During World War II, Captain Darcy and his band sailed on a tour of the combat area to carry music and entertainment to the men on the actual battle fronts. From Casablanca to Algiers, Tunisia, Italy, France, Germany and the British Isles, the U. S. Army Band traveled through two full years. They played more than 500 concerts to hundreds of thousands of lonely GI’s and unhappy civilians. They were brought home on army planes just in time to welcome General Eisenhower on his return June 18, 1945. And at the Washington airport, the Army’s own band greeted their victorious General with four ruffles and four flourishes and the triumphant General’s March.
On the twentieth anniversary of the first radio broadcast by the U. S. Army Band the following commendation was received by Captain Darcy.
“It gives me real pleasure and no small degree of satisfaction, that this outstanding musical organization was created by my orders, issued when I was Chief of Staff of the Army. It was my hope then, that in due course, it would come to be unsurpassed by any similar organization the world over, and I feel that none can today deny it this recognition....”
“John J. Pershing.”
Captain Darcy retired in September, 1945, relinquishing the office to the former Chief Warrant Officer, Hugh Curry. The new bandleader was a thoroughly trained musician, a professional violinist and a well-known singer. Forsaking a career successfully begun in light opera, Officer Curry had joined the U. S. Army Band in North Africa, in 1943. In his post as assistant bandleader during the European tour, he became perfectly acquainted with the needs of the band.
Upon Curry’s accession to leadership he reorganized the band. More members were desired and applicants poured in from every part of the United States. Each one was carefully examined, tested and auditioned and a band of one hundred was selected. Within this number a marching band, a concert band, several small ensembles, a complete dance orchestra and a chorus of twenty-five fine voices were organized.
Many in the dance orchestra had been members of nationally known “name” bands. This group can play any type of dance music upon request. Two competent assistant leaders are associated with Captain Curry: 1st Lieutenant Samuel Laboda and 2nd Lieutenant Herbert Hoyer.
The members of the United States Army Band wear specially tailored uniforms. The pockets on the coats are large enough to carry their octavo size music, and are buttoned closely to prevent any instrument being caught in them. On state occasions in the winter the men wear either a special olive drab uniform or their official army dress blues. During hot weather they are comfortably clad in tan tropical worsteds. On their left shoulder is a light blue arc tab with the words, “The U. S. Army Band,” embroidered on it in white.
The Army Band presents an attractive picture in spick and span uniforms and the various polished instruments. Especially noticeable are the modern, up-to-the-minute “mechanized” bass drums and tympani mounted on wheels, and the historic “Spirit of ’76” snare drums.
Stationed in the Capital the Army Band participates in all Army ceremonies. It is frequently called on to give its services to various celebrations and parades, for Washington is the most popular place in the country for parades. The Army Band expresses the Nation’s welcome by playing to greet visiting royalty, foreign diplomats and other prominent guests.