USO Performer: Elizabeth Johnson

In this video, we are highlighting the experiences of USO performer, and exceptional supporter of the National Museum of the Pacific War, Elizabeth Johnson. Known professionally as Betsy Berkeley, the native Texan dreamed of being a Broadway performer. Not only was she successful on Broadway, but she also entertained people all over the world as a member of the largest USO unit in the Pacific Theater. The USO, an organization that oversaw and provided recreation and aid services for the United States Armed Forces, gained fame with its live performances called “Camp Shows”, which provided an escape and a connection with home to the men and women serving overseas. We are incredibly grateful to Betsey for sharing her story with us and contributing her personal WWII mementos, like the scrapbook featured in this video, to the museum’s archives and collections. To listen to Betsy’s entire interview and thousands of other unique stories captured through the National Museum of the Pacific War’s Oral History Program please visit our Digital Archive HERE.