. Here's a look at 10 of the greatest performers to grace the USO stage. Id like to show you something.. The show was closing, so he contacted someone he knew in the State Department. Smokes, but not booze. What do you want? she asked, with a thick French accent. Thank you. [19][13] The This Is The Army stage production toured worldwide until it closed in October 1945 in Honolulu. Be friendly.. Stars turn backs on America's troops in Iraq - The Guardian Change). Scholars debate about when the Vietnam War really began and in many ways it has never ended. She scored a hit with the 1966 song, These Boots Are Made For Walkin. Performers and writers from throughout the army were recruited for the production; they remained soldiers and continued drills. Subsequently, she worked as the director of public information for the entire USO Vietnam undertaking, spending a total of three-and-a-half years in these capacities from late 1965-68. There were no doors. What was that? I asked the nearest orderly. All the entertainers stayed there, we were told, including Bob Hope and Ann Margaret. [35]:51. This Vietnam War Entertainers They went as volunteers to entertain, and celebrities continue to provide volunteer entertainment in military bases in the U.S. and overseas, sometimes placing their own lives in danger by traveling or performing under hazardous conditions. Where are you from, soldier? I asked, as per instructions. Entertaining Vietnam Trailer - YouTube List of entertainers who performed for American troops in Vietnam Tools The following entertainers performed for U.S. military personnel and their allies in the combat theatre during the Vietnam War (1959-1975) The Hondells October 1966 Bobby Rydell Roy Acuff (1970) Anna Maria Alberghetti Carroll Baker Madeleine Hartog-Bel Johnny Bench Polly Bergen Especially when youre working in the interior. He paused. President Bill Clinton named Hope an Honorary Veteran in 1997, to which Hope said, Ive been given many awards in my lifetime but to be numbered among the men and women I admire most is the greatest honor I have ever received.. USO2GO is a service that provides customizable kits to military servicemen stationed in areas without a USO Center containing toiletries and snacks, furniture, electronics, and/or anything else they might need. USO Roosevelt said he wanted "these private organizations to handle the on-leave recreation of the men in the armed forces." The Guinness Book of Records called him the most honored entertainer ever. In those years, the USO opened centers at Fort Campbell, Kentucky; Fort Riley, Kansas; Fort Bliss, Texas; Fort Carson, Colorado; and Afghanistan. Well, goodbye. He kissed me lightly on the cheek and left. The book tells the story of 16 women who served as nurses, USO performers, and soldiers in the . But the malaria wont go away. No matter her official title, Krause did not spare herself in her work, pouring her heart and soul into her service of the troops. Oblivious. Some in that audience never made it back. That crossbow was given to me by their chief.. [52] During the COVID-19 pandemic, the organization assembled thousands of care packages for troops in mandatory 14-day quarantine en-route home. As I walked from bed to bed, I saw depressions in the blankets were one or both legs were missing. Eleanor Roosevelt on White House lawn with "Hollywood Victory Caravan" entertainers (seated, from left) Oliver Hardy (1892-1957), Joan Blondell (1906-1979), Charlotte Greenwood (1890-1977), Charles Boyer . A few Vietnam era news reports also note that Krause herself was a military widow. Moreover, they worked to merge black and white USOs into one desegregated unit. Bob Hope took his annual USO Christmas tour to Vietnam for nine consecutive years from 1964 to 1972. Thats what the French called the non-Vietnamese. Instead, Martin and his wife met with service members and signed autographs. 13 Things You Probably Didn't Know About the USO During World War II As a way to thank United States troops for their service, the United Service Organizations (USO) plans a variety of events to entertain soldiers overseas. [53], The USO hosts baby showers for military parents-to-be. I must have passed inspection, since he went on talking. In Riverside, California a Negro USO was established to serve the March Field service population. None showed any expression. The landing was hair-raising. Go on, we were told. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Enter your email address to follow this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email. This 1988-1991 television series chronicles the exploits of American women and men on a Vietnam Army base. After every performance hed choose a volunteer to join him in a quick-draw contest. The USO also did shows in military hospitals, eventually entertaining more than 3million wounded soldiers and sailors in 192 different hospitals. Today, alcohol and tobacco are forbidden, but all snacks at USO locations are free to troops and their families. A bell hung on a rope. I re-enlisted. Hope for America: Performers, Politics and Pop Culture [37], In addition, the USO operated centers at major U.S. airports to provide a lounge and place to sleep for American servicemen between their flights. After every performance he'd choose a volunteer to join him in a quick-draw contest. The female characters include resourceful GIs, Red Cross volunteers, USO performers,. I wondered if theyd enjoyed the narrow, iron-framed beds festooned with mosquito netting, soggy mattresses, and creaky ceiling fans. Though blessed with talent, his life wasnt without struggles. A poignant part of the radio show was USO Mail Call. Celebrities in Hollywood that have donated their time and talents helping our troops and USO both in US & overseas. Veths letter explained that Krause quickly realized upon arrival in Vietnam that many service members did not receive correspondence from the homefront, so she decided to change that. Roosevelt was elected as its honorary chairman. USO centers in combat zones provide free phone calls home and internet access to service members through its private telephone network and high-speed internet. Let's see how fast you can draw a six-shooter!" It was 1967. MEAs Guide to Short Fiction and Nonfiction, AS YOU WERE: THE MILITARY REVIEW, Vol. The Flying Showboat, was the first revue. Hell, you should have seen how happy the G.I.s were when they heard the ballplayers were coming over. This Is The Untold Story of a USO Icon's Vietnam War Experience By Jean-Marie Bralley The annals of wartime history are illuminated by the lives of men and women whose deeds of devotion, courage, and sacrifice have been called heroic. It is an important part in the life of your sons, your brothers, your husbands, and your sweethearts. MEA is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization whose primary mission is to work with veterans and their families to publish short stories, essays, poems, and artwork in our bi-annual publication, As You Were: The Military Review, periodic editions of Blue Nostalgia: The Journal of Post-Traumatic Growth, and others. Over the following weeks we played Guys & Dolls for thousands of officers, non-coms, and enlisted men. Some looked emaciated. Entertainers performing for the troops included Bob Hope, Jay Leno, Steve Martin, Delta Burke, Ann Jillian, Gerald McRaney, Marie Osmond, the Pointer Sisters, country singer Gina James, and Bob Hope on his final USO tour.[46]. They are the unsung heroes. The USO show was over." "[4], Author Joeie Dee pointed out that "for women entertainers, traveling with the USO made it possible to be patriots and adventurers as well as professionals." U.S. military personnel and their families visit USO centers more than eight million times each year. I cant take it. [4] The USO was incorporated in New York on February 4,[1] with the first facility erected in DeRidder, Louisiana, 1941. Ron Steinman talked about his book [Women in Vietnam: An Oral History], published by TV Books. Stars such as Marlene Dietrich, Judy Garland, Betty Grable and Rita Hayworth had traveled over a million miles. Entertaining Allied Troops in World War II - Wargaming The 10 Greatest USO Performers - The Veterans Site News Our editors are based all over the country and includes college professors, professional authors, veterans advocates, and clinicians. Consider it a gift of friendship, from me to you. List of USO Entertainers - Ranker Editors Note: After years of wondering what happened to Patricia Krause in her later years, USO Senior Digital Archivist Michael Case recently discovered that she died in Henderson, Nevada, on Jan. 19, 2011. The USO dissolved in December 1947, after having spent $240million in contributions on Camp Shows, canteens, and other services. He signed over his royalties to the USO. To this day I cannot understand why I didnt tell the other performers in our company. Veterans and their families pay nothing for our services, and they never will. "[28], Like much of American society and its World War II military, USOs were segregated. Ahm sick, maam. Maxene Andrews wrote, "The entertainment brought home to the boys. Until fall 1944 overseas units contained five performers or fewer; The Barretts of Wimpole Street, using local theaters in France and Italy, was the first to use an entire theater company, including scenery. From June 8 to 11, 2009, TV personality Stephen Colbert traveled to Iraq to film his show The Colbert Report for four days in a USO sponsored event. When everyone was settled, Danny Kaye opened the show by going to the microphone, looking at his large audience, and shouting, "Who's holding back the enemy?" Kerry later wrote, "The visions of Ann Margret and Miss America and all the other titillating personalities who would have made us feel so at home hung around us for a while until we saw three Chinook helicopters take off from the field and presumed that our dreams had gone with them. Singer-actress-dancer Ann Miller described performing for badly wounded soldiers. We've played on uncovered stages, when we, as well as the audience, got rain-soaked. [15][16] He had already been active back home selling war bonds, and donated $100,000 to the USO. Each author or poet who submits work to us is afforded the chance to work one-on-one with a mentor to polish their work or learn new skills and techniques. [23], Twenty-eight performers died in the course of their tours, from plane crashes, illness, or diseases contracted while on tour. (Author on left) "Okay, soldier, come up on the stage. Steve Martin. The USO was in Vietnam before the first troops arrived, having opened a club in Saigon in April 1963 2. This show would be great for our boys in Viet-Nam, he said. This Is The Untold Story of a USO Icon's Vietnam War Experience Vietnam War: Racquel Welch from Bob Hope Christmas Special 1967Help us caption & translate this video!https://amara.org/v/t1fU/ Yet, a civilian heroine who served in a different capacity during that difficult time also merits particular acknowledgment. He paused. [50][51], The organization sends toiletry and snack care packages to servicemen including travel-sized hygiene products of which 170,000 were shipped in 2019, healthy snacks, and drink mixes. Naval Forces in Vietnam, for the VFW 1968 Unsung Heroine Award. 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. Jolson was the first to volunteer, but due to lack of USO funds traveled to Korea at his own expense[32] (he was also the first to entertain troops during World War II).[33]. He did it allsing, dance, create music and crack wise. "[57] In the spring of 1973, Hope began writing his fifth book, The Last Christmas Show, which was dedicated to "the men and women of the armed forces and to those who also served by worrying and waiting." From the mid-1970s until his death in 2014, Robin Williams was a beloved comedian and actor who made people laugh through his many performances on television, in movies, and doing stand-up routines. 10. A 1956 Seattle Times article reported that Krause maiden name: Mack was a member of the Womens Navy Reserve Officer Corps during her time at Seattle University. They were brought together under one umbrella to support U.S. troops, as opposed to operating independently as some had done during the First World War. Raquel Welch. While there, she resumed work with the Red Cross for which she had worked before joining the USO in the 1950s. The nun followed me. As part of the multinational force the United States mobilized an expeditionary force composed of members of the United States Marine Corps and elements of the United States Sixth Fleet which operated out of the Mediterranean Sea. I sat down. I met her in Nha Trang in 67. A squadron gave Patricia Krause a flag hand-made in Vietnam by the locals. TOP USO PERFORMANCES, THROUGH THE YEARS - Medium The Stars Came Out for the 1st Cavalry in Vietnam Bob Hope Ann Margret 1968 USO - YouTube Actor George Raft stated at the beginning of the war, "Now it's going to be up to us to send to the men here and abroad real, living entertainment, the songs, the dances, and the laughs they had back home."[9]. Williams was known for his role in the film "Good Morning, Vietnam . Ever since I was a kid and fell in love with Robin Hood., Kinda unusual for a girl, he said. A March 1969 article in the Detroit News reported, Mrs. 20002023 The Veterans Site and GreaterGood. She later wrote in a letter, "Every woman back home wears a halo now, and those who represent her had better keep theirs on, too. There were 23 centers set up in Vietnam, which serviced a million members a month. Krause additionally received less formal acknowledgement of her work. New York. I smiled, thinking of home. The Andrews Sisters were a popular singing group of the swing and boogie-woogie music eras. Upon her departure from Vietnam, Krause became assistant director of public relations for USO National Headquarters in New York. The USO has provided services for the annual "Tribute to the Troops" special of World Wrestling Entertainment. The 10 Greatest USO Performers. 2023 Military Experience & The Arts. Chico, whose "shoot the keys" piano solos were the heart of his act, often had to do without a piano at all. The second chairman was future senator Prescott Bush. who was with a USO tour that visited Chu Lai in August 1967. When no one was looking I left our hotel, ran to the fence, and stopped at a closed gate. During USO Mail Call, Krause read letters from families who wanted to write to service men, individuals and groups expressing admiration and support and young girls volunteering to be pen pals, Veth wrote. Harrisburg U.S.O., Penn Station, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, Entrance View I.Gottscho-Schleisner, Inc., photographer, Sept. 3, 1943. USO historian Julia Carson writes that this "nostalgic hour," designed to cheer and comfort soldiers, involved "listening to music American style" and "looking at pretty girls, like no other pretty girls in the world American girls. They have aired WWE RAW from Afghanistan and Iraq every Christmas in the United States in a pre-taped show from the combat zone. Four hundred Marines stationed in Beirut attended the show.[45]. Please support The Veterans Site by adding us to your ad blockers whitelist ads help us to provide food and supplies to veterans. I was always told to hide under the bed during a raid, but I couldntall my possessions were stored under my bed. This is my third tour of duty.. Veth noted that her radio program earned her the Certificate of Achievement from the director of Armed Forces Radio Vietnam in 1966. Compared with other wars, there weren't as many Hollywood stars and personalities signing up with the USO to entertain the troops in Vietnam. [55], In 1997, the U.S. Congress honored Bob Hope by declaring him the "first and only honorary veteran of the U.S. armed forces. This page is not available in other languages. For the fallen: Performers and Artists killed during World War II Civilian Service in Vietnam Medal in 1969. "[57], War correspondent Quentin Reynolds wrote in 1943, "He and his troupe would do 300 miles in a jeep, and give four shows One of the generals said Hope was a first rate military target since he was worth a division; that that's about 15,000 men. Bruce Willis visited Baghdad, Camp Kir Kush and Camp Caldwell, Iraq around December 2003. I didnt know whether to be impressed or to feel sorry for him. It covered a 50-year timespan, from the USO's inception in 1941 through Operation Desert Storm, in 1991. I like bows and arrows, I said. Over the last seven decades, some of the countrys best performers have taken the USO stage to entertain troops with music, dancing, and comedy routines. Hispanic-American soldiers were entertained by artists such as Prez Prado's Show featuring Evita Muoz as his invited mambo dancer. Anybody who has been there would insist on it. Since its controversial beginnings, feelings toward the Vietnam Veterans Memorial have changed drastically. The Army, noted the New York Times, "feels this is not good for morale as it implies that there are no showers or other comforts for soldiers in military camps." I want you to have it. He handed me the bow and quiver. Krause trudged from one end of Vietnam to another by Jeep and helicopter to photograph GIs for hometown newspapers and to deliver the thousands of gifts and letters sent through the USO.. Who were these children? Bob Hope and His Dangerous History of Entertaining Troops With the USO Presidente de Viet Nam renuncia a su . A few days later we flew to an isolated base on a mountaintop in the Central Highlands. Today in History - February 4 | Library of Congress Just dont mention the war. Would you believe this very crossbow shot down a Huey?. Once the United States became involved in World War II, the USO was right behind them. Gen. Leo Benade presented Krause with the U.S. We've played with huge tropical bugs flying in our hair and faces; we've played to audiences of thousands of men, audiences spreading from our very feet to far up a hillside and many sitting in the trees. According to historian Emily Yellin, "The government was to build the buildings and the USO was to raise private funds to carry out its main mission: boosting the morale of the military. One day, while traveling back to our hotel after a show, I peered out the steel-mesh covered bus windows and saw some children. Moreover, the San Diego Union-Tribune reported in 1968 that Army Gen. Creighton W. Abrams awarded her a medal and citation for service in Vietnam. In the early days, Hollywood was eager to show its patriotism, and many celebrities joined the ranks of USO entertainers. "The conditions are . We were thrilled to have Kaye and his entertainers in our area. This is the first time since Ive been in this country that Ive felt like a human being. Patricia Krause hosted Whats New at the USO? a radio show that often featured celebrity interviews with guests such as Charlton Heston, Lana Turner, Nancy Sinatra, Bob Hope and James Garner, who is pictured with Krause. Interestingly, Krause did not appear to be a stranger to the military even before joining the USO. God bless you, she said, leading me outdoors. The non-lethal ends of the arrows were fitted with pieces of bamboo. Do you have a family? I asked, trying to stick to the suggested subjects. ", The Charity Navigator gave the United Service Organizations a 3-star overall rating, a 2-star financial rating and a 4-star accountability and transparency rating.[59]. They been sending me back and forth for almost a year. "[35] By the end of the war, over 113,000 American USO volunteers were working at 294 centers at home and abroad. The show opens on Aug. 9 and closes on Aug. 11. [13] The USO was also supported by the National War Fund. Jane Russell. "[4] USO centers throughout the world recruited female volunteers to serve doughnuts, dance, and just talk with the troops. The USO initially disbanded in 1947, but was revived in 1950 for the Korean War, after which it continued, also providing peacetime services. Fill in your details below or click an icon to log in: You are commenting using your WordPress.com account. "[57] After WWII was declared over, the USO had sent out an "impassioned bulletin" asking entertainers not to abandon the GIs now that the war was over. We were treated like visiting royalty wherever we went. Like someones friend. "[9] An article in Look magazine at the time, stated, "For the little time the show lasts, the men are taken straight to the familiar Main Street that is the goal of every fighting American far away from home." One recognition came in the form of a nomination by Navy Rear Adm. Kenneth L. Veth, commander of U.S. [22] In 1943, a United States Liberty ship named the SS U.S.O. Suddenly he reached out and grabbed my hand. Their eyes looked like buttons on a stuffed toy. Just another guy thinks hes back in combat. Hugh O'Brien, famous as TV's Wyatt Earp, was the star of a USO tour in Vietnam. And be careful of the arrows. According to war historian Paul Edwards, between 1952 and 1953, not a day went by without the USO providing services somewhere in Korea. USO Camp Shows, Inc. began in October 1941,[12] and by that fall and winter 186 military theaters existed in the United States. DAR and the Colquitt County Arts Center are collaborating to produce a USO show as a tribute to Vietnam veterans. The babies are inside.. But the sincerity and commitment to the men and women . To support troops participating in Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom, USO centers opened in Afghanistan, Iraq, Kuwait and Qatar. The United Service Organizations, popularly known as the USO, was incorporated in New York on February 4,1941, to provide recreational opportunities and resources for members of the U.S. Armed Forces on leave. After being formed in 1941, in response to World War II, "centers were established quickly in churches, barns, railroad cars, museums, castles, beach clubs, and log cabins.