Moses - USO

I. Harby Moses The USO
I. Harby Moses, born in Sumter, South Carolina on March 4, 1920, entered the U. S. Army on July 31, 1941. Stationed mainly on the West Coast and Texas, the Army sent Moses to the European Theatre of Operations as part of the 958th Separate Ordinance Unit on February 27, 1945. He served in the Rhineland and Central Europe until August 20, 1945 and was awarded the American Defense Medal, the American Campaign Medal, the European-African-Middle East-Campaign Medal, and the World War II Victory Medal. Captain Moses received his honorable separation from active duty on March 17, 1946.	USO Dance in Sumter
	In February 1941, the YMCA, YWCA, National Catholic Community Service, National Jewish Welfare Board, the Traveler's Aid Association, and the Salvation Army formed the United Services Organization (USO) to provide for the recreational needs of America's military. The USO quickly grew into a volunteer organization with roots throughout the United States. The USO canteens provided a "home away from home" for service personnel while the USO Camp Shows entertained the troops at home and overseas. In Sumter, the USO was located on Canal Street next to the courthouse. Local residents organized dances for soldiers stationed at Shaw Field while area churches provided refreshments.
Army Uniform Gift of Mr. I. Harby Moses, from the Collection of the Sumter County Museum USO Image courtesy of Mrs. Dorothy Reynolds Evening dress Gift of Mrs. Anna B. Youngblood, from the Collection of the Sumter County Museum