Off Duty

Medical personnel engaged in a variety of leisurely pursuits while off duty. They went to the movies, attended dances organized by the American Red Cross, congregated with their colleagues in the officers’ and enlisted men’s clubs, and watched United Service Organization entertainers, including Bob Hope and Bing Crosby, perform. Athletic activities remained popular diversions from military and hospital responsibilities. The staff organized a basketball and baseball team called the Redbirds that played in highly-publicized tournaments.

Many individuals in the 12th General Hospital Unit had never before traveled abroad. They took advantage of exploring historic sites on Army-sponsored excursions as well as on their own. In particular, when stationed on the outskirts of Rome, they experienced Italian culture through plays, operas and museums.