1948: United Services Organization1948: United Services Organization

Throwback Thursday

President Franklin D. Roosevelt asked the service organizations that supported the American troops through World War I to work under one umbrella to support the armed services through World War II.

The Knights of Columbus was represented by Supreme Knight Francis Matthews for the National Catholic Community Service. The other partners were the Salvation Army, National Jewish Welfare Board, Young Men’s and Young Women’s Christian Association and the National Travelers Aid Association. Formed in 1941, they developed the United Services Organization – USO – and focused on recreation and relaxation for the armed forces at locations convenient to them.

This photograph shows the principles posed with President Harry Truman at their final meeting on 9 January 1948. Supreme Knight Francis Matthews, later Secretary of the Navy, stands in the front row, second from left. Future Supreme Knight Luke Hart was also there; he stands in the front row, second from right.

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