an abbreviation for United ServiceOrganization, Inc., founded in 1941 as a non-profitorganization to provide social, welfare and recreational services to members of the United States armed forces and their families. It operates entirely on private contributions and offers such services as cultural programs, housing information, counseling and drug-abuse programs. It was first proposed as an organization to enhance the quality of life and morale of servicemen. It is best known for providing live celebrity entertainment to military forces both in the US and overseas and particularly during World War II (1939-1945) and in Vietnam (1954-1975).