It was well recognized that Martha Raye endured less comfort more than any other Vietnam entertainer.I did not know this, I bet you didn't either. Don't let the sun go down without reading this about Martha Raye.The most unforgivable oversight of TV is that her shows were not taped.I was unaware of her credentials or where she is buried.Somehow I just can't see Brittany Spears, Paris Hilton, or Jessica Simpson doing what this woman and the other USO women, including Ann Margaret & Joey Heatherton did for our troops in past wars.Most of the old time entertainers were made of a lot sterner stuff than today's crop of activist bland whiners.The following is from an Army Aviator who takes a trip down memory lane:"It was just before Thanksgiving '67 and we were ferrying dead and wounded from a large GRF west of Pleiku.We had run out of body bags by noon, so the Hook (CH-47 CHINOOK) was pretty rough in the back.All of a sudden, we heard a 'take-charge' woman's voice in the rear.There was the singer and actress, Martha Raye, with a Special Forces beret and jungle fatigues, with subdued markings, helping the wounded into the Chinook, and carrying the dead aboard. Maggie' had been visiting her Special Forces (SF) 'heroes' out 'west'.We took off, short of fuel, and headed to the USAF hospital pad at Pleiku.As we all started unloading our sad pax's, a USAF Captain said to Martha.... "Ms Raye, with all these dead and wounded to process, there would not be time for your show!"To all of our surprise, she pulled on her right collar and said "Captain, see this eagle? I am a full 'Bird' in the US Army Reserve, and on this is a 'Caduceus' which means I am a Nurse, with a surgical specialty.... now, take me to your wounded!"He said, "Yes ma'am.... follow me."Several times at the Army Field Hospital in Pleiku, she would 'cover' a surgical shift, giving a nurse a well-deserved break.Martha is the only woman buried in the SF (Special Forces) cemetery at Ft Bragg.Hand Salute! A great lady.I did not know this about Martha Raye....thought you might like to read it
DelMarVa's Premier Source for News, Opinion, Analysis, and Human Interest Contact Publisher Joe Albero at alberobutzo@wmconnect.com or 410-430-5349
Sunday, February 10, 2019
Bet'cha didn't know this!
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15 comments:
I was trained at Ft. Bragg in 1966 , I salute this lady . She did keep a low profile of her service record. Times have changed , haven't they?
I didn't know any of her military history , thanks for the history lesson .
As a veteran, I salute her. Well done maam. God bless her. RIP
People like her should never be forgotten.
so instead of worrying about a #metoo movement she was more concerned for those fighting for the freedoms we all enjoy! my how times have changed. wonder how many of those lib women dems who sat on their hands during the sotu address have done anything for their fellow americans in harms way?
crickets!
Awesome person.
Thanks for sharing. More young people need to hear about REAL American heros, because all they see are the ones that kneel at sporting events. They don't have a clue that our men and women went around the world fighting and dying to protect those people from REAL OPRESSION.
Agree: true American hero not dwelling on a swelled head or ego but serving her country and fellow soldiers. MAGA!
I got chills reading that.I always suspected she was rough and tumble.
What a lovely story. She truly seems like she was a neat, tough and practical lady.
However, she was an honorary member of the service, not an actual veteran. However, from the several articles I read, it does sound like she truly deserved the honor.
Zero
If anyone had a "take charge" voice it was certainly Ms. Raye!
Salute!!!!
Bravo.
Now that's a real American Patriot
Ooh rah!
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