The USO Dance That Changed His Life

By Earl Ladewig

Earl Ladewig was a young soldier heading into World War II when a chance encounter at the USO changed his life. This is his story…

Earl and Freda Ladewig on their wedding day, May 18, 1942. | Photo credit USO photo.

I was drafted into service on Nov 7, 1941, from Harvey, ILlinois. I was sent to Cheyenne, Wyoming, for basic training. On Jan 1, 1942, I was sent to Lowry AFB, Denver, Colorado. The greatest impact that Denver had on me was this: I rode into town on the Colfax streetcar, and as we passed the capitol building and headed downhill to Broadway there was the City & County building of Denver lit up in all its holiday splendor. I had never seen a sight like that before (never around Chicago, where I grew up).

About two weeks after my arrival in Denver, I read a notice on the bulletin board that the USO was sponsoring a Square Dance at the University of Colorado campus near Colorado Blvd. I had been a square dancer for several years and loved it, and I knew that people who square danced were friendly, outgoing people. The dance was scheduled for 17 January. I decided to go, and go I did.

During the dance, I met three sisters who were volunteers for the USO trying to do good for the lonely service men. One sister, “Freda,” was exceptionally friendly and I danced almost every dance in her square.

During our talking, I learned that the girls were also scheduled to attend ballroom dancing at the old Rainbow ballroom (USO sponsored). I indicated that I would try to be there also. I went to the dance on January 18, 1942, which was also my 23rd birthday.

Lo and behold two of the sisters were there but Freda was not. I was disappointed because it seemed we were very compatible. However, Freda had told her sisters that if I was there, they were to bring me home (the sisters didn’t tell me why Freda wasn’t there). When they told me Freda asked them to bring me home, I jumped at the chance. Turns out Freda had a date and skipped the dance. Incidentally, I had a girl back home whom I had asked to marry me, but she said we needed to wait until I got back from service.

So, to make a long story short, I started visiting Freda and her family every night, always had supper with them. Freda and I became very close friends. After we became extra close while visiting Cheesman Park in April 1942, I asked her to marry me. She hesitated and so I told her she should think about it. A week later I asked her again and she said yes. At this point I did not feel I had a commitment to the girl back home, these were two different personalities and Freda’s by far was most compatible to me.

At about this time I learned that our company, to which I was assigned at Lowry, was going to be shipped out, and I had no idea where - remember that WWII started on December 7, 1941. Freda set the date to be married on May 18, 1942 (later I learned it was her mother’s birthday). It was such that “We would get married on the 18th if I was still here, otherwise we would wait.”

We did get married on the 18th of May, 1942, and I shipped out on June 6, 1942. I had a three-day pass and we spent our honeymoon in Colorado Springs. Then, our company was sent to Fairbanks Alaska.

Freda and I had nine children, seven of whom are still living. Freda died in 1996. The 54 years we had together was a wonderful loving experience. I wish every day that Freda was still with us. And although I know I am forgetful these days, I cannot remember Freda and I ever having an argument or saying cross words to one another.

Our children are grown now, and believe me, they are a true blessing to me at age 91. Just as their mother was for 54 years.

I thank the USO for making it possible for me to meet Freda. – Earl

This story was originally published in 2010 and has been updated in 2021.