United Service Organizations (U.S.). Service Club (Jacksonville, N.C.)

The USO (United Service Organizations) is a nonprofit organization, formed in 1942 by various civilian organizations in response to a 1941 request from President Franklin D. Roosevelt that private organizations handle the on-leave recreation of the armed forces. Throughout World War II, USO clubs served as a home away from home for American G.I.s. They also served as an important focal point for community involvement in the war effort. The Newberry Street USO in Jacksonville, N.C., served the first African American Marines in the United States; the Newberry Club was established 23 April 1942. Through a presidential directive in 1942, Roosevelt authorized African Americans to enter the United States Marine Corps for the first time. However, instead of being integrated into the traditional Marine camps, African American Marines were segregated to Montford Point, a facility at Camp Lejeune in Jacksonville, N.C. Between 1942 and 1947 approximately 20,000 African American soldiers trained at Montford Point.

From the guide to the United Service Organizations (U.S.) Service Club (Jacksonville, N.C.) Visitor Book, 1945-1947, (University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Library. Southern Historical Collection.)

The USO (United Service Organizations) is a nonprofit organization, formed as a response to a 1941 request from President Franklin D. Roosevelt that private organizations handle the on-leave recreation of the armed forces. Throughout World War II, USO clubs served as a "home away from home" for American G.I.s, and as an important focal point for community involvement in the war effort. The Newberry Street USO in Jacksonville, N.C., was established on 23 April 1942 and served the first African American Marines.

From the description of United Service Organizations (U.S.) Service Club (Jacksonville, N.C.) visitor book, 1945-1947. WorldCat record id: 174288786