keywords: the uso, united service organization, military entainment, bob hope, world war ii, wwii, korean war
Synopsis: The usual "image" in the public mind of the USO, the United Service Organization, is that of a dance, a USO show, a cup of coffee and a rendezvous point for U.S. Military personnel worldwide. In 1941, as America increased its military strength and added training bases, a coalition of churches joined with the Salvation Army and the Travelers Aid Association to form the United Service Organization or USO for use by military personnel where ever they go in war or peace... (read more)
Bob Hope entertains the troops at a USO Canteen show in 1959. Franklin D. Roosevelt signs the first peacetime Conscription Bill, also call compulsory military service or the military draft, in 1941. Image of troop train, military trainees marching, trainees doing calisthenics exercises depict the increase of military personnel. Lighted neon signs advertising Club 21, Cheechako Cafe, Buck Horn Bar, in a town near military base. Shows military personnel involved in a bar fight with civilians.
Shows on-post recreational facilities provided for military personnel, but there was a need for safe off-base facilities for the military. America enters WW II with the bombing of Pearl Harbor. In 1941 a coalition of churches joined with the Salvation Army and the Travelers Aid Association to form the United Service Organization or USO for use by military personnel where ever they go in war or peace. Members of the Armed Forces dancing at USO Canteens that were opened in the larger cities around the world. Celebrities entertain the troops at USO shows in the field.
Newspaper headlines announce “Japan Surrenders”, end of WW II. Shows troop transport ships entering port returning soldiers home to America. Soldiers being greeted by girl friends and family. Ticker tape military parade.
In 1950 came the Korean War. Images of the Korean War and USO shows during that era. Follow a new recruit through induction into the military, boot camp, on liberty, dancing at a USO. Street scenes of big cities and towns, football game, major league baseball game and stadium, all sponsored by the local USO.
Shows the United Nations Building in NYC in the 1950's, New York City harbor cruise, skyline of New York City (NYC) from harbor cruise boat. Soldier having dinner with Korean family. People, street scenes, places of interest in Japan, far east city, Greece, Muslims knee to pray, USO Canteens in foreign countries.
