The
United Service
Organization

Attached is a 1944 article from Click Magazine about the touring performers of the U.S.O. during the Second World War. Illustrated with eight photographs picturing many of the most devoted and well-loved of the Hollywood entertainers (Bob Hope, Martha Raye, Al Jolson, Jack Benny, Garry Cooper) the article, by celebrated newspaper critic Leonard Lyons, goes into some detail as to the deep sense of gratitude these show people felt and how happy they were to give some measure of payback. The compensation paid to these performers was also explained:

“The big-name volunteer USO-Camp Show stars, who go where the Army directs them, receive $10.00 a day to cover expenses. Their tour usually lasts three months. The other USO Camp Show entertainers whose incomes are not as large, are paid 60% of their normal salaries.”

The article ends on a solemn note listing the names and talents of seven men and women who were killed on their tours (by the war’s end the total number of performers killed would number 28).

You might also care to read about the USO performances of Marlene Dietrich.

Click here to read about a popular all-girl band that performed with the USO.

Which Hollywood actors received draft deferments?

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