Marilyn Monroe in Korea with More Men than She had Ever Seen!

Many of Hollywood’s greatest entertained and encouraged the troops throughout World War II as a part of the USO (United Service Organizations). They continued to do so during the Korean War and following occupation. Entertainers such as Bob Hope, Betty Hutton, Jack Benny, Debbie Reynolds, Raymond Burr, Danny Kaye, Carolina Cotton, Errol Flynn, and Mickey Rooney performed for the troops, but perhaps the most popular guest performer in Korea was Marilyn Monroe.

According to the Smithsonian American Women’s History Museum, Marilyn Monroe visited Korea in February 1954 while she was honeymooning in Japan with her new husband, the famous baseball player Joe DiMaggio. In just four days, she performed ten shows for the troops.

This 1954 newsreel says that 13,000 soldiers watched her perform and that she had never seen so many men in her life! Watch the newsreel now, and go back in time to Korea just after the Korean War ended. She certainly created a lot of excitement for the soldiers!

“Dear family,” Sheffield cleared his throat and began. “I am here safe in South Korea. Can you believe it? Just a few weeks ago I was telling you all goodbye in Georgia. Who would have ever thought that an Alabama boy like me would have ever made it to Europe and now Korea?”

The Final Song, Chapter 40