USO

Doug Ogilvie watched these entertainers perform in India and China. The entertainers traveled as part of the United Service Organization (USO) to battle fronts around the world. The USO also ran service clubs near military bases and in larger cities. Clubs offered recreational activities such as dances and movies, and free coffee and doughnuts.

Several local religious groups organized an Outagamie County chapter of the USO in 1943. The Appleton YMCA served as the chapter's headquarters. The local USO gave departing soldiers a care package which included cigarettes, candy, gum, and matches. It also held send-off parties for Naval cadets from Lawrence College.

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Actor Pat O'Brien (in front of microphone) and group sing for troops in India, June 1944
Courtesy of Douglas Ogilvie

Actress Ann Sheridan (front) greets soldiers in India, June 1944
Courtesy of Douglas Ogilvie

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