Red+Cross+and+USO

=The Red Cross=

Background History of World War II

//Preparation//

In 1939, Europe, The Red Cross became a leading organization for providing relief and supplies for victims of conflict. The organization had to fulfill the mandates of its 1905 congressional charter after the Japaneses attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, to furnish volunteer aid to the sick and wounded of armies in time of war" and to "act in matters of voluntary relief and in accord with the military and naval authorities as a medium of communication betwee the people of the United States of America and their Army and Navy." In fulfilling these requirements and government requests, the Red Cross began a Blood Donor Service to produce much needed plasma for the armed forces in preparation for America's official entry into World War II.

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//During Wartime// At home, volunteers provided comfort and aid to members of the armed forces and their families. When medical staff failed to provide enough care to those suffering from wounds on the battlefield from a shortage of workers, members of the Red Cross served in hospitals. They produced emerency supplies for war victims, collected scrap and maintained training programs in home nutrition with victory gardens, first aid, and water safety. Meanwhile, overseas, Red Cross workers were continuing to care for the wounded in military hospitals, hospital ships, and hospital trains.

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//Taking Action for Prisoners of War// The Red Cross did what they could to help American Prisoners of War by working within the constraints the other nation put on their abilities to help. Portions of food were sent overseas when available, and auxiliary hospitals were established abroad when allowed by the enemy. The hospitals became a neutral, safe haven to those who were injured in conflict, and the buildings were not legitimate targets during wartime. It was difficult, however, to supply total help, because it was always up for negotiation between the two countries, and volunteering limitations were established. It is debated that The Red Cross often failed POWs as miserably as it did the inmates of concentration camps. The organization's options were restricted by the Nazis, and the abuses POWs suffered frequently went unreported or were minimized. The moral responsibility for The Red Cross to speak out against these wrongdoings would threaten the good work it was able to do for the men, and they did not want to jeopardize their success, because it was not within their power to change the opposing countries procedures.

//Aftermath//

At the peak of the Red Cross activity in 1945, 7.5 million volnteers, including 39,000 paid staff provided service to the military. The Red Cross served to help sixteen million military personnel, including one million combat casualties. In total, the amount of money the American public contributed throughout World War II was over $748 million to support the American Red Cross' expenses. Each and every family did their best to contribute to the organization, even those struggling financially. Blood donations were needed to supply plasma to men who suffered traumatic injuries and severe losses of blood, and citizens who were able to donate blood were willing to help. Although some debate the moral or ethical standards of the Red Cross, their help is undoubtedly significant. The organization worked within the restraints of the countries who had control over American POW's, and they performed to their fullest, unlimited abilities.

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=The USO﻿=

Naturally, high levels of stress result from military training and wartime experiences. Military troops are no different from anyone else; they require a certain level of entertainment in their lives. Troops had the luxury of meshing with society when on liberty and when stationed at home, but soldiers overseas had little but their companions and a few books to take their minds off the horrors of the war. To ensure that soldiers everywhere would be provided with a stress-reduction outlet, the United Services Organization (USO) was created in February of 1941. The USO is known mainly for sending famous comedians and musicians overseas to entertain American troops. Perhaps the most famous of these entertainers was comedian Bob Hope, who toured the Pacific in 1944, recording more than 150 performances.

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Bob Hope's comedic influence was not the only step taking by the USO. The first permanent USO building was the War Memorial Civic Center. In this center, volunteers (most of whom were women) aided in the kitchen, wrote letters to the troops, and acted as dance partners for the soldiers. In many ways, the War Memorial Civic Center acted as a party headquarters to provide relief from the stressful lifestyle of being a military soldier. The dances and other events were strictly chaperoned; soldiers were only allowed to come alone or with their parents, and they were required to leave with the same company. In many instances, the friendships created through the USO led to life-long marriages. The great success of the War Memorial Civic Center led the USO to open numerous other military centers across the US.

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The USO continues to exist today, helping soldiers and their families through donations, events and counseling.

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