WW II Acronyms and Words-- Part 6: USO, V-12s and P-38s

USO

United Services Organization

Just prior to WW II, President Roosevelt  united several service groups into the USO to boost the morale of military men and women.   The USO provided services like snack bars, clubs, sports  activities and additional  services depending on location.

Bob Hope toured the USOs and did shows with entertainment, skits, monologues, celebrity appearances and singers.

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V-12

The V-12 Navy College Training Program was for Navy and Marine recruits.  The purpose of the program was to provide bachelor's degrees for future officers.  About 125,000 participated in the program at 131 colleges.

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P-38

In World War II, there were two P-38s.

One was a very fats and highly regarded fighter plane.

The other was a small can opener in C- and K-rations.    I always had a P-38 on my dog tags.  Many veterans still have P-38s on their key rings.

--GreGen