I will be wearing a WW2 USO uniform. Is it proper to wear my rank and ribbons since some female performers were soldiers too?

PFC Pamala (Hall) Foster — Tue, 28 May 2019 12:49:06 -0400

Response by SGT Nicholas M. made May 28 at 2019 4:21 PM

SGT Nicholas M. — Tue, 28 May 2019 16:21:05 -0400

Could we get some more info to accurately answer your question? Are you wearing a WW2 uniform as part of a costume for something? Or is a "WW2 USO" uniform something I have never heard of?

Response by LCDR Joshua Gillespie made May 28 at 2019 4:33 PM

LCDR Joshua Gillespie — Tue, 28 May 2019 16:33:19 -0400

PFC Foster-For what purpose will you be wearing the USO uniform? I'm a (recovering-LOL) historical re-enactor, and have portrayed everything from 12th century knights, a pirate, a French and Indian War militiaman...to a WWI naval officer...I'll even be portraying "King Richard the Lionheart" this coming weekend at an area event. My general rule of thumb is that I wear what's appropriate to the persona I'm being asked to represent. The way I see it, re-enacting is acting, so you do credit to the historical "role" you're "playing". More to the point, if there's even the slightest chance someone will interpret what I'm doing as disrespectful, degrading, or misrepresentation/over-expression of my own achievements... I won't go there. To stay on the "safe side", there are military "roles" I won't touch... modern services other than the U.S. Navy, and Special Operations /Elite units from recent history (I've often wanted to do the 95th Rifles from the Napoleonic Wars...but just can't convince myself it's 'skosh). Many of the re-enactors I know are in fact, veterans, and I've seen the crestfallen faces of some well-intended folks when a REAL veteran asks them if they actually belonged to a particular unit/service/etc. In your case, I'd humbly suggest that what you're trying to call attention to is the service of the USO entertainers during WWII...and adding your own rank/ribbons may take a way from that. It's the old re-enactors' debate of, "well, it could've happened...vs. it probably didn't happen often". I will say that it hasn't taken long for those "in the know" to pick out who's served and who hasn't... we just "look right" I suppose.