On September 4, 1942, as part of the dedication of Tacoma's newest U.S.O., "topfight jitterbuggists" Pvt. Harold Williams and Elizabeth Brown demonstrated their fancy footwork for an appreciative audience. The facility was packed with members of the Armed Forces and their guests. Also in attendance were Governor Arthur B. Langlie and Mayor Harry P. Cain, who were both involved in the dedication ceremonies. Because the U.S. military services were still segregated in 1942, a separate U.S.O. was opened to serve servicemen of color. (TNT 9-1-42, p. 4, TNT 9-6-42, p. A-12)

Dedications--Tacoma--1940-1950; World War, 1939-1945--Military life--Tacoma; African American soldiers--Tacoma--1940-1950; Jitterbug dancing--Tacoma--1940-1950; Williams, Harold; Brown, Elizabeth; USO clubs (Tacoma)--1940-1950;

Publicity for Community Chest. Newly appointed U.S.O. club director Ray C. Vaughn addresses the large crowd gathered on September 4, 1942, for the dedication of the brand new U.S.O. opened to serve the recreational needs of servicemen of color during WWII in the Tacoma area. Mr. Vaughn was an outstanding athlete at Colgate University, served as athletic director of Atlanta University, taught health education in the New York City public schools and became the health education and recreational director for NYC schools before coming to Tacoma. (TNT 9-1-42, p. 4, TNT 9-6-42, A-12)

Dedications--Tacoma--1940-1950; World War, 1939-1945--Military life--Tacoma; Vaughn, Ray C.; USO clubs (Tacoma)--1940-1950;

Governor Arthur B. Langlie shakes hands with director Ray C. Vaughn on September 4, 1942, at the formal opening and dedication of the new U.S.O. unit for servicemen of color on Commerce Street. The new U.S.O. facility filled a long felt need in Tacoma for a club to be used by servicemen of color from the Fort Lewis area. Director Vaughn thanked Mayor Cain for facilitating the addition of the center to U.S.O. operations in Tacoma. The photograph includes, L to R, front row: Unidentified, Mayor Harry P. Cain, Otto Hoagland, Ray C. Vaughn, Governor Langlie, and Rev. D.C. Stephenson. Back row: Col. Alvie Merrill, two unidentified Fort Lewis officers, Chaplain Robert Doakes, J.C. Haley, unidentified man. (TNT 9-1-42, p. 4-article, TNT 9-6-42, A-12)

Dedications--Tacoma--1940-1950; World War, 1939-1945--Military life--Tacoma; Governors; Langlie, Arthur B., 1900-1966; Mayors--Tacoma--1940-1950; Cain, Harry P., 1906-1979; Vaughn Ray C.; Stephenson, D.C.; USO clubs (Tacoma)--1940-1950;

Formal opening of Tacoma's newest U.S.O. club; the Commerce St. location was designated for use by servicemen of color. Governor Arthur B. Langlie shakes hands with J.C. Haley, dedication program committee member, on September 4, 1942. On extreme left is Rev. D.C. Stephenson. Standing are: L to R: Unknown, Fort Lewis recreation director Col. Alvie Merrill, two unknown Fort Lewis officers, Chaplain Robert. Doakes of Fort Lewis. (TNT 9-1-42, p. 4, TNT 9-6-42, A-12)

Dedications--Tacoma--1940-1950; World War, 1939-1945--Military life--Tacoma; Governors; Langlie, Arthur B., 1900-1966; Stephenson, D.C.; Haley, J.C.; Merrill, Alvie; Doakes, Robert; Shaking hands--Tacoma; Flags; USO clubs (Tacoma)--1940-1950;

Publicity for Community Chest. Dedication of U.S.O. club for servicemen of color at 715 Commerce on September 4, 1942. An enthusiastic audience welcomed the new center. Governor Arthur B. Langlie and Mayor Harry P. Cain were both on hand to assist with the dedication ceremonies. Music was provided by a Fort Lewis post band and the Coleridge Taylor Music club entertained the standing room only crowd. (TNT 9-1-42, p. 4, TNT 9-6-42, A-12)

Dedications--Tacoma--1940-1950; World War, 1939-1945--Military life--Tacoma; Hand clapping; Audiences--Tacoma--1940-1950; African American soldiers--Tacoma--1940-1950; USO clubs (Tacoma)--1940-1950;

On September 4, 1942, the U.S.O. Club at 713-15 Commerce St. held its formal opening. Because the US military services were still segregated in 1942, the club was dedicated for the use of servicemen of color. Music, singing and dancing were part of the entertainment planned for the gala evening. The unidentified young women pictured here were dressed in long evening wear with corsages, while their unidentified escorts were wearing their dress uniforms. Publicity picture ordered by the Community Chest.(TNT 9-1-42, p. 4, TNT 9-6-42, A-12)

Dedications--Tacoma--1940-1950; World War, 1939-1945--Military life--Tacoma; African American soldiers--Tacoma--1940-1950; Women--Clothing & dress--Tacoma--1940-1950; African American women--Tacoma--1940-1950; USO clubs (Tacoma)--1940-1950;

Publicity for Community Chest. Among the entertainers at the September 4, 1942, dedication of the new U.S.O. for servicemen of color on Commerce St. was a USA private from New Orleans, George F. Miller. His barefoot style of dancing and upbeat attitude brought large smiles on the faces of his standing room only audience. Seated in a chair on the stage is Pvt. Miller, bare feet lifted high and index fingers pointed as he faces the large crowd. (TNT 9-6-42, A-12)

Dedications--Tacoma--1940-1950; World War, 1939-1945--Military life--Tacoma; African American soldiers--Tacoma--1940-1950; Miller, George F.; Dance--Tacoma--1940-1950; Dancers--Tacoma--1940-1950; USO clubs (Tacoma)--1940-1950;

Publicity for Community Chest. In September, 1942, the newest U.S.O. in Tacoma opened on Commerce St. It was specifically to be used by servicemen of color and was considered to be as attractive a recreational center as any of those then operating in Tacoma. Dedication ceremonies were held on September 4, 1942. The center was packed with young soldiers and their guests; as pictured above, the men wore their dress uniforms and the women, lovely gowns. (TNT 9-1-42, p. 4, TNT 9-6-42, p. A-12)

Dedications--Tacoma--1940-1950; World War, 1939-1945--Military life--Tacoma; African American soldiers--Tacoma--1940-1950; Women--Clothing & dress--Tacoma--1940-1950; African American women--Tacoma--1940-1950; USO clubs (Tacoma)--1940-1950;

View from stage during dedication ceremonies at the new U.S.O. for soldiers of color on Commerce St. The new U.S.O. opened on Friday, September 4, 1942, and was filled with soldiers and their guests. Governor Arthur B. Langlie and Mayor Harry P. Cain were on hand to participate in the formal opening of the center. Civic and religious leaders served on the program committee, including Rabbi Rosenberg, Rev. D.C. Stephenson, Dr. E.E. Elmore and Brown & Haley founder, J.C. Haley. (TNT 9-1-42, p. 4, TNT 9-6-42, A-12)

Dedications--Tacoma--1940-1950; World War, 1939-1945--Military life--Tacoma; USO clubs (Tacoma)--1940-1950;

Publicity for Community Chest. Dedication of U.S.O. designated for servicemen of color at 715 Commerce. Pvt. George F. Miller of New Orleans was a big hit at the September 4, 1942, dedication of the newest U.S.O. facility in Tacoma. His barefoot style of dancing wowed the standing room only crowd. (TNT 9-6-42, A-12)

Dedications--Tacoma--1940-1950; World War, 1939-1945--Military life--Tacoma; African American soldiers--Tacoma--1940-1950; Miller, George F.; Dance--Tacoma--1940-1950; Dancers--Tacoma--1940-1950; USO clubs (Tacoma)--1940-1950;

Governor Arthur B. Langlie, center, in conversation with guests at the formal opening of the U.S.O. club for servicemen of color on September 4, 1942. He may be holding the elbow of the center's director, Ray C. Vaughn. Governor Langlie and Mayor Harry P. Cain were among the dignitaries present at the dedication ceremonies. The U.S.O. center was standing room only; those in attendance were able to listen to music from a Fort Lewis post band, watch the formal presentation of the flag to the U.S.O. by a flag detail from Fort Lewis, listen to remarks by Governor Langlie, Mayor Cain, and Mr. Vaughn, and enjoy dancing. (TNT 9-1-42, p. 4, TNT 9-6-42, A-12)

Dedications--Tacoma--1940-1950; World War, 1939-1945--Military life--Tacoma; Governors; Langlie, Arthur B., 1900-1966; Conversation; USO clubs (Tacoma)--1940-1950;

Guests at the newest U.S.O. in Tacoma line up for refreshments during the center's formal opening on September 4, 1942. The facility on Commerce St. was the first of the U.S.O. centers in Tacoma designated for servicemen of color. Ray C. Vaughn, director, expressed his appreciation for the creation of a U.S.O. club to meet the recreational needs of soldiers of color. It would especially be necessary due to the fact that a growing Fort Lewis would mean more soldiers of all races. (TNT 9-1-42, p. 4, TNT 9-6-42, A-12).

Dedications--Tacoma--1940-1950; World War, 1939-1945--Military life--Tacoma; African American soldiers--Tacoma--1940-1950; Eating & drinking--Tacoma--1940-1950; USO clubs (Tacoma)--1940-1950;

Program coverage. U.S.O. Unit #2. A group of African American soldiers are sitting on stage looking out at the audience. In the 1940's, the military service was still segregated and the USO club on Commerce St. was intended for servicemen of color. [Also dated 02-29-1943] TPL-1958

World War, 1939-1945--Social aspects--Tacoma; USO clubs (Tacoma)--1940-1950; African Americans--Social life--1940-1950;

Program coverage. U.S.O. Unit #2. A group of mostly service men are seated in the audience. Other unidentified individuals are seated on the stage. In 1943, the Army was still segregated and the USO Club art 713-15 Commerce was intended for servicemen of color. [Also dated 02-29-1943]

World War, 1939-1945--Social aspects--Tacoma; USO clubs (Tacoma)--1940-1950; African Americans--Social life--1940-1950;

Program coverage. U.S.O. Unit #2. A group of women standing and seated. Lady seated in front on left has a badge stating: Senior Hostess, U.S.O., No.2, Tacoma. USO #2 was located at 713-15 Commerce St. and was intended for use by servicemen of color. [Also dated 02-29-1943]

World War, 1939-1945--Social aspects--Tacoma; USO clubs (Tacoma)--1940-1950; African Americans--Social life--1940-1950;

By 1943, there were five USOs in Tacoma. Because the United States Armed Services were still segregated, African American enlisted men had a separate U.S.O. This photograph from March 1943 is of a group of service men and hostesses at U.S.O. #2 which was located at 715 Commerce St. (Also dated 02-29-1943]

World War, 1939-1945--Social aspects--Tacoma; USO clubs (Tacoma)--1940-1950; African Americans--Social life--1940-1950;

In 1943, although they fought side by side, the Army was still segregated. African American servicemen has their own USO Club in Tacoma, the U.S.O. #2 at 713-15 Commerce St. For Mothers Day in 1943, the black community of Tacoma tried to make the men feel at home by inviting them to a special church service. In honor of the holiday, the Lincoln High School a-capella choir (in robes) also presented a special program. (T. Times 5/8/1943,pg.7)

World War, 1939-1945--Social aspects--Tacoma; USO clubs (Tacoma)--1940-1950; African Americans--Social life--1940-1950;

The Lincoln High School a-capella Choir (pictured) presented a special program for Mothers Day, May 9, 1943, at the USO Club #2. Since the Army was still segregated in World War II, this Club was intended for African American servicemen. (T. Times 5/8/1943, pg. 7)

World War, 1939-1945--Social aspects--Tacoma; USO clubs (Tacoma)--1940-1950; Choirs (Music); African Americans--Social life--1940-1950;

ca. 1943. In this photograph taken around 1943 in Tacoma's USO #2, Doris "Dorie" Miller demonstrated for the photographer some of the events that made him a hero during the bombing of Pearl Harbor. On December 7, 1941, he was stationed on the USS West Virginia in Pearl Harbor. After the bombing, he carried wounded fellow sailors, including the Captain, to safety. He then manned a 50 caliber Browning anti-aircraft gun until it ran out of ammunition, bring down a reported four Japanese planes. This was remarkable of itself, but especially since he had never received any artillery training. He was awarded the Navy Cross, the first African American sailor to receive this honor. He was killed in action in November of 1943. The frigate USS Miller was named in his honor.

World War, 1939-1945--Social aspects--Tacoma; USO clubs (Tacoma)--1940-1950; African Americans--Tacoma--1940-1950; Heroes--Tacoma; Miller, Doris;

ca. 1943. In this photograph taken in 1943, Doris "Dorie" Miller (left) and an unidentified man posed resting on a jukebox in the USO #2, 713-15 Commerce St. Mr. Miller had been awarded the Navy Cross for his bravery during the bombing of Pearl Harbor. He was assigned as a Mess Attendant First Class on the USS West Virginia when that vessel was bombed by the Japanese on December 7, 1941. He carried wounded sailors to safety and then fired an anti aircraft gun until it ran out of ammunition. It was reported that he brought down four Japanese planes, without any artillery training. He was later lost in action when his escort carrier, the Linscome Bay, was sunk on November 24, 1943.

World War, 1939-1945--Social aspects--Tacoma; USO clubs (Tacoma)--1940-1950; African Americans--Tacoma--1940-1950; Heroes--Tacoma; Miller, Dorie;

ca. 1943. In this photograph taken around 1943, Doris "Dorie" Miller, a hero from Pearl Harbor, posed outside of Tacoma's U.S.O. #2, 713-715 Commerce, with Druetta McCabe, then a volunteer USO hostess. On December 7, 1941, Mr. Miller was stationed on the USS West Virginia at Pearl Harbor as a Mess Attendant First Class, a cook. During the Japanese bombing, he carried wounded sailors to safety, including the mortally wounded Captain of the ship. He then manned a 50 caliber Browning anti-aircraft gun until it ran out of ammunition and he was ordered to abandon ship. He managed to shoot down several Japanese planes, despite the fact that he had no artillery training. He was awarded the Navy Cross for his bravery and valor, the first African American sailor to win this honor. He was killed in action on November 24, 1943, when his ship, the escort carrier Linscome Bay, was sunk during Operation Galvanic. (U.S.O. #2 brochure from Recognition Ceremony on March 30, 1943; www.history.navy.mil)

World War, 1939-1945--Social aspects--Tacoma; USO clubs (Tacoma)--1940-1950; African Americans--Tacoma--1940-1950; Heroes--Tacoma; Miller, Doris; McCabe, Druetta;

ca. 1943. In this photograph taken in 1943, war hero Doris "Dorie" Miller (in dark uniform) posed with a group of African American musicians at the USO #2, 713-25 Commerce St. USO #2 was provided for entertaining servicemen and women of color. Mr. Miller had been awarded the Navy Cross for his valor during the bombing of Pearl Harbor. After his ship, the USS West Virginia, was hit, he carried wounded sailors to safety and manned an anti-aircraft gun, shooting down Japanese planes. This was especially remarkable, since he was stationed on the ship as a cook, with no combat training. He was killed in action in November of 1943.

World War, 1939-1945--Social aspects--Tacoma; USO clubs (Tacoma)--1940-1950; African Americans--Tacoma--1940-1950; Heroes--Tacoma; Miller, Doris;

ca. 1943. A large welcome party was hosted at the 713-15 Commerce St. U.S.O. around 1943 for Pearl Harbor hero Doris "Dorie" Miller. On December 7, 1941, Mr. Miller was stationed on the USS West Virginia. After the bombing, he carried wounded sailors to safety and manned an anti-aircraft gun. This was remarkable of itself, but even more so since he was stationed on the ship as a cook. He received the Navy Cross for his bravery, the first African American sailor to receive this honor.

World War, 1939-1945--Social aspects--Tacoma; USO clubs (Tacoma)--1940-1950; African Americans--Tacoma--1940-1950; Heroes--Tacoma;

ca. 1943. Dancing was one of the major pastimes at the Welcome Party held at the 713-15 Commerce St. U.S.O. for Pearl Harbor war hero Doris "Dorie" Miller. A large group of African American servicemen watch couples dance at Tacoma's Colored U.S.O. where a party was held to welcome the war hero.

World War, 1939-1945--Social aspects--Tacoma; USO clubs (Tacoma)--1940-1950; African Americans--Tacoma--1940-1950; Jitterbug dancing--Tacoma--1940-1950;

ca. 1943. In this photograph taken around 1943, war hero Doris "Dorie" Miller held out his cup to receive some punch at the welcome party held in his honor at the USO #2, 713-15 Commerce. To the left of Mr. Miller was his escort for the evening, volunteer USO hostess Druetta McCabe. Mr. Miller had been awarded the Navy Cross for his bravery during the bombing at Pearl Harbor. On December 7, 1941, he had been stationed aboard the USS West Virginia in Pearl Harbor as a Mess Attendant, a cook. After his ship was hit, he carried several wounded sailors to safety, including the mortally wounded captain. He then manned an anti-aircraft gun, bringing down several Japanese aircraft. In 1942, he was recruited to travel around the country and sell war bonds.

World War, 1939-1945--Social aspects--Tacoma; USO clubs (Tacoma)--1940-1950; African Americans--Tacoma--1940-1950; Heroes--Tacoma;