United Service Organizations (USO)

"In 1940, America's military was rapidly growing in response to the increasing threat which preceded entry into World War II. President Franklin Delano Roosevelt challenged six private organizations - the YMCA, YWCA, National Catholic Community Service, the National Jewish Welfare Board, the Traveler's Aid Association and the Salvation Army - to handle the on-leave recreation needs for the members of the Armed Forces. The six organizations pooled their resources and the United Service Organizations - which quickly became known as the USO - was incorporated in New York State on February 4, 1941. By 1944, USOs were found in over 3,000 locations throughout the United States primarily staffed by the USO's most precious resource, volunteers. President Roosevelt became the first USO Honorary Chairman, a position accepted by every President who followed. Early in 1941 , entertainment industry professionals helped the USO begin "Camp Shows" with the entertainers waiving pay and working conditions to bring live entertainment to the troops at bases within the United States. With America's entry into World War II, "USO Camp Shows" expanded to bring live entertainment to Americans fighting overseas. Bob Hope made his first USO tour in 1942 and the USO/Bob Hope partnership has continued for more than five decades. Between 1941 and 1947, over 7,000 "soldiers in greasepaint" performed an incredible 428,521 USO shows. The USO show concept has endured and continues today as "USO Celebrity Entertainment." Following the Allies liberation of Rome in 1943 , The first overseas "USO Canteen" was established in Rome following the Allies liberation in 1943. The Canteen served American troops in the midst of World War II. "

Carole Lombard, from IMDb
Jean Hay, from Reveille With Beverly

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