Doughnut Dollies Distinct Horizon Blue Uniform "From the Trenches of WW1 to the Jungles of Vietnam"

The uniforms worn by the "Doughnut Dollies," women of the Red Cross Supplemental Recreation Activities Overseas (SRAO) program, carry a fascinating history that stretches back to World War I. These uniforms, known as "horizon blue," were originally introduced in 1917 for Red Cross workers traveling to France. The term "horizon blue" itself was derived from the distinctive light blue color of the French Army uniforms during World War I, chosen because it blended many colored wool fabrics together as an economy in war time production. It is also said that the color blended well with the sky at the horizon, offering some camouflage on the battlefield. The adoption of this color by the Red Cross for their uniforms was both practical and symbolic. It was a nod to the organization’s solidarity with the French Army and their shared efforts to provide aid and comfort during the war.

This tradition was revived and adapted for the uniforms worn by the Doughnut Dollies of the Vietnam War era. These young women, often recent college graduates, were American Red Cross volunteers who worked to boost the morale of U.S. troops stationed in Vietnam. They traveled to remote bases and combat zones, delivering smiles, friendship, and comfort to soldiers far from home. Their work included running recreational programs, organizing games, as their predecessors did.

The uniforms of the Vietnam-era Doughnut Dollies retained the symbolic significance of their predecessors. Although updated for modern needs, they continued the tradition of horizon blue, representing not just their connection to the earlier Red Cross workers of World War I but also the humanitarian mission and sense of hope that the Red Cross aimed to convey. These uniforms stood out as a symbol of compassion and encouragement amidst the harsh realities of war.

Beyond their visual and symbolic significance, the Doughnut Dollies’ uniforms also served a practical purpose. In Vietnam, the uniforms were designed to maintain a neat, professional appearance while allowing for ease of movement. The simplicity and functionality of the attire helped the Doughnut Dollies navigate both the physical demands of their work and the expectations placed upon them as representatives of the Red Cross. Divisional US Army patches were often added to them signifying the parent division of the base which the particular Dolly was stationed. 

The horizon blue uniforms also embodied the enduring spirit of the Red Cross itself—a tradition of care, comfort, and humanitarian service in times of conflict. Whether in the trenches of World War I or the jungles of Vietnam, these uniforms symbolized a sense of continuity and a shared purpose: to bring a touch of humanity to the chaos of war. The Doughnut Dollies’ uniforms, steeped in history and tradition, became more than just clothing. They became an emblem of the vital role that these women played in the lives of soldiers, offering support and connection when it was most needed.