56 pages 1 hour read

Studs Terkel

“The Good War”: An Oral History of World War II

Nonfiction | Biography | Adult | Published in 1984

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Book 2, Section 5Chapter Summaries & Analyses

“Maxine Andrews” Summary

Maxine Andrews remembers being a performer with her sisters, the Andrews sisters, singing for wounded soldiers and at USO shows. At one of their USO performances, they announced that the war was over, sparking a celebration among the audience.

Book 2, Section 5 Analysis

The United Service Organizations (USO) provides entertainment to US military members stationed overseas with celebrities such as singers, comedians, and actors. The organization is still active today.

 

Maxine Andrews was a member of the Andrews Sisters, a trio of sibling singers who were especially popular during World War II. Her recollection of announcing the end of the war and the soldiers’ reaction is a humanizing moment, showing just how much people desired it to end, even though it was a patriotic and unifying experience.