Final answer:
The first USO tour occurred during World War II, with entertainment like the musical Oklahoma! performing for troops in the Pacific. The purpose was to boost morale among soldiers. USO tours have since been a tradition in various conflicts to provide support to U.S. overseas military personnel.
Step-by-step explanation:
The first USO tour took place during World War II. Although specific dates for the very first USO tour are not always well-documented, a significant event occurred with Rodgers and Hammerstein's musical Oklahoma!.
The massive hit Oklahoma!, after its Broadway success, was adapted into a USO tour that performed for troops in the Pacific during World War II.
This served as a morale booster for the soldiers, using entertainment to remind them of home. The musical's success with the troops exemplifies the impact and importance of the USO's entertainment tours.
The United Service Organizations (USO) has continued this tradition of providing entertainment and boosting morale for U.S. troops stationed overseas through various conflicts, including the Cold War and the conflicts in the Middle East, as seen with the USO tours in places like Saudi Arabia during Operation Desert Shield and Operation Desert Storm.