 13 drawing

Midday: 1-0-1-0-7

Evening: 2-1-0-6-3

Check Pick 5 payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Cash Pop numbers from April 13 drawing

9 a.m.: 02

1 p.m.: 06

6 p.m.: 04

11 p.m.: 15

Check Cash Pop payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Bonus Match 5 numbers from April 13 drawing

03-07-18-32-37, Bonus: 26

Check Bonus Match 5 payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning MultiMatch numbers from April 13 drawing

20-28-31-35-38-42

Check MultiMatch payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Powerball Double Play numbers from April 13 drawing

25-30-39-47-56, Powerball: 16

Check Powerball Double Play payouts and previous drawings here.

Keno

Drawings are held every four minutes. Check winning numbers here.

Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results

Are you a winner? Here’s how to claim your lottery prize

Maryland Lottery retailers will redeem prizes up to $600. For prizes above $600, winners can claim by mail or in person from the Maryland Lottery office, an Expanded Cashing Authority Program location or cashiers’ windows at Maryland casinos. Prizes over $5,000 must be claimed in person.

Claiming by Mail

Sign your winning ticket and complete a claim form. Include a photocopy of a valid government-issued ID and a copy of a document that shows proof of your Social Security number or Federal Tax ID number. Mail these to:

Maryland Lottery Customer Resource Center

1800 Washington Boulevard

Suite 330

Baltimore, MD 21230

For prizes over $600, bring your signed ticket, a government-issued photo ID, and proof of your Social Security or Federal Tax ID number to Maryland Lottery headquarters, 1800 Washington Boulevard, Baltimore, MD. Claims are by appointment only, Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. This location handles all prize amounts, including prizes over $5,000.

Winning Tickets Worth $25,000 or Less

Maryland Lottery headquarters and select Maryland casinos can redeem winning tickets valued up to $25,000. Note that casinos cannot cash prizes over $600 for non-resident and resident aliens (tax ID beginning with “9”). You must be at least 21 years of age to enter a Maryland casino. Locations include:

Horseshoe Casino: 1525 Russell Street, Baltimore, MD
MGM National Harbor: 101 MGM National Avenue, Oxon Hill, MD
Live! Casino: 7002 Arundel Mills Circle, Hanover, MD
Ocean Downs Casino: 10218 Racetrack Road, Berlin, MD
Hollywood Casino: 1201 Chesapeake Overlook Parkway, Perryville, MD
Rocky Gap Casino: 16701 Lakeview Road NE, Flintstone, MD

Check previous winning numbers and payouts at Maryland Lottery.

When are the Maryland Lottery drawings held?

Powerball: 11 p.m. ET Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.
Mega Millions: 11 p.m. ET Tuesday and Friday.
Pick 3, Pick 4 and Pick 5 Midday: 12:27 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, 12:28 p.m. ET Saturday and Sunday.
Pick 3, 4 and 5 Evening: 7:56 p.m. ET Monday through Saturday, 8:10 p.m. ET on Sunday.
Cash4Life: 9 p.m. ET daily.
Cash Pop: 9 a.m., 1 p.m., 6 p.m. and 11 p.m. daily.
Bonus Match 5: 7:56 p.m. ET Monday through Saturday, 8:10 p.m. ET on Sunday.
MultiMatch: 7:56 p.m. Monday and Thursday.
Powerball Double Play: 11 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.

This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by a Maryland editor. You can send feedback using this form.

Source link

Maryland

Grand jury indicts cornhole player, quadruple amputee in Maryland murder case

Published

15 hours ago

April 13, 2026

Press Room

Grand jury indicts cornhole player, quadruple amputee in Maryland murder case

What to know about Quadruple amputee charged with murder

A quadruple amputee professional cornhole player has been charged with murder and related offenses over a fatal Charles County shooting on March 22, 2026. Dayton James Webber of La Plata, Md., was arrested in Charlottesville, Va., and arraigned in Charles County for the fatal shooting of Bradrick Michael Wells. Webber was arrested at a Virginia hospital and faces first- and second-degree murder charges as he awaits extradition to Charles County.

CHARLES COUNTY, Md. – Dayton Webber, the professional cornhole player and quadruple amputee accused in a deadly shooting, was indicted by a grand jury on Friday on first-degree murder charges.

What we know:

Webber is accused of fatally shooting 27‑year‑old Bradrick Michael Wells in La Plata on March 22.

Webber picked up two witnesses from work in a vehicle, with Bradrick Wells already in the front passenger seat, according to charging documents. The documents state that, while driving, an argument broke out between Webber and Wells.

Two witnesses told police that Webber pulled out a firearm and shot Wells twice in the head during the argument. Webber then pulled the vehicle over and asked the passengers to remove Wells from the car, which they refused.

The two witnesses exited the vehicle and flagged down a police officer, the documents state, while Webber drove off with Wells still inside the car. A resident in Charlotte Hall discovered Wells’ body on the side of the road and contacted police.

Police say that Webber’s vehicle was later located in Charlottesville, Virginia, and Webber was found at a hospital seeking treatment. Webber was extradited from Albemarle County Detention Center last month and bough to Charles County, Maryland.

What they’re saying:

“At the end of the day, we’re dealing with a homicide. Someone lost their life. And from that base perspective, our job is to make sure that we put the case together, we prepare the case and be ready for trial,” said Karen Piper Mitchell, Deputy State’s Attorney for Charles County.

What’s next:

Mitchell said the attention the case has received could mean a longer jury selection process.

“It may be a more lengthy jury selection because you have to make sure that people can be fair and impartial based on what they’re going to hear in the courtroom, not based on what it is they may have seen in whatever news report or Internet or everything, so you take the time making sure that you do select a fair and impartial jury,” said Mitchell.

Dig deeper:

Webber lost all four limbs as an infant due to a severe bacterial infection, according to previous reports.

He gained recognition over the years for competing in sports and other activities despite his disability.

Webber has shared videos on YouTube showing himself participating in outdoor and recreational activities, including hunting and shooting firearms.

Some videos show him climbing elevated hunting stands with a rifle and firing a muzzleloader, based on clips posted to social media platforms.

In one video, captioned “No Hands No Feet vs 15 foot Ladder Stand!!!! #nolimits #mossyoak #hunting #inspiration #motivation,” he is seen climbing a hunting stand with a rifle on his back.

Another video, captioned “No Hands No Feet Shooting .54 cal Caplock Muzzleloader!!!!!! #nolimits #TheWorldWontWait #gun,” shows him firing a muzzleloader.

Maryland CrimeCharles CountyNews

Source link

Maryland

Maryland Lottery Pick 3, Pick 4 results for April 12, 2026

Published

1 day ago

April 13, 2026

Press Room

The Maryland Lottery offers several draw games for those aiming to win big.

Here’s a look at April 12, 2026, results for each game:

Winning Pick 3 numbers from April 12 drawing

Midday: 8-4-4

Evening: 7-3-5

Check Pick 3 payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Pick 4 numbers from April 12 drawing

Midday: 2-5-9-9

Evening: 1-7-7-1

Check Pick 4 payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Pick 5 numbers from April 12 drawing

Midday: 7-9-7-1-1

Evening: 3-2-3-7-0

Check Pick 5 payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Cash Pop numbers from April 12 drawing

9 a.m.: 08

1 p.m.: 08

6 p.m.: 11

11 p.m.: 01

Check Cash Pop payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Bonus Match 5 numbers from April 12 drawing

05-06-12-28-36, Bonus: 38

Check Bonus Match 5 payouts and previous drawings here.

Keno

Drawings are held every four minutes. Check winning numbers here.

Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results

Are you a winner? Here’s how to claim your lottery prize

Claiming by Mail

Maryland Lottery Customer Resource Center

1800 Washington Boulevard

Suite 330

Baltimore, MD 21230

Winning Tickets Worth $25,000 or Less

Horseshoe Casino: 1525 Russell Street, Baltimore, MD
MGM National Harbor: 101 MGM National Avenue, Oxon Hill, MD
Live! Casino: 7002 Arundel Mills Circle, Hanover, MD
Ocean Downs Casino: 10218 Racetrack Road, Berlin, MD
Hollywood Casino: 1201 Chesapeake Overlook Parkway, Perryville, MD
Rocky Gap Casino: 16701 Lakeview Road NE, Flintstone, MD

Check previous winning numbers and payouts at Maryland Lottery.

When are the Maryland Lottery drawings held?

Powerball: 11 p.m. ET Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.
Mega Millions: 11 p.m. ET Tuesday and Friday.
Pick 3, Pick 4 and Pick 5 Midday: 12:27 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, 12:28 p.m. ET Saturday and Sunday.
Pick 3, 4 and 5 Evening: 7:56 p.m. ET Monday through Saturday, 8:10 p.m. ET on Sunday.
Cash4Life: 9 p.m. ET daily.
Cash Pop: 9 a.m., 1 p.m., 6 p.m. and 11 p.m. daily.
Bonus Match 5: 7:56 p.m. ET Monday through Saturday, 8:10 p.m. ET on Sunday.
MultiMatch: 7:56 p.m. Monday and Thursday.
Powerball Double Play: 11 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.

This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by a Maryland editor. You can send feedback using this form.

Source link