Celebrating 50 Years of the USO and the Soldiers in Greasepaint
In 1991, the United States was celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the United Service Organization, popularly called the “USO”. The USO was established in 1941 by Executive Order of President Franklin D. Roosevelt as a nonprofit partnership of civilian organizations to support the U.S. military. The organization provides social welfare and recreational facilities to be enjoyed by all members of the U.S. military, regardless of branch or rank.
The USO provided a great deal of entertainment to U.S. troops stationed overseas during World War II, and in Korea, Vietnam, and numerous Middle Eastern locations. The USO brings entertainers to the troops near war zones to boost morale and demonstrate to them that their country hasn’t forgotten about them. Celebrities like Bob Hope, Bing Crosby, Mickey Rooney, Judy Garland, and others performed over the years, and were affectionately given the name “soldiers in greasepaint.” From 1941 to 1947, 425,000 USO shows were put on for the soldiers.
By VE Day, the USO staged about 700 shows each day worldwide. Before the war ended, it had sent more than 7,300 entertainers overseas, delivering an estimated 420,000 performances to some 130 million service-member spectators. With more than 250 locations worldwide, the USO delivers essential programs and services to the entire military community.
Design Details
The obverse of the 1991 USO 50th Anniversary Silver Dollar features a banner resembling the official USOP flag. The banner is emblazoned with the “USO” initials. Above the banner is “50th Anniversary” done in calligraphy with flourishes. The upper periphery has the motto “IN GOD WE TRUST” while the lower periphery has the word “LIBERTY” and the date “1991” on it. This obverse was designed by Robert Lamb.
The reverse of the coin features a large American bald eagle, perched atop a globe of the world. In its beak is a banner with the letters “USO” inscribed on the banner. The globe has text to the left “FIFTY YEARS SERVICE” and to the right “TO SERVICE PEOPLE” and 11 five-pointed stars in a semi-circle below the globe. The globe has “E PLURIBUS UNUM” across it. On the upper periphery is “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” and on the lower periphery “ONE DOLLAR.” William C. Cousins and John Mercanti had a hand in creating the reverse design.
Mintage Details
Congress authorized the striking of 1,000,000 1991 USO 50th Anniversary Silver Dollars to be struck. Surcharges went to the USO to fund programs, airport and fleet centers, family and community centers, and celebrity entertainment.
Although one million silver dollars were authorized by Congressional legislation, 124,958 uncirculated coins and 321,275 proof coins were struck and sold. The uncirculated coin was struck at the Denver Mint and bears a “D” mintmark, and the proof version was struck at the San Francisco Mint and bears an “S” mintmark. Add a unique touch to your numismatic collection and shop U.S. silver modern commemorative coins.
