Monday, September 1, 2014

Colonel Maggie

Via Peter

I picked her up in my cab in Laguna Beach, CA once from the *Boom-Boom Room. She was very nice and gave me her autograph. * A gay bar, but they had good food. :) 

 Bob Hope was our hero also. Bob Hope Show, Long Binh 1967

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                                                    Lt. Colonel Martha "Maggie" Raye

Martha Raye (August 27, 1916 – October 19, 1994) was an American comic actress and singer who performed in movies, and later on television. She was honored in 1969 with an Academy Award as the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award recipient for her volunteer efforts and services to the troops.

Beyond being an entertainer who went to the camps that no other entertainers went to, Martha Raye was also a trained nurse who interrupted her shows to render medical aid to the wounded. She would go to any Fire Base anywhere in Vietnam and visit the troops and bring bear no fear always supported the teams.

Why Did The Guys Love Her?

More @ Stormbringer

10 comments:

  1. What a great story - I loved Martha Raye, and now have even more reasons. Had no idea she was a nurse and actually wanted to help when needed. Amazing

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    1. Yes, indeed.I have other articles on the site concerning her. Probably on NamSouth also.

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  2. Such a painful, undeserving, death.

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    1. Such a shame. Just saw this picture that I had never seen before.

      http://www.thehoustonpilgrim.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/Raye.jpg

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  3. Martha came to our little base, Phu Loi, in early 1967. Though she spent most of her time with the officers (pilots), she did find time to spend with the enlisted personnel. She was a wonderful lady.
    What struck me most about her, besides the humor, was the size of her mouth. When she smiled, it was with the whole face.

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    1. Thanks. I didn't get to Vietnam until October '67, but worked at Phu Loi in '70/'71/'72. That was the only place I observed Agent Orange being used.

      After TET '68, I could drive from Tu Duc six days a week to Pho Lo, leaving at five in the morning when it was dark with never a problem.
      THE SUICIDES ON APRIL 30, 1975
      http://namsouth.com/viewtopic.php?t=21&highlight=phu+loi

      Vietnam Babylift, My Story
      http://namsouth.com/viewtopic.php?t=20&highlight=c5a

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  4. Martha, Bob Hope and so many other great entertainers of that era where real patriots and loved America. How sad to look west and view the pukes making millions to hate this country.

    Badger

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    1. Yes and may their names be forever banished among other more devious thoughts..........

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