George first competed for Miss Texas as Miss Denton in 1969 finishing fourth . The next year she competed as Miss Dallas and was named Miss Texas 1970 , then was crowned Miss America 1971 on September 12 , 1970 . The Women 's Liberation Front demonstrated at the event . In August 1971 , George traveled to Vietnam with Miss Iowa Cheryl Browne , Miss Nevada 1970 , Vicky Jo Todd , Miss New Jersey 1970 , Hela Yungst , Miss Arizona 1970 , Karen Shields , Miss Arkansas 1970 , Donna Connelly , and George 's replacement after she was crowned Miss America , Miss Texas 1970 , Belinda Myrick . They participated in a 22-day United Service Organizations tour for American troops there . During her year-long stint as Miss America , George also appeared on numerous talk shows , including three interviews on '' The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson ''
Miss America 1971
Miss America 1971
Phyllis George