The USO Through War, Peace, and Everything Between
For more than eight decades, the United Service Organizations (USO) has stood beside America’s military members through war, peace, and every deployment in between. From humble volunteer-run centers during World War II to modern facilities supporting troops and their families around the globe, the USO has become one of the most recognizable symbols of comfort, morale, and gratitude for those who serve.
Origins:
On February 4, 1941 President Franklin Roosevelt was looking to create a support system for armed forces. He gathered together charitable organizations such as the Salvation Army and YMCA to create the United Service Organization (USO). After the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, America was thrust into the conflict of World War II and the USO prepared to go with. Across the United States more than 3,000 USO centers were opened to welcome and support service members. From churches to stores and even barns, these centers were funded and staffed by charitable donations and volunteers. The USO provided troops with meals, beds, stationery to write home, uniform repair services, and access to the latest phonograph records. The organization also extended support to military families, offering financial guidance, childcare assistance, educational programs, and social events for military spouses.
The Iconic USO Camp Shows
Entertainment was often provided at USO centers but just a month after D-Day, the show was brought to soldiers on the front. Performers traveled across Europe, often with celebrities, and provided entertainment for military soldiers. Some shows even performed within 500 yards of the front lines. At the peak of the war the USO estimated that a million service members were served each day, and a total of over 1.1 billion since 1941.
In the early days, celebrities like Bob Hope, Judy Garland, and Marlene Dietrich made appearances at these shows. During the Korean War Marilyn Monroe famously visited soldiers on the front lines. In recent history, TV and film stars have joined the tour as well as NBA and NFL All-Stars. Bob Hope would go on to add “USO icon” to his resume in addition to being a successful comedian. In 1964, he launched the annual Bob Hope USO Christmas Show in Vietnam, a tradition that continued through 1990 and became one of the most recognizable morale programs in military history.
“We Go Where They Go”
Following WWII, President Truman “honorably discharged” the USO, but the organization kept basic operations in motion anyways. USO entertainment shows visited wounded soldiers in military hospitals and lounges remained open to welcome members. On the doorstep of an outbreak of war in Korea, Truman reactivated the USO and centers were officially opened in combat zones.
On March 6, 1963 the USO arrived in Vietnam before American troops even put boots on the ground. The Saigon center was one of the few buildings in the entire country that had air conditioning. During the Vietnam War, USO centers served as safe havens where troops could enjoy hot showers, a signature USO hot dog, and even full holiday meals prepared far from home. With 17 centers in Vietnam and six more in Thailand, the organization became a critical morale lifeline for deployed troops.
As war in the Middle East started to heat up, centers opened in Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates, and Saudi Arabia. Followed by one in Bosnia and even in Mogadishu, Somalia to provide support for those a part of Operation Restore Hope.
A Legacy of Support and Gratitude
Expanded support for spouses and children highlighted the USO efforts as we moved into the 21st century. Programs such as USO Coffee Connections created networking opportunities for military spouses, while the USO Special Delivery program—sponsored by Johnson & Johnson—offered free baby showers for military families. Overseas, USO centers hosted weekly trivia nights, Super Bowl watch parties, baby showers, and even holiday meals. Centers were complete with phone rooms, computers, and eventually free wifi. Prepaid international phone cards were delivered to deployed troops, allowing them to call home for free. The Bob Hope Legacy Reading Program was created to expand support to military families and more specifically, their children. Service members would record themselves reading a bedtime story to their child and then the recording and book itself gets sent home to their families. Even through the Covid-19 Pandemic the USO hosted drive-thru high school graduations, and virtual baking classes with Martha Stewart.
From World War II to modern deployments across the globe, the USO has remained a constant source of comfort, connection, and morale for America’s service members and their families. Whether through a warm meal, a phone call home, live entertainment, or simply a place to rest, the organization has upheld its promise to “go where they go.” More than 85 years after its founding, the USO continues to serve as a reminder that no matter where American troops are stationed, they are never forgotten.