Episode 107: 1965-06-27 | The USO: A Home Away From Home

In this episode of Dearest Suzie, Bill writes from Da Nang on June 27, 1965, using stationery supplied by the USO, which prompts a reflection on the organization’s unique role in the Vietnam War and beyond. While waiting on maintenance and new orders, he shares his appreciation for the Da Nang USO center, describing it as a welcome break from the intensity of life on base—complete with a library, café, movies, and pinochle games. This episode explores the history of the United Service Organizations (USO), from its founding in 1941 to its pivotal role in Vietnam, where its entertainers and volunteers helped bring joy, connection, and comfort to troops stationed thousands of miles from home. We also unpack Popi’s speculation about being reassigned to the new air assault division forming at Fort Benning—what would soon become the legendary 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile), led by figures like Hal Moore. What’s Covered: Popi’s daily life in Da Nang and frustrations with mail and laundry The role of the USO in the Vietnam War and American military history Martha Raye’s legendary morale tours and enduring legacy The formation of the 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile) How oral history, personal letters, and military memory intertwine 📷 Featured Photo: Martha Raye after a USO show, smiling with troops. Known as “Colonel Maggie,” she traveled extensively to entertain and support soldiers in Vietnam and was later buried with military honors at Fort Bragg. 🔔 If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe! I’ll be posting new episodes regularly, sharing letters and stories from exactly 60 years ago, as written by my grandfather. Follow Dearest Suzie on social media: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1GwqPyO061k0iaQRKwfjoQ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dearestsuziepodcast/ X: https://x.com/DearestSuziePod TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@dearestsuziepodcast 📧 Have a story to share or want to reach out? Email me at [email protected] — I’d love to hear from you! VietnamWar #USO #MarthaRaye #HelicopterPilot #1stCavalry #MilitaryHistory #WarLetters #InheritTheStories #FamilyHistory #OralHistory #MemoryAndMyth #DaNang #MelGibson #WeWereSoldiers