Congressman Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (GA-02) and Congressman Drew Ferguson (GA-03) introduced legislation to designate a United State Post Office in Columbus, Georgia as the Richard W. Williams Chapter of the Triple Nickles (555th P.I.A.) Post Office.
 
The post office, located at 120 12th Street Lobby, Columbus, Georgia, will be renamed to honor the U.S. Army’s first African-American parachute unit, the 555th “Triple Nickles” Parachute Infantry Battalion, based out of Fort Benning during World War II. Captain Richard W. Williams served as the company’s commander, and the Richard W. Williams Chapter of the Triple Nickles 555th Parachute Infantry Association (P.I.A.) has 61 veteran members from the Columbus area.
 
“I am honored to join my colleague Drew Fergusson in introducing this legislation on behalf of these brave men who trained right here at Fort Benning, Georgia,” said Congressman Bishop. “Not only did these men volunteer for one of the most elite units, but they also persevered over racial discrimination to serve their country. As a Georgian, I am honored to be able to introduce this legislation on behalf of these African-American pioneers and exceptionally brave men.”
 
“The 555th Parachute Infantry Battalion, known as the Triple Nickles, was known both for its bravery in answering the call to be a part of an airborne unit and for being pioneers on behalf of many African-Americans seeking to serve in these and similar units,” said Congressman Bishop. “The men that joined the ranks of the Triple Nickles defended the nation against Japanese balloon bombs, and many of them later deployed to Korea as part of a new unit, the 2nd Ranger Company. The 2nd Ranger Company became the first and only all-black Ranger unit in the history of the United States Army and faced some of the most grueling combat in Korea.”
 
“Under Captain Richard W. Williams’s leadership, the 555th Triple Nickles Parachute Infantry Battalion bravely defended our nation during World War II,” said Congressman Ferguson. “It is an honor to be a part of the effort to honor their legacy, and I appreciate Congressman Bishop’s leadership to commemorate the Triple Nickles’ service and sacrifice.”
 
Senators David Perdue (R-GA) and Johnny Isakson (R-GA) previously introduced an identical version of the legislation in the U.S. Senate.