The Vietnam War raged from 1955 to 1975 and was one of the most controversial conflicts of 20th-century America. Amid the violence and chaos of the war, there were groups of brave individuals who provided much-needed morale and support to American troops. Among these were the Red Cross Supplemental Recreation Activities Overseas (SRAO) program workers, affectionately known as the “Donut Dollies.” Often overlooked in historical narratives, these women were critical in boosting soldiers’ spirits and providing a semblance of normalcy in an otherwise hellish environment. During the Vietnam War, 627 women volunteered to go to Vietnam. Wearing their light blue dresses, they traveled over 2,000,000 million miles by jeep, truck, and hueys, visiting troops wherever they were, even remote firebases ranging from the delta to the DMZ.
The term “Donut Dollies” originated during World War II, when American Red Cross women served coffee and donuts to soldiers both at home, at transit points, and at the front lines (my grandmother was a donut dolly during World War II serving coffee and donuts to soldiers). The tradition continued into the Korean War and the Vietnam War from 1962 to 1973. The primary mission of these women was to bring a touch of home to the soldiers. They organized games, provided recreational activities, sang songs, and often simply listened to homesick soldiers. They were a reminder of the everyday life that many soldiers had left behind.
These women were college graduates selected for their outgoing personalities, physical fitness, and ability to handle the stress of working in a war zone. They underwent rigorous training to prepare them for the challenges they would face, including learning about military protocol and coping strategies for the psychological impact of war.
Donut dollies did not leave glamorous lives in Vietnam safe on large bases. They traveled to remote firebases and combat zones, often by helicopter, to reach the soldiers. The conditions they operated in were harsh, dealing with extreme weather, dangerous terrain, and the ever-present threat of enemy fire. Despite these challenges, the Donut Dollies maintained positive attitudes and a strong commitment to their mission.
Typical days for a Donut Dolly were long, involving organizing and leading recreational activities such as trivia games, bingo, and sports. They brought books, magazines, and musical instruments to provide entertainment. One of their key roles was simply listening to the soldiers, offering comfort and a connection to the outside world. Their presence helped alleviate the loneliness and stress that many soldiers experienced.
Donut dollies had a profound influence on the troops they served. For many, they were a lifeline, providing emotional support and a brief respite from the horrors of war. The sight of these cheerful, friendly women brought hope, and despite the divisions the war caused at home, it was a reminder that people back home cared about them.
You often hear war veterans speak about Donut Dollies with great affection and gratitude. Many recall the joy of being involved in a simple game or conversation that took their minds off the violence and uncertainty of the war. The Donut Dollies helped boost morale, reduce stress, and foster a sense of camaraderie among the troops.
Donut Dollies volunteered to serve in Vietnam, and it’s important to remember that they volunteered to serve in a war zone. Working in dangerous areas like the soldiers they served, many of them had to live with the trauma of being under fire, witness the horror of combat, and deal with the emotional burden of comforting soldiers who were wounded or grieving the loss of comrades. Because of their small numbers, they formed a strong bond and supported each other during these troubling times.
The Donut Dollies left a legacy of courage, compassion, and resilience while making significant contributions to the soldiers’ morale in Vietnam. From a historical perspective, their stories are often overshadowed by the broader narrative of the conflict. In the last few years, there has been an effort to bring forth the stories of these courageous women who volunteered to go to a war-torn country and bring a slice of home to our troops.
The Donut Dollies stores are as varied as the women themselves. Each one brings her perspective to the larger story of America in Vietnam.
Whenever we reflect on the Vietnam War, we need to honor and remember the contributions of the Donut Dollies. Their legacy is a powerful reminder of the impact that simple kindness and compassion can have on a soldier far from home in a combat zone, often in the darkest periods of their lives.