Deloris L. Ruddock was born September 26, 1923, in Washington, D.C. In 1943 she enlisted in the Women’s Army Corps for World War II service. She was eventually assigned to the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion (Six Triple Eight), the only female African-American battalion to serve overseas in WWII. They fulfilled their mission to clear a large backlog of mail in the European Theater and raise troop morale. The unit received the Meritorious Unit Commendation in 2019. Ruddock was honorably discharged in 1946 and used her G.I. Bill benefits to attend fashion school in New York City. Unable to find work in that field, she had successful careers in banking and retail sales before retiring in the District of Columbia to be near family and volunteer in her community. Ruddock represented her unit in many ceremonies recognizing them throughout the 2010s. She died March 27, 2021, and was buried in Section E, Site 5333A.

*The preceding content is not intended as a comprehensive biography, but it highlights their significance as a result of military or civilian distinction, lasting achievements, or association with impactful national events.

https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=2264408257196894&set=a.2264408163863570

Remembering Deloris at this year's Carry the Load event at Baltimore National Cemetery.

this is a photo of Lizz and James at Deloris' headstone

Delores Ruddock portrait in her military uniform during WWII.  She served in the 6888 Central Postal Directory Battalion (SixTripleEight).  Her unit processed for delivery over 17 million pieces of mail for the American troops in three months.

Deloris Ruddock at home after WWII where she served in the 6888 Central Postal Directory Battalion (SixTripleEight) in Birmingham, England and Rouen, France.

Deloris Ruddock at home after returning from Europe during WWII.

PFC Deloris L. Ruddock and MSG Elizabeth A. Helm-Frazier

Deloris Ruddock headstone just set at the Baltimore National Cemetery. 

Images of Deloris Ruddock with VA employees 

Image of 6888th Veterans including Deloris Ruddock 

Image of Ruddock and fellow 6888th Veteran with certificate

Ruddock and fellow 6888th Veteran receive certificate. 

Baltimore National Cemetery

Grave marker image for (DELORIS RUDDOCK).

Thank you for your exceptional contributions to the US Army.  

When I saw the movie about the 6888th; this movie was inspiring and touching. To know what you'll had to go through as women back then, and the bravery and strength that was portrayed was amazing. I honor you today and always for the efforts that you were apart of in our history. Many blessings! PFC T. S. Saunders-Boyd

Thank you for your courage and commitment to a better future for women of color! My success rest on your shoulders! 

Thank you for your service and creating a path for All women.  

Thank you for your service and paving the way for future generations of black female service members.  You will never be forgotten. 

Thank your service and creating a path for the rest of us.

Thank you for your service during this extraordinary time in our history.

In honor and memory of a great woman.  Thank you for your sacrifice and service.  Your legacy will never be forgotten!!!!!!!
Love, Delores Johnson ❤️

Thank you for your service to our Country and to the servicemen and women in WW2. Our country owes you a debt of gratitude for your amazing service. Rest peacefully, PFC Ruddock. 

Hi Deloris.  I never had the privilege of meeting you, but I met a friend of yours Lizz Helm-Frazier last Saturday because of you and your WWII service that is an inspiration to me and so  many others.  We proudly carried your legacy during this year's Carry the Load event at Baltimore National Cemetery as we approach Memorial Day.

Thank you Sec VA for that wonderful tribute to Ms. Ruddock.  I am so touched by the outpouring of tributes to her and the 6888th.  I  met Ms. Ruddock in 2018 and we talked everyday.  While I am sad that she is gone, I know that she is resting and resting in a place that will still care for her, forever.  I am thankful to Ms. Ruddock for her service and paving the way for me.  I miss the old lady dearly.  Elizabeth A. Helm-Frazier, U S Army/Master Sergeant Retired, Department of VA Employee.

So glad to learn about your contributions and service to our nation. Thank you. Hidden figures no more. 

Thank you for your service. You are a beautiful soul. May God give you rest. 

Reading about her and the 6888th, words cannot express my gratitude and the admiration to all of them.  Thank you for leading the way and opening doors for black women - women of color!!! It is hard sometimes being a civil service employee especially one of color.  Again THANK YOU!

I was blessed to meet you as you served in the food pantry at National City. I and my wife had the opportunity to share a meal with you and your sister. You left a mark on our lives and my ministry. Thank you for your service to the African American people, America, and the Church of the Lord Jesus Christ. Rest well you have now joined the ranks of the great cloud of witnesses the ancestors.   

Thank you PFC Ruddock for your service. Your life and legacy are a shining example for us all. 

Thank you for your Service. I know it couldn’t have been easy back then. I would love to have met and conversed with you. Thanks again. RIP

PFC Delores Ruddock, thank you for your service to the US Army and your community. May God continue to bless your family.

Respect, honor, and thanks to PFC Ruddock for her service ini World War II.

To see the notice of her passing was to remind me of the two front war these  women were fighting and how they overcame to serve with distinction and honor. I certainly honor her memory and service.

On April 20 at the Baltimore National Cemetery, I was humbled and honored to join Patricia Helldoorn as her mother, 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion Veteran Ms. Deloris Ruddock, was laid to rest in that hallowed ground with her sister-in-arms Ms. Emily Noisette Cox.

Ms. Ruddock was a proud woman. She was proud of her heritage, proud to be an American, and rightly proud of her Army service. Deloris’s story is the story of black women fighting for inclusion and the right to serve. Deloris’s story of triumph in the face of adversity is America’s story, a story deeply rooted in our country’s rich diversity.

May God bless her and her family, and may she rest in peace.

-- Secretary of Veterans Affairs Denis McDonough

Thank you so much Mrs. Delores Louise Ruddock for your years of service working for the USPS.   Your Labor Is Not In Vain.   Rest In The Lord’s Peace Until We Meet Again In The Rapture!!!

Thank you Mrs. Ruddock for your service to our country.  You were a true trailblazer and will continue to be for generations of African American women.  May you rest in eternal peace.

DELORIS LOUISE RUDDOCK

Service

PFC

Resting Place

39.2747319, -76.70719099

Mementos

Tributes

Word Cloud

undefined

Milestones

Mementos

Historical Documents

Veteran programs and services

More VA resources

Get VA updates

In crisis? Get help now

Contact us