Estimates were that more than 161million servicemen and women, in the U.S. and abroad, were entertained. According to Kerry biographer Douglas Brinkley, "When the Swift finally made it back to the My Tho River, the crew confronted the heartbreaking sight of a huge Navy landing craft ferrying the troops back. This request brought together six civilian organizations: the Salvation Army, YMCA, Young Women's Christian Association (YWCA), National Catholic Community Service, National Travelers Aid Association and the National Jewish Welfare Board. It is an important part in the life of your sons, your brothers, your husbands, and your sweethearts. [53], The USO hosts baby showers for military parents-to-be. Its now one of the most popular memorials in Washington. She did forty-eight shows for "broken soldiers," who were mostly lying on stretchers in the lobbies of hotels, watching as she entertained them. The orderlies jumped on him, trying to hold him down while shouting and hitting him. None showed any expression. in the NIATP (New Iraqi Army Training Program) under Vinnell Corporation, Program Director Lieutenant General George Allen Crocker (when meeting Mr Willis)", "How the USO Helps Service Members and Their Families (Podcast)", "USO Spreads Cheer to Military Serving Around the Globe This Holiday Season", "USO supports deployed Soldiers in Poland with care packages", "Troops Returning Home from Deployment to Quarantines Find Support in the USO", "USO center opens at Naval Submarine Base in Groton", "Bob Hope: First and only honorary veteran of the Armed Forces", Big Picture: United Service Organization (USO): Wherever They Go, USO Camp Shows publicity records, 19411955, New York Public Library for the Performing Arts. I want you to have it. He handed me the bow and quiver. With 40 percent of America's forces overseas and despite the Vietnam War's most dangerous moments, a total of 5,559 USO performances were staged. Soon after his Christmas show in Saigon in 1967, he learned that the Viet Cong had planned to launch an attack at the hotel Hope's troupe was staying at, missing them by ten minutes. Iraq war 2003 - present. Terrie explains her pride and joya Vietnam 1968 Saigon Enlisted Open Mess Menu she acquired during her USO Tour in 1968signed years later by Senator John McCain, Senator John Kerry, and General Wesley Clarkall of whom served proudly in Vietnam. Singer-actress-dancer Ann Miller described performing for badly wounded soldiers. Seemed to be studying me. A Vietnamese woman in Catholic nuns habit emerged from the building. Vintage USO photos of celebrities entertaining the troops "[11] Most centers offered recreational activities, such as holding dances and showing movies. It is decorated with a tiger and embroidered with the words, To Patty. They sat on the ground or up on the hillside. To this day I cannot understand why I didnt tell the other performers in our company. A Senate resolution declared him "a part of American folklore." Shows were also performed with comedian Joey Bishop of the Rat Pack. [38], When providing entertainment, the USO did its best to attract known stars from back home to help relieve the stresses of war. [15][16] He had already been active back home selling war bonds, and donated $100,000 to the USO. None moved. One squadron gave Krause a flag hand-made in Vietnam by the local people. In 2011, the USO was awarded the National Medal of Arts. The guy had a quiet, reflective energy that struck me as unusual in a non-com officer. Little about it is concrete. But when you do it, you do it. Many of these people are well-known and well-lauded. You can quote me as saying that we should use entertainment as an essential industry so long as it's for the boys in service. Celebrities visiting this USO included Clarence Muse and the Mantan Moreland & Ben Carter duo.[29]. [23], Twenty-eight performers died in the course of their tours, from plane crashes, illness, or diseases contracted while on tour.

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