The Andrews Sisters were a popular singing group of the swing and boogie-woogie music eras. 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. Message & data rates may apply. 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.. Hope began taking his show on the road after the United States entered World War II and the United Service Organization (USO) started sending Hollywood and radio entertainers to perform for military audiences at bases in North Africa, Europe and the South Pacific. Hope was among the first to say yes. According to movie historian Steven Cohan, "most of all in taking home on the road, it equated the nation with showbiz. Gave me a quizzical look, as if wondering how much to tell me. I spotted one bed that looked intact. Patricia Krause was the host of the Armed Forces Radio Saigon Program, Whats New at the USO? during the Vietnam War. Hell, you should have seen how happy the G.I.s were when they heard the ballplayers were coming over. Be friendly.. I have never seen such hopelessness in a human face. In the Detroit News article, Krause described what it was like to hear mortar shells flying past her Saigon residence: You can hear them coming, she said. In an effort to stop the violence in the region a Multinational Force of peacekeepers composed largely of U.S., Italian and French armed service members was created and sent to the region to attempt a restoration of order. Jane Russell. Upon her departure from Vietnam, Krause became assistant director of public relations for USO National Headquarters in New York. His pale eyes flickered. Thankfully, Laurel and Hardy's Driver's License sketch needed only a few simple props. Special Services productions grew in number as replacement.[13]. 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. 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. Hope for America: Performers, Politics and Pop Culture It was 1967. Raquel Welch. 17 Released. Veth noted that her radio program earned her the Certificate of Achievement from the director of Armed Forces Radio Vietnam in 1966. The audience was millions of American fighting men, the theatre's location: the world, the producer: USO camp shows"[9] Performances continued after the end of the war in 1945. 10. Clip from Bob Hope USO tour Cu Chi Vietnam 1968.DVD series available at Time/Life. Each club had a snack bar, gift shops, a barbershop, photo developing, overseas phone lines, and hot showers. That Id been forbidden to go outside and was afraid Id be in trouble? After the show, they returned to the fighting in the hills. Today, alcohol and tobacco are forbidden, but all snacks at USO locations are free to troops and their families. 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. James P. 'Bull' Durham: True Balladeer of the Vietnam War - HistoryNet Scholars debate about when the Vietnam War really began and in many ways it has never ended. She had worked previously for the USO in the U.S. and Turkey prior to marrying Navy Lt. Eugene S. Krause. During the Vietnam War, USO social facilities ("USOs") were sometimes located in combat zones. USO Camp Shows, Inc. began in October 1941,[12] and by that fall and winter 186 military theaters existed in the United States. Everybody was sent to a government health clinic for a series of shots against tropical diseases. [13], These overseas shows were produced by the American Theatre Wing, which also provided food and entertainment for the armed services in their Stage Door Canteens. The USO Turns 75: American soldiers' "Home Away From Home" By signing up, you agree to our Privacy Policy. 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. Do I have to? I asked our liaison officer. On Patrol caught up with Pete Peterson to find out how the U.S.-Vietnam relationship has progressed since the normalization of ties in 1995. [36] And 126 units had given 5,422 performances to servicemen in Korea and the wounded in Japan. He removed the crossbow and quiver from the wall. Here's a look at 10 of the greatest performers to grace the USO stage. Everyone fully understood just what was really worth fighting for. After every performance he'd choose a volunteer to join him in a quick-draw contest. You try to help them, try to sing and dance. A Vietnamese woman in Catholic nuns habit emerged from the building. In 1991, 20th Century Fox produced the film For the Boys, which told the story of two USO performers, and starred Bette Midler and James Caan. Entertaining Allied Troops in World War II - Wargaming The USO relies on your support to help service members and their families. [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. The USO is a private, nonprofit organization whose mission is to support the troops by providing morale, welfare and recreation-type services to our men and women in uniform; G.I.s home away from home., Miss America USO Show in 1/9th helicopter hanger at Phuoc VinhSusan Anton (3rd from left), Much of the entertainment in Vietnam was provided by Filipino house bands; they played mainly in EM and Officer clubs.Photo courtesy of Jordan Green, Tagged as bob hope uso show, filipino house bands, http www youtube, morale welfare and recreation, Phuoc Vinh, uso show 1970 in phuoc vinh, uso show susan anton. Divorced. Her name? [5][6] More USO centers and clubs opened around the world as a "Home Away from Home" for GIs. Involvement in the USO was one of the many ways in which the nation had come together to support the war effort, with nearly 1.5million people having volunteered their services in some way. I tried to stick it out, but I was too upset. Hope's jokes were monitored by the State Department to avoid offending the Saudis and the media was restricted from covering the shows Because in Saudi Arabia national custom prescribes that women must be veiled in public, Ann Jillian, Marie Osmond, and the Pointer Sisters were left off Hope's Christmas Eve show."[57]. Case said Krause was also the host of the less frequent television show of the same name. Berlin, who had written and produced the similar Yip, Yip, Yaphank during World War I, took the entire 165-person cast on tour in Europe in 1942, raising nearly $10million for the Army Emergency Relief Fund. All editing, consultations, and workshops are free of charge. Id like that, I said. From the scaffold-like stage I saw a tall column of black smoke, curling in the distance. Or was I so upset by what Id seen that I couldnt talk about it? (Author on left) "Okay, soldier, come up on the stage. In 1947, the USO was disbanded,[30] due partly to lack of funds. According to Westheider, "The young women wore miniskirts no slacks were allowed." Steve Martin is a wild and crazy guy who has brought his unique comedic style to television and the silver screen since the late 1960s. Today in History - February 4 | Library of Congress By The Veterans Site. Please take a moment to let our troops know how much we appreciate their service and sacrifice. This Vietnam War Entertainers [23], Twenty-eight performers died in the course of their tours, from plane crashes, illness, or diseases contracted while on tour. [38], When providing entertainment, the USO did its best to attract known stars from back home to help relieve the stresses of war. If I had any doubts about our countrys involvement, I had none about giving the men a ninety-minute break from the harsh reality of the war. Like someones friend. "[40], The visits by the stars meant a lot to the men and women in Vietnam. Those children out there, she said, indicating the toddlers in the yard, are the older ones. 3. Smokes, but not booze. We thumped and jittered over huge potholes and uneven terrain that served as a runway. 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. SIGNED BY McCAIN, SAIGON MENU STORY - 3 MINUTES LONG. The organization became particularly known for its live performances, called camp shows, through which the entertainment industry helps boost the morale of servicemen and women. [44], Carrying on a tradition he had begun in World War II of spending Christmas with U.S. forces overseas, Bob Hope and his troupe of entertainers gave a show on board the battleship USSNew Jersey on December 24, 1983. The 10 Greatest USO Performers - The Veterans Site News The live events were basically variety shows that featured combinations of singers, comedians, actors, bands, and more. Instead, Martin and his wife met with service members and signed autographs. Id like you to have this., Oh, no, I protested. The Andrews Sisters were instrumental in boosting morale toward the war effort, encouraging the sale of war bonds through their music, and often wearing military uniforms as they performed. "[4] USO centers throughout the world recruited female volunteers to serve doughnuts, dance, and just talk with the troops. None moved. I know what these men did for their country and I always have time for 'my gentlemen. Every day, Americas service members selflessly put their lives on the line to keep us safe and free. The show opens on Aug. 9 and closes on Aug. 11. Perspective | Men weren't the only heroes of the Vietnam War And we pray.. [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. Vietnam war 1961 - 1975. The appearance of DoD visual information does not imply or constitute DoD endorsement. It was at Vung Tau Rehab hospital. Most of us that served in Vietnam were occasionally treated to some entertainment in the form of Go-Go Dancers, singers and musicians who would come to Vietnam and entertain us. Two kids. To support troops participating in Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom, USO centers opened in Afghanistan, Iraq, Kuwait and Qatar. Bruce Willis visited Baghdad, Camp Kir Kush and Camp Caldwell, Iraq around December 2003. Stars and Stripes news special-reports vietnam-at-50, Tet Offensive & Khe Sahn Vietnam War Footage, Vietnam War Casualties Listed by Home of Record. Whether its in USO centers around the country or on military bases around the world, the USO works hard to bring a slice of home to those serving abroad and in distant lands. 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. Other entertainers who have traveled to the Middle East to perform include Al Franken (who made six USO tours in Kosovo, Iraq and Afghanistan before being elected a United States Senator from Minnesota), Robin Williams, Craig Ferguson, Gary Sinise, Zac Brown, Five Finger Death Punch, Artie Lange, Gary Dell'Abate, Nick DiPaolo, Jim Florentine, Jim Norton, Dave Attell, Avenged Sevenfold, Jessica Simpson, Carrie Underwood, Drowning Pool, Toby Keith (with special guest Gina James), Montgomery Gentry, Kellie Pickler, Mayra Veronica, Carlos Mencia, O.A.R., Trace Adkins, Kathleen Madigan, Louis C.K.,[48] Dane Cook, Lewis Black, Third Day, Colin Quinn, Kathy Griffin, and Neil McCoy.[49]. That crossbow was given to me by their chief.. Vintage USO photos of celebrities entertaining the troops Over the last century, America has been involved in a whole host of different wars across the globe - and whether you're a pacifist or not, the troops who led us through to victory in those wars deserve the utmost respect for standing strong in solidarity. Bob Hope Ann Margret 1968 USO - YouTube I was horrified. The Flying Showboat, was the first revue. The GIs roared with laughter. Most were so drugged they could barely respond. Veterans and their families pay nothing for our services, and they never will. I lived with a tribe of Montagnards for several months. These USO performances on the front lines of World War II paved the way for the many decades to come of USO entertainment for the troops. I just fell apart and I think the shock of seeing those men with their arms and legs blown off it was just frightening. [22] In 1943, a United States Liberty ship named the SS U.S.O. During the Vietnam War, Hope produced a number of high-rated television specials and began to perceive that the U.S. media had given him a broad endorsement to continue on his work in Vietnam. Hudson was Commanding Officer (contracted Major in USA) for First Company Commander for first and Second and Battalion for the New Iraq Army training Program. Please consider spending some time navigating our site and reading and seeing the fine work of veterans and their families from around the globe. Seemed to be studying me. 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." 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. Bob Hope and entire troupe on . Its still fought in the bodies and minds of the men who waged it all those decades ago. God bless you, she said, leading me outdoors. 13 Things You Probably Didn't Know About the USO During World War II I walked over and peered inside. [8], The USO also brought Hollywood celebrities and volunteer entertainers to perform for the troops. TOP USO PERFORMANCES, THROUGH THE YEARS - Medium Dead. The comedian and actor participated in 57 USO tours, visiting military members during World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, and the first Gulf War. Real sick.. In New York OBrien had played Sky Masterson, the gambler who falls for a Salvation Army girl. 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. Naval Forces in Vietnam, for the VFW 1968 Unsung Heroine Award. Im sure many of them would have wanted to help. The group took a break from their act in the mid-1950s, but later continued to perform. No expression. "[4] Opera singer Lily Pons, after she had performed a "serious" opera song to troops in Burma, "an applause erupted that stunned even the most seasoned performers." 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. When I answered in French, her face lit up. Photo: Flickr/Peabody Awards Vietnam War Entertainers - Facebook It is an important part in the life of your sons, your brothers, your husbands, and your sweethearts. Stars turn backs on America's troops in Iraq - The Guardian All Rights Reserved. "[26], Women were also key entertainers who performed at shows. The following entertainers performed for U.S. military personnel and their allies in the combat theatre during the Vietnam War (19591975). All you can do in a situation like that is close your eyes and pray.. The Andrews Sisters The Andrews Sisters were a popular singing group of the swing and boogie-woogie music eras. The USO is perhaps best known for holding concerts, stand-up comedy nights and other special events all around the globe with performances by the popular entertainers of the day. It had bare walls, dirt floors, low ceilings, and ragged fabric hanging to delineate separate areas. 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. No matter her official title, Krause did not spare herself in her work, pouring her heart and soul into her service of the troops. On Its 80th Anniversary, the USO Looks Back on Eight Decades of The army formed a Special Services unit that organized such shows and supervised the USO, and the experience from the Soldier Shows led to Irving Berlin's Broadway show This Is the Army. Went right through the fuselage and killed the pilot. Since its controversial beginnings, feelings toward the Vietnam Veterans Memorial have changed drastically. Theres also the picture of her with the U.S. Army nurses so she made sure every segment as much as she could as an individual person got the benefit of the USO touch.. This way, please, the nun said. But when you do it, you do it. In 2009, Stephen Colbert performing his last episode of weeklong taping in Iraq for his The Colbert Report show, carried a golf club on stage and dedicated it to Bob Hope's service for the USO. One female entertainer wrote about conditions while performing: We've played to audiences, many of them ankle deep in mud, huddled under the ponchos in the pouring rain (it breaks your heart the first two or three times to see men so hungry for entertainment.) I want to know about the children I see here, I said. Mark Hopkins, Jr., taking his last name and moving to the San Miguel military base in the Philippines. Rob, I only saw one USO show the whole tme I was in Vietnam. USO camp shows were designed in their export to remind soldiers of home." Another movie was planned in 1950 but never made. "[4], The first national campaign chairman was Thomas Dewey, who raised $16million in the first year. I left the room, too upset to speak. Although it is congressionally chartered, it is not a government agency. Gen. Leo Benade presented Krause with the U.S. Presidente de Viet Nam renuncia a su . Every night we play a different place.[4]. The USO was officially created on February 4, 1941, with one of the first centers opening on May 28 at the Charleston Navy Yard. My first impression of Vietnam was hot, hot, hot! A poignant part of the radio show was USO Mail Call. Now you tell me? The USO provides a variety of programs and services, including orientation programs, family events, free Internet and e-mail access, free drinks and snacks, free phone calls home and recreation services. Sit on their beds. The USO: a GI's "home away from home" since 1941 - Warhawk Air Museum The South China Sea Sentinel reported in 1971 that Krause was remarried in 1970 to Cmdr. As we passed the toddlers in the yard, I realized they were barely clothed. Stared. Would you believe this very crossbow shot down a Huey?. It takes two men: one to hold it while the other shoots. Go on, we were told. What were they doing there, a few hundred feet from our hotel? Entertaining Vietnam Trailer - YouTube The 10 Greatest USO Performers - Page 2 of 4 - The Veterans Site News "[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." Although, the actor and comedian didnt put on a show, which was at the request of military officials, as public entertainment was not locally permitted. Bob Hope was an early and familiar face on the USO circuit during World War II and Vietnam; other celebrities include Steve Martin, Gary Sinise with his Lt. Dan Band . Download our app to find events, locations and programs near you. Performers Killed During USO, Bond Tours or in Air Raids: Al Bowlly in the 1930s Al Bowlly (January 7, 1899 - April 17, 1941): Al Bowlly was a crooner who rose to fame in the 1930s with Ray Noble's orchestra, known for songs like "The Very Thought of You." Please support The Veterans Site by adding us to your ad blockers whitelist ads help us to provide food and supplies to veterans. That day we gave two shows, the last at twilight. 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. There was a noticeable darkening of mood from everyone, soldier and performer alike. 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. Philip Ahn, the first actor of Korean descent to become a Hollywood star, became the first Asian American USO performer to entertain troops in Vietnam. Owned and operated by CharityUSA.com, LLC. Language links are at the top of the page across from the title. 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. Veths letter also highlighted Krauses honor of meeting then-President Lyndon Johnson, who thanked her for her work in Vietnam. Photo: Wikimedia Commons Average performers were paid $100 a week; top stars were paid $10 a day because their wealth let them contribute more of their talents. The following year the show was made into a film by the same title, again starring Ronald Reagan. In Riverside, California a Negro USO was established to serve the March Field service population. According to Emily Yellin, many of the key foot soldiers in the USO's mission were women who were "charged with providing friendly diversion for U.S. troops who were mostly men in their teens and twenties. The USO Takes the Stage | The Saturday Evening Post Stars of the stage and screen weren't just entertainers back in the 1940s. Whats New at the USO? also featured celebrity interviews. They sat on the ground or up on the hillside.
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