Those were the days

[Jinxter13]

There aren't very many left like her and those of her generation

Don't let the sun go down without reading this about Martha Raye.

You'll be glad you took the time.

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The most unforgivable oversight of TV is that her shows were not taped. This is a great story about a great woman. 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 activists and 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 SF (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 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 'Smart ***' USAF Captain said to Martha.... "Ms Ray, 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.

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Hand Salute! A great lady..

I did not know this about Martha Ray....thought you might like to read it.

[SBARC]

A fascinating read Clif.....thanks for sharing.

[ChippyWho]

Very enlightening, clearly a great character whose life actually meant something.

[HOLMES]

Truly a HERO. { HEROINE}..and she did it quietly without shouting from the roof tops..

Thanks Clif for the story...

HOLMES

Edited March 28, 2012 by HOLMES

[HOLMES]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sLargNxIE9k

Tribute to USO.

[JasonW]

While a great story, it is generally accepted as untrue. Raye was an "honorary" Lt. col. in the Army and an "honorary" Col. in the USMC. She did assist with wounded troops on many occasions, but was not a military service member or military trained nurse. She was very active in the USO and (in spite of a fear of flying) traveled overseas during WWII, Korea and Vietnam.

[Phantom ordie]

Had the opportunity to see her,Bob Hope,Ann Margeret and others while in the Tonkin Gulf.

[jpk]

Martha was in a play in the mid 70's at a theatre that I worked at as an assistant stage manager and properties master. The play was Everybody Love's Opal. Played poker with her several evenings after the show with some of the cast and crew. She could drink and swear like a sailor and took alot of my money in those games. She was a pistol and fun to work with.