During World War II, a plethora of organizations was
formed to meet just about every conceivable need. Others, like the Red Cross,
were already functioning and began serving overseas before the U.S. entered the
conflict. Some of the organizations continue to this day, while others were dissolved
and are long forgotten. Because most men were in the armed force, working in
the defense industry, or “necessary” jobs, women made up the majority of
workers in the organizations.
Still in operation, the United Service Organization
(USO) was founded in 1941 by uniting the Salvation Army, YMCA, YWCA, National
Catholic Community Services, National Traveler’s Aid Association, and the
National Jewish Welfare Board. The USO was a private non-profit that worked in
partnership with the War Department. The government was responsible to
construct the facilities, and the USO raised money and handled day-to-day
operations.
Initial fundraising was handled by Thomas Dewey (the
Republican presidential candidate in 1944) who brought in over sixteen million
dollars. The second campaign was chaired by Prescott Bush (father of George
H.W. Bush and grandfather of George W. Bush). DeRidder, Louisiana has the honor
of being the location of the first completed USO facility.
Perhaps best known for its traveling shows that
featured many of the day’s biggest stars such as Bob Hope, Ann Miller, and
Marilyn Monroe, the USO presented over 400,000 performances between 1941 and
1947. Equally important were the “everyday” women who served in clubs all over
the world. Junior hostesses served doughnuts, danced and talked with the men,
sewed on insignia, and wrote letters for those who couldn’t. One volunteer told
stories about operating a device that allowed the soldiers, sailors, and airmen
to record their voice onto a small disc that was mailed home. Senior hostesses
(married women typically 35 years of age or older) acted as chaperones for the
junior hostesses and informal counselors to the young men.
At its height in 1944, the USO had more than 3,000
clubs, and curtains were rising on nearly 700 shows a day. Estimates are that
more than 161 million servicemen and women were entertained in the U.S. and
abroad. Of the more than 7,000 performers, twenty-eight died in the course of
their service, from plane crashes, illness, or diseases contracted while on
tour.
Who is your favorite 1940s celebrity?
Linda
Shenton Matchett is an author, speaker, and history
geek. A native of Baltimore, Maryland, she was born a stone’s throw from Fort
McHenry and has lived in historic places all her life. Linda is a member of
ACFW, RWA, and Sisters in Crime. She is a volunteer docent at the Wright Museum
of WWII and a trustee for her local public library.
Murder
of Convenience
May 1942: Geneva Alexander flees Philadelphia and
joins the USO to escape the engagement her parents have arranged for her, only
to wind up as the number one suspect in her betrothed’s murder investigation.
Diagnosed with Retinitis Pigmentosa, she must find the real killer before she
loses her sight…or is convicted for a crime she didn’t commit.
Set in the early days of America’s entry into WWII
and featuring cameo appearances from Hollywood stars, Murder of Convenience is a tribute to individuals who served on the
home front, especially those who did so in spite of personal difficulties,
reminding us that service always comes as a result of sacrifice. Betrayal,
blackmail, and a barrage of unanswered questions… Murder of Convenience isthe first in the exciting new “Women of
Courage” series.
Purchase
Link: www.amazon.com/dp/B07JVT42FW
Social
Media Links:
Twitter: @lindasmatchett
Newsletter sign up (receive the free short story Love’s Bloom): https://mailchi.mp/74bb7b34c9c2/lindashentonmatchettnewsletter
2 comments:
Thanks for hosting me today, Laura!
Great historical post with Linda Shenton Matchett. Murder of Convenience sounds interesting filled with the history and women that displayed courage during a difficult time in history.
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