USO

Gene is somewhat of a cross between Barbie and American Girl...but much better! Her story cards not only reflect on her movie career but they are also interesting (and fairly factual) glimpses of what the times were like. World War II features prominently in Gene’s life, especially in this circa 1944 USO outfit, designed by Doug James. Photo by Steven Mays. From the story card:

From July through early August of 1944, Gene performed the most emotionally and physically demanding role of her life…that of a USO/Camp Shows volunteer, touring the perilous Foxhole Circuit to boost the morale of American fighting men on the front lines. She was one of the “Soldiers in Greasepaint,” bringing laughter and a bit of home to war-weary men and women while bombs exploded just a few miles away.

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