| Stars and
Stripes readers and others shared their thoughts about Bob Hope in honor of his 100th
birthday on May 29, 2003. Posted June 1, 2003 I served with 2nd Btn., 4th Marines, from Feb. '68, and was one of the two lucky dogs from my company randomly selected to go down to Da Nang to see the Bob Hope show. I still have the admission ticket! It was a great time. Miss Universe, Raquel Welch, The Gold Diggers! Also, Les Brown and His Band of Renown. It is a memory I will treasure forever! Thanks Bob! Happy birthday from an old Magnificent Bastard! Steve Hearne Posted May 31, 2003 I was fortunate enough to see Bob Hope and his USO troupe on two different occasions: First, off the coast of Vietnam "Yankee Station" on the USS Constellation (CVA 64), and second, in 1969 (I think) on board the USS Saratoga (CVA 60) floating in the Mediterranean Sea. It's impossible to describe how funny he is, even when he's not trying. But my favorite memory was when I was eleven and attending the premiere in San Francisco of the movie, "The Seven Little Foys" in which he portrayed Eddie Foy. I recall he came on stage and gave us all an introduction and some comedy, and then asked for a volunteer to sing "Buttons & Bows" with him. Boy, I knew the song, and knew that I would be absolutely great, and so I stood up and yelled and waved my arms — but he picked someone else. It was okay, even so. I love that man! CWO Bob Fry, USN, Retired Hi, my name is Bernard Perry. I served with King Co., 15th Inf., 3rd Inf. Div. in the Chorwon area. I recall when we were pulled off line to attend the Bob Hope show. I believe it was Spring of 1953, but it could have been fall of '52. Bob put on a show that has lasted me a lifetime. I do believe it was Miss Monroe who called me on stage and, after a little talk, produced an egg which she had me put in my fatigue shirt pocket — and, as you would guess, slapped me in the chest, breaking the egg and breaking up thousands of hardened combat vets. She then paid me off with a phony $1000 bill to pay for the cleaning of my shirt. I no longer have the $1000 bill, but I have the memories of that one beautiful day in Korea when I was part of putting a smile on many brave and honorable men's faces. So, Mr. Hope, with a hardy CAN DO from me to you, may you have no less than 100 more HAPPY BIRTHDAYS. Take care, God Bless, and again — THANK YOU FOR THE MEMORIES. Bernard E. Perry Sr. The day you came and performed at Long Binh Post in 1967, I was assigned to the 90th Replacement Battalion, a jeep ride away from the post. I could hear your voice, although I was high in the rafters or at the upper, outer edges of the arena, and everyone on stage appeared smaller than little people! I was going to say ants, but for whatever reason it didn't sound right. Yet in spite of it all, I will always remember the fact that you did not forget us. You came to entertain us; for me, you brought a touch of home. I thought you should know this, as I am probably one of the very few GI's who finds it difficult to visit the Memorial, and seldom do. In fact, I have only done so twice, and the second time I just broke down and cried for no real reason other than shame, to the embarassment of my Taiwan Cetacean Society visitors who had wished to see the memorial, and all they did was ask me how often I visited the memorial. I wish you long life, Bob. You continue to raise the bar for zestful life, and I remain proud to have seen you amongst the living thirty years ago — especially hanging out with all those beautiful babes! Now that is the real Hope. Touched by your voice and humor, and thanks for ... Sincerest best wishes, Paul Greenhall Posted May 30, 2003 I was a civilian contractor aboard the USS Iowa (BB-61) when I saw Bob's show during his Christmas Show Tour in 1989. We were doing 360's in the India Ocean, and at the last minute Bob and his group found a few hours to drop in on us before flying off to do the planned show on a carrier. After all the years away, it's never nice being away from home and family during the holiday season, but Bob Hope, Barbara Eden and the Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders help to take us all home for two hours that day in the Indian Ocean. Two hours I will never forget .... Thanks, Bob, I wish you a happy 100th birthday! Bob Pohlman Dear Mr. Hope, Happy Birthday! This week I have been watching television programs celebrating, honoring, and applauding you for all the wonderful contributions you have given to the world. I personally have to say that you have made such an impact on the world of comedy, that I have had the privileged to appreciate your wonderful, delightful, and natural humor. My son, who is 18 years old and graduating from Hamden High School, wishes to persue a career (comedian) of entertainment. As a parent, I will not discourage him from pursuing a career which I know there is great competition, but only be supportive in his chosen career and Hope for the best. Feliz Cumpleanos y mucho mas! Sincerely yours, Margarita Antomattei Posted May 29, 2003 When I was a very young boy, I went to Saint Charles Catholic School. It was right next to Toluca Lake. There was this scrawny kid in the first grade with me. His name was Kelly Hope. He was a fun kid to play with, and we all ran wild at recess. I didn’t know who his dad was, or that his dad was the famous star, Bob Hope. But I sure knew who Kelly was. It would be years later before I came to realize who Kelly’s dad really was. As I grew up, I remember stories of how Bob Hope and Bing Crosby entertained the troops in WWII. It wasn’t until I served in the Air Force (1965-1969) that I really appreciated that Mr. Hope was taking the time to entertain our guys again. I never got to see any of the shows, but I heard about them from other airmen, and just hearing about it was a real kick. I guess there was some sort of distant bond, since I had known Kelly Hope and lived in the same area as the Hope family. After I left the service, I came home to live in the same old neighborhood. One weekend, an Air Force buddy came to visit me with his new wife, Brenda, from Oklahoma. She had never been to California, and I got asked the age-old question: "Do you know any movie stars?" "No not really. But I know where Bob Hope lives. Would you like to drive by his house and see it?" was my answer. So, late that evening, off we went to see his house. Now, understand, you really can’t see much of the house. It had a huge fence with ivy all over it. But you can see up the drive. I thought this would be enough for her. As we drove past, Brenda yelled, "STOP." I slammed on the brakes, not knowing what was wrong. Quick as lightning, she jumped out the door and ran up the drive to the rear of the house. Oh no, I thought. I’m going to have security or the cops haul us away. You just don’t do this sort of thing in this neighborhood. About two minutes later, here comes Brenda with a big grin on her face. No security, no cops. Just Brenda. She was holding an autographed photo that said, "To Brenda from Bob Hope." "What Happened?" I asked. "Well, I ran up to the back door and knocked and he opened the door and I said, "You're ...You're ... You're ..." He said "Bob Hope. And you are?" "Brenda," she answered. "Would you like an autographed photo?" "Aahh Huh." Mr. Hope, I always wanted to apologize for that evening, but you were such an understanding gentleman that all I can say is, "Thanks for the memory." Rodney Luna I was in Vietnam with the US Army, '66-'67, as a enlisted man, and was fortunate enough to see one of his shows in the country's largest sand trap, Cam Rahn Bay. What a show, and a relief from my war duties. The show included Phyllis Diller, Raquel Welch, Joey Heatherton, Anita Clark, Miss World (from India) and the Les Brown orchestra. When Phyllis Diller came on stage with her signature hairdo, [Hope] immediately asked her what the 'do was called, and she replied, "A direct hit!" I also remember the military patients from some nearby hospital, who were dressed in blue patient pjs, being allowed to sit front stage — where they deserved to be, for many of them had already given more; some, parts of their body. And that was more than most of us at the show had given through our simple obedience to duty as we understood it at that time. My dad was an ordinance officer in WWII and served in Europe. He also saw Bob Hope during that war. One of my favorite service pictures of Dad is one where he is on his military-issued Harley-Davidson. Dad said that he once gave Hope a ride on that bike. Happy 100th trip around the sun, and best wishes for many more! Stephen Acai
During my two tours in Vietnam and other assignments in the Pacific area, I got to photograph the Bob Hope show and stops many times. One of the best was the Yokota AB show. Hope had remembered that I had shot him and his troupe many times over the years, and made a comment after I shot the photo of him holding the baby in the BX, something to the effect that, "This guy's (pointing to me) been around the Pacific forever." Hope and his people were always a pleasure to cover. Paul Harrington (Click here to view more of Paul Harrington's photos from Yokota, 1972) Mr. Hope, Well, here it is May 29, and you are 100 years old. There are three specific memories I have of you that stand out among all of the memories. First, I remember growing up as kid in the sixties and seventies and watching your annual Christmas specials on NBC, including guests such as the Kodak All-America College Football Team. I remember one year, I was 13 or 14 and I had the flu during Christmas break and a real bad earache. I remember seeing your special and feeling better. You just have that way about you. My family has spent a lot of time chuckling with you, your shows, your movies, and your friends. Second, I had the privilege of being stationed twice in the UK with F-111 fighter wings — for a couple of years with the 20th Tactical Fighter Wing at RAF Upper Heyford near Oxford, and then returning from 1983 to 1992, stationed with the 48th Tactical Wing at RAF Lakenheath, near Cambridge. Near Lakenheath was another USAF base, RAF Mildenhall, the Gateway to the UK for American Forces. At Mildenhall base was the Bob Hope Recreation Center. I distinctly remember spending quite a bit of time at the Bob Hope Rec Center. Third, I was home on leave in the Southern California area in the late 80's seeing my folks, and we went to your show in Long Beach. It was held at the then-home of the Spruce Goose (Howard Hughes' little wooden glider/troop carrier/cargo hauler), near the Queen Mary. As always, you were tremendous. I will always remember sitting there with my folks, under the huge wings of that aircraft, everybody in the audience just laughing as hard as we could. Mr. Hope, I saw a news report that you were named an honorary veteran. Well, they got it a bit wrong. You were always there as part of the USO, helping to cheer up the troops on land and sea, bringing them a little bit of home in all corners of the globe. Bob, you are a real vet. And many thanks to your family, too, for sharing you with us, especially your lovely wife, Dolores. I know you spent a lot of time away from them helping to build our morale. You are a real vet. Thanks again, Mr. Hope, and Happy 100th Birthday. Steven G. Gilmore I thought it was so thoughtful of Mr. Hope to pay a visit to us at Andrews AFB. He was on his way to 'Nam. It was really nice of him to stop and put on a show for us who were stateside at the time. It was in one of the hangars where they kept Air Force One. I have to guess, but it was probably around 1968. It's something I've never forgotten, and I thank him for the memory and wish him HAPPY BIRTHDAY! Bob O'Neill I never had a chance to see a Bob Hope performance all the years I was a Navy petty
officer on active duty, half of it during the Korean War. But I did finally get to see him
perform many years later — early 1990s, I recall — when he made a special visit
to the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis. Being a gen-yoo-wine newspaper editor/publisher at
the time, like some others of the inky ilk I had an up-front seat. The venue was the
then-new Alumni House at the Yard, a huge place built from USNA alumni contributions,
especially for major gatherings — bigger than the Halsey Field House, a sports arena
used for such purposes until then. Frank Pierce Young I was stationed in 'Nam, '70-'71, and was honored to be entertained by Mr. Hope ... Come to think of it, Mr. Hope has been entertaining me my whole life. What a "great American" he is. Happy birthday, Mr. Hope! I really wish I could think of something to say or do to show you how thankful I am. "Thanks for the memories" is not enough!. You have my deepest respect, Mr. Hope. God bless America and Mr. Hope ... You are a true American for which we stand ... Bless you and yours. Russell Harrison I was a young airman, stationed at Ubon Royal Thai Air Base, Ubon, Thailand. I had been married just five months when I got orders to go halfway around the world to a country I almost had never heard of. I left my three-months-pregnant wife at home and went off to the unknown. Our base was designated as a R&R site by the U.S. Marines. However, it was rough for us who were stationed there. Mr. Hope, along with Joey Heatherton, put on a show in 1966. Ms Heatherton was in a rickshaw, pulled by Mr. Hope onto the stage. It made all of us laugh, because we all had ridden in a rickshaw before, and to see a celebrity pulling one was absolutely funny. When I saw Mr. Hope, I was probably as homesick as any one person could be, but he brought a bit of America and home to each one of us and after that, life was much easier. I wish I could see that performance just once more. If America has ever had a true hero, Bob Hope is definitely one. Duke L. Gray If I live to be 100, I'll always hear Bob Hope singing "Thanks for the Memory". In 1968-69, I served aboard the USS Robert K. Huntington (DD-781) off the coast of Vietnam, and while patrolling with an aircraft carrier (we served at least three that I can remember) Mr. Hope brought his entertainment troupe to the flat top. Of course, we couldn't see or hear the show, but just knowing that he was close by brought an unmistakable feeling happiness and home to our ship. That man brought us hope. Allan Marshall In 1972, I was a lowly Seaman Apprentice in the U.S. Coast Guard, stationed in the Ceremonial Honor Guard in Washington D.C. We were at the Pentagon for the dedication of the Omar Bradley wing, and when the General came out, who was on his arm but Bob Hope. I saw him several times after that, and was always surprised by his calm and genuinely subdued manner. Thanks for the memories. Jim I was a young, cocky Lieutenant in the 25th Inf. Div. in '66-'67. At the Cu Chi base camp, as Christmas approached, my Company Commander told me to report to the BN TOC for a special assignment. "You're going to be escort officer for one of the Hope troupe performers," I was told. I was an Airborne, Ranger platoon leader, didn't know any of those people, and didn't want the REMF job, temporary as it was. "Who do I gotta' escort?" I asked, picturing some bearded hippy sound technician. "Joey Heatherton," was the answer. Suddenly I wanted the job. In the days leading up to the arrival of Bob and Joey and the rest of the gang, I got lots of mileage out of my upcoming duty. I scraped the red mud off my boots, dug out my best fatigues, even cleaned my fingernails. I generously agreed to get Joey Heatherton's autograph for buddies, and promised to share all the details of our most intimate moments. But war is hell, and the day before Bob and Joey and the rest of the people in the Christmas Show were to arrive, I got patrol orders. I was replaced in my pending escort duty by some other lucky LT. (The REMF!) My platoon, with me growling just behind the point squad, humped into the bush. The next day we were slogging through the Bo Loi rubber plantation when my RTO whispered to me, "Six wants you to set up the secure (radio)." Usually that meant a resupply to heavy rucks and a change of mission: it could only mean more sweat, maybe even blood. We put out security, my RTO got the secure radio set up so I could talk in plain English, and I signed in: "Driver 6, this is Two-Six." Six-Alpha came on the radio and passed me to Six, who said, "Stand by, Two-Six, somebody wants to talk to you." The next voice on the radio was sweet, blonde, sultry, had real long legs, and was many klicks away ... "Doug? Hi. This is Joey..." Somehow (from Driver 6, I suspect) Bob had heard about the disappointed LT out in the bush, with clean fingernails, and had arranged to get Joey Heatherton into a TOC so she could say how disappointed SHE was. The rest of that patrol through the rubber plantation passed in a grin. Thanks, Joey and Bob, for the memory. And happy birthday, Bob. Douglas Terrel Anderson AFB '56 or '57. Bob Hope thrilled us and brought home to us overseas. The show had Jerry Colonna, Jayne Mansfield, Mickey Hargitay, Hedda Hopper. He made us laugh and made us cry. Thanks for the memories. God bless you; may you live another 100. Henry P Lanza CT3 In December of 1972, I was a Marine aboard the USS Cleveland. We had just left Vietnam and had arrived in Singapore for Christmas R&R. I was in my berthing area when the word came over the loudspeaker that Bob Hope would be doing a Christmas show the following day on the USS Midway. 25 Marines and 25 sailors off of the USS Cleveland could sign up to go. I didn't think there would be much of a chance until I remembered that it was Christmas Day and almost everyone else on the ship had gone ashore. I was able to sign up four friends and myself. After growing up watching the highlights of the Bob Hope Christmas Show every January, my friends and I were able to be a part of it! Thank you Bob, and Happy Birthday! Dale Albers In the 1960's life was shadowed for many Americans, as a five-year-old child Mr. Hope
brought so much to my family's life at a time that was hard as we were thousands of miles
from home. Thank you Mr. Hope; you were not there to just entertain, but you were and always will be a part of us our Military Family as well as our Family, and thank you Mrs. Hope; you endured all that other military families endured, and without the support of you and your family, our families' lives would not have been as touched. Sincerely, Natalie Horton Thanks for the memories! Jim Orlando Posted May 28, 2003 While I was in the Air Force stationed at Clark AB, Philippines, in 1963-1965, I had the opportunity and pleasure of seeing Bob Hope. My wife and myself were in a crowd following Bob around while he played a round of golf, and I never will forget what happened that day. Bob was on the green getting ready to putt when this little boy, who looked about 8 or 9, came running through the crowd, but the Air Policeman stopped him before he could get to Mr Hope. Bob saw what happened, and without hesitation walked over to the little boy, with his club still in his hand, reached down and took his hand and gave him that great big famous smile of his. He was indeed a remarkable man who seemed to only want to make others smile and be happy. I have only respect for him. Thank you. Jerry W. Ross I was in country 66-67, and I don't remember if it was at Danang or Chu Lai that Isaw him. I wrote a letter home telling my Mom about seeing him, because we had watched his TV shows together. When I got home in the summer of 1967, I swear all my mom wanted to hear about was Bob's show. I think he represented all the best of her youth and WWII. She could hardly watch him without crying. She'd always talk about her brother who saw him in Europe during WWII. It almost brought her life full circle that he had entertained her brother in combat and then her son twenty-something years later. Ken G. Whitaker Hello Bob Hope, You have been a very significant part of my life, all of my 66 years! My Uncle Bob Roberts was stationed with the Seabees on the Mariana Islands in WWII and told me of all the stars, especially you, and the Tennis Star (I can't remember his name) who visited the islands during the war. I am reading your book, "Don't Shoot, It's Only Me", right now. It could have been written yesterday. Such a funny, sad and special book of my favorite person and his travels, Bob Hope. I hope you are well and comfortable, and you are aware of all the love and memories sent your way. Dolores is remembered, too. Such a beautiful person with the most beautiful voice. None like Dolores! Please take care of yourself. All my love, respect and special memories to you. Florence Stockton Please add my birthday congratulations to your Bob Hope roll call. I saw Hope's show in 1968 — a few months BEFORE I received my draft notice. He performed at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. Outside there were demonstrators protesting Hope's stance on the Vietnam conflict. Inside there was laughter from a packed basketball arena. After Hope took his final bow, he motioned for the applause to stop. Then he spent a few serious minutes discussing his views. He acknowledged the right of the picketers to oppose the war, but he wanted to exercise his right to support his country. Thanks for the memory, Bob. Bill Spaniel From July 1963 to July 1965, my father was assigned on an accompanied tour in Korea. My Mom, myself (12-14 years old), my two twin brothers and my two sisters went to Korea with Dad. I do not remember which year we got to see Bob Hope, but I do remember bringing my little Brownie camera to one of the shows on Yongsan base in Seoul, and used that to get right up front for at least part of the show. I know I laughed and had a wonderful time, and was so glad that Bob Hope had come to town. Ray Singer, Jr. Happy 100th Birthday to Bob Hope. Bless you for all the wonderful memories and joy you have brought to so many. Love and Best Wishes, Karin Davidson Posted May 26, 2003 I am a nurse at the Gainesville VAMC in Florida, and I heard about your tribute to Bob Hope, so I asked one of my patients if he ever got to see one of his shows. He's getting over surgery, and is in the ICU, but he remembered a bit. Here goes: "I got to see Bob Hope's show twice, once in Korea and once in Vietnam. I saw him in Korea in 1954, but I don't remember what month or much else about the show. I saw him in 'Nam in 1967. His show was in Cam Ranh Bay. I think I remember Martha Raye in the show. She was in camouflage, a Green Beret suit..I don't remember if Bob Hope had on his yellow pants, but I do remember him having his golf club in hand. It was a nice break from the war. Happy Birthday Mr. Hope, and Thanks for the Memories." Atley Lloyd Burley Here's another one, from William Edmiston. He served with the Seabees in Saipan in 1944-45. He joined for the duration, plus six months. He says: "I saw Bob Hope's show in '44. I was in the 117 CB Battalion. I don't remember much about the show, but I remember seeing him. He had a bunch of beautiful girls with him. He always did. He also made a remark about if we didn't have something we'd go steal it. I don't remember much else. I was an 18-year-old kid, and it was a long time ago. Happy Birthday, Bob." As we remember our fallen heroes [on Memorial Day], we also remember those still with us. Mr. Bob Hope and his entourage helped us celebrate Christmas in 1957/58 at Anderson AFB, Guam Island. It was such a taste of home to [those] who had been on the island for a long time. My memory of who was with Bob has slipped, but one can never forget Bob, who brought the USA to the world. Bob might remember another Bob, my brother-in-law, who left us last year at age 90. Bob Damon was a magician traveling with an all-girl orchestra, the Joy Cayler Band; one member was my sister, the pianist Livvy Taylor, whom Bob Damon later married. This USO show played all over the Far East, including the old Ernie Pyle theatre in Tokyo, during and following WWII. God bless you, Bob Hope, and thanks for the memories. Chuck Bradbury I was in Vietnam in the years 1965 and '66. I remember seeing Bob Hope two different years, and I did enjoy him and all the others with him. One year it was Phyllis Diller with him, and she was good. It did, I think, mean a lot to everyone. If there is one that needs to be honored, I do believe he should be. J.B. Williams I believe it was in 1946, as a 19-year-old soldier, in a visit to Washington D.C. at the Capitol rotunda. I stood in awe of the torsos of famous Americans, i.e., Jefferson, Washington, et al. Then, there was Bob Hope, and under his statue was "Entertainer" (or perhaps "Comedian"). In November, 2000, during a visit to Washington D.C., I was very disappointed to see that Bob Hope's torso was no longer on display. I asked the young man from my Senator's office, who was escorting me around, about this. Of course, because of his age, he had no remembrance of this, so when we entered the Senate chamber, he suggested that I ask a woman custodian or whatever, who appeared to be about 60, but she also did not know about Bob Hope's bust. I recently read a brief note in our local newspaper to the effect that from time to time the torsos may be replaced by certain individuals from the respective states. Robert H. Endicott Posted May 23, 2003 I'm a retired USAF MSgt with 24 years service. I joined in April 1968 and retired in May 1992. My first contact with Bob Hope was when I was stationed at Murphy Dome AFS, 20 miles NW of Fairbanks Alaska. I was one of the lucky ones who got picked to fly down to Elmendorf AFB to see a Bob Hope Christmas show in 1970. My family back in the states saw the show on NBC and picked me out of the audience. My aunt in Washington, D.C. also saw the show and saw me. There was an article in the Springfield Union newspaper in Springfield MA about Bob Hope bringing a local resident's son to her via TV. Later, as an AFRTS broadcaster, I had the good fortune to meet and interview Bob three different times. The first time was at Anderson AFB, Guam when Bob stopped by to do a show on his way to Vietnam in 1973. I was an escort for the a couple of the Gold Diggers, and also got to do a 10-minute interview with Bob for AFRTS. The next time was when I was assigned to Military Airlift Command Public Affairs at Scott AFB, IL in 1982 when Bob was passing through. He had stopped by to see CINCMAC Gen Robert "Dutch" Hyser. I again did a radio interview and showed Bob some photos I had from the show I saw on Guam. The last time was during my assignment to AFN Berlin 1984-90. After the Berlin Wall came down, Bob did his last full-fledged show featuring Yakov Smirnoff and Rosemary Clooney at Templehof Central Airport. I again interviewed Bob and I think I said something about I had seen the show and interviewed him several times in the past. I think he said something like, "we've got to stop meeting like this in all these far-flung places around the world!" One thing about Bob Hope: He was always gracious and always said his favorite audiences were GI's. He said they even laughed at the jokes that weren't so funny, and to a comedian, that meant a lot. If you took a poll of veterans, I believe almost everyone who ever saw a Bob Hope show would remember a signature line from every show he did. Bob would introduce a beautiful actress or singer and would preface the intro with, "....now I'ld like to show you guys in the audience what you're fighting for! Barry R. Cantor Bob Hope appeared at RAF Molesworth, UK, home of the 303rd Bomb Group (Heavy) in July 1943. Accompanying Bob were Frances Langford, Jack Pepper, and guitarist Tony Romano. While there, Bob put on a catcher's mitt and threw a few balls with Billy Southworth, a B-17 pilot and son of the manager of the 1943 World Champion St. Louis Cardinals baseball team. RAF Molesworth is the only airfield in England from which U.S. bombers flew in WWII on which U.S. forces still serve. We are having a hangar dance in June in the same WWII hangar in which Hope and the troupe performed. Molesworth Remembers Bob Hope and our brave servicemen that were part of Hell's Angels, the 303rd Bomb Group — Might in Flight. James Miller To Bob Hope: First, let me write Congratulations on your 100 years of your life. Just that should tell you how lucky you have been, because living that long, it's got to be luck. Well, heck, you don't want to hear that your life was all luck ... .it couldn't happen to a nicer guy, anyway. In 1969, July or August, at Chu-Li, you brought your show, which was outstanding. And through my youth you make me laugh, like the movie The Lemon Drop Kid. Outstanding. There were many more goofs you gave a little dude like me; bless you, for all kids in this world, for a guy like you to be born in a place wherer a person gives of himself to make this world a better world. Thanks you, and happy birthday! Fernando Matos I have followed Mr. Hope's career with enthusiasm since my early childhood. I have witnessed this extraordinary, patriotic American volunteer his time and talent to uplift American servicemen and women over the years. In my opinion, there has never been one individual like Bob Hope, nor will there ever be in the future. I had a special love for him and his family, as I grew up in central Ohio and went to elementary school with his nephew, Fred Hope. (Fred had a younger sister, Margo, older sister, Avis, and an older brother Leslie). Thank you, Bob, for all that you have given to the hearts and minds of so many in the service of their country. Have a fantastic centurion birthday, and may God bless you always. Vaughn White I live in the Coachella valley (Indio,CA.), just 23 miles from Bob Hope's house. I was an 18-year-old Army private (E-2), and had been in country for less than a month when Bob Hope and friends put on a show at Camp Holloway, home of the 52ed Combat Avaition Battalion commanded by Lt. Col. Townsend. The stage was a 40-foot flat bed trailer, but to all us GI's it was like seeing him on the stage of the grandest playhouse in the world ... and now that I think back on it, it was the grandest playhouse in the world. I believe it was actress Jill St. John who brought Sgt Atkinson up onto the stage, and oh, how every one of us wished it was us. At that time, Pleiku was home of Camp Holloway, and a few miles out a Special Forces Camp and HQ for MACV II. Former S/Sgt Michael T. Pierson Posted May 19, 2003 In December, 1962, on the island of Okinawa,.I was a 24-year-old paratrooper of the 2/503rd Airborne Battle group. I had grown up watching Bob Hope on the silver screen in the Fountain Square area, Indianapolis, Indiana. I loved all his movies. At that time I never realized I would someday get to see Mr. Hope in person at a military camp 10,000 miles from home. It was the Christmas season, and my first time away from home and family at Christmas. But ... he sure did brighten my day. It was so exciting to think I was really going to see Bob Hope in person. I did everything I could to get close to the stage. I ended up in the sixth row back. I got a good close up of Bob Hope and Lana Turner. I really loved his show. He is the best. He kept everyone laughing and cheering with all his jokes, and above all his political jokes, and those pretty young ladies he always brought with him on tour. That's one night I will never forget. To me that was once in a lifetime experience. It was such a great feeling to be a part of all those millions of military personel to get to see Bob Hope's Christmas show.What a beautiful memory. I just want to say Thank You, Mr. Hope, for being the great person and performer you are. You gave so much to so many. I salute you, Sir, for all the service you gave your country and our military. Wishing You a Very Happy 100th Birthday, from a past Paratrooper Taylor Clarence E. I am a retired US Marine. I served from 1961-1981. During that time, I had only one opportunity to see a Bob Hope Christmas Special. It was a real beauty. I was on temporary duty on the USS Ticonderoga, CVA-14, from December 1965 through February 1966. Just before Christmas 1965, we received word that the Bob Hope Christmas Special was coming out to the "Tico," a put-on a show just for us (and the other ships in our task group). We arrived off Cam Ranh Bay on or about the 20th of December. The next day, Mr. Hope, his entourage and all those beautiful women arrived on board. A large stage was erected on the flight deck. Each ship in the task group was allowed to send a few individuals to the "Tico" to see the show. I can imagine what went on below decks on each of those ships to get this "ticket" to the Bob Hope Show. I can remember Joey Heatherton, Anita Bryant, and Miss America among the ladies. [Les] Brown, as always, was there along with the band. An interesting event occurred during their stay. I believe it was the night before the show. We were flying night operations at the time, and an A-4 Skyhawk (I think that is the proper designation) came in for a landing and its nose wheel broke, sending the plane off the angle deck. The pilot ejected, was rescued and suffered only a shoulder injury. To all those women he was a hero, and he wound up garnering a lot of feminine attention. Another event occurred after the show left the ship. Some entrepreneurial aspirant auctioned off the sheets that the women slept on. To this day I do not know what happened to the money. The show was great, and though it was the only one I ever saw, I have the greatest admiration and respect for Mr. Hope for all that he has done for the millions of American servicepeople serving throughout the world in his time. We will never forget him. HAPPY BIRTHDAY MR. HOPE, AND MANY MORE TO COME. Ronald Kloess In my 22 years in the Army, I never got to see Bob Hope live. But that never stopped me from seeing him on TV any chance I got. When I was in Vietnam, 1970 to '72, it seemed I was always in the wrong place to see any soldiers show. But it made me fill good to know that people like Bob Hope were there to support the troops, because we had very little support from home. I now work for MWR, and can in my own small way support our troops. Thank you, Bob, for all that you have done for us. God Bless You. James Hamilton Bob Hope brought his show out to our carrier, USS Ticonderoga, in December 1965, while we were off the coast of Vietnam near Cam Ranh Bay. I grew up listening to Hope on the radio and on record, and those of us who were able to attend the show were looking forward to it. Joey Heatherton was the big draw, however, as was Carroll Baker. Hope's jokes about the Beatles and draft-dodgers fell flat with the many of the crew members sitting on the deck that day. We just wanted to be entertained, not propagandized through the humor of our fathers' generation. Hope and the folks with him brought us some relief from the boredom of shipboard life. In fact, that was a pretty interesting week, as Martha Raye came out to entertain us a few days before Hope did. Joseph T. Miller My name is Robert Gouveia, from Massachusetts. I served in South Vietnam from Jan.1969 to Jan. 1970. My home base was Long Binh, near Saigon. I was sent down to the Mekong Delta in early Feb.,1969, and spent the rest of my time in country down in the Delta for temporary duty (TDY) where there were 23 other soldiers .I had a tent at a place called Can Tho airfield, but was on a South Vietnamese base also. I was with the 1st Signal Brigade. Bob Hope was touring the country of South.Vietnam, doing his Christmas show. We were anxious to see him. Then we got word, that he couldn't come down to the Can Tho airfield, because it wasnt secure enough. The war was all over the country, and places he had been at, I felt had to be just as dangerous. A war was going on.... Oh Well, we all were saddened, but survived (ha ha). I made it home, to at least see him on television. Thank you Robert J. Gouveia Mr. Hope and his show, including Ann-Margret, came aboard USS New Jersey (BB-62) on Christmas Day, 1968. We pulled off the gunline and they flew aboard and put on their show and served us Christmas dinner. Being away from home for the first time is very heartbreaking, but for a few hours they took our minds back home. A day I will never forget, and will never be able to express how good it made 1600 souls feel that day. With deep gratitude, Bob Keller The first and only time I attended a Bob Hope show was as at Udorn AB, Thailand, as a young Army enlisted soldier. It was December '72, and I was fortunate enough to work night shift. My friends and I got off from work early that morning and made up a banner saying "HI BOB" with our unit mascot and designator (green cartoon character Cobra with 7th RRFS in red letters) from a bedsheet. We headed to the base, got a seat on the ground in front of the stage (right next to Udorn's two active runways), and waited for the show to begin. The show started a couple of hours later and Bob Hope came out on stage to begin his monologue. He cracked jokes for about five minutes and had to stop. The noise from F-4 Phantoms continuously taking off side-by-side on both runways was deafening. This was the second or third day of LINEBACKER II, the Dec. '72 bombing offensive against North Vietnam, and Udorn AB was launching its Phantoms around the clock. Bob paused until the aircraft disappeared into the distance and then said "Giv' em ....!" to the cheering of thousands of airmen and soldiers attending the show. It reminded all of us that not every one at home was protesting the war. The rest of the show was great, and I still remember the talented Lola Falana, Fran Jefferies, Les Brown, Dolores Hope, and Miss USA (I think). My friends and I also got filmed by a crew from NBC holding up our sign and wound up on TV (according to my relatives — I never saw the show) — another memory (Thanks, Bob) from that time in a place far, far from home. Robert F. Piacine Posted May 14, 2003 The year was 1969 ... when the Bob Hope Show was touring Vietnam. I was a squad leader for a small group of Navy Seabees stationed in the northern sector of the country. A typically hot day; rather than get to attend the USO Show starring Bob and Miss America and her entourage, we had to work on the finishing touches of General Westmoreland's newest facility. Although we were all muttering to ourselves about how we seemed to be the only ones who had to work while everyone else was at the show, we were at least hoping to catch a glimpse of the stars before they left the area. Just as we ended our day, so was the show. We were just about finished picking up all the tools, etc., when out of the blue, there came a column of jeeps carrying the "Old Man," along with Bob and the beautiful women. What a sight!! We just froze in place. Naturally we all saluted our Commander, and to our disappointment, he merely nodded and walked on by. Bob Hope could see the excitement in our eyes, and was happy to acknowledge the fact that we had to work and weren't able to make the show. He stood there for about 10 minutes (though it seemed more like an hour), and then started to introduce the Miss America team. We were absolutely in awe of what was happening around us. If that weren't enough, we were then invited (thanks mostly to Bob "The Man" Hope) to join the entire gathering of dignitaries inside for a cool one. After being in country for the better part of a year, that was by far, the most rewarding experience. It has been said that Bob Hope traveled millions of miles while entertaining millions of troops. I'm very proud to have been just one of the millions to see him perform. In this day and age where so many are considered heroes, it seems that there needs to be a more powerful word to describe Bob Hope. After all, look at all the war-torn nations he visited. Take into account the hours of dedicated service to his country that he invested in freedom, liberty and the American way. In my way of recollection, I cannot think of a single person who consistently performed their duties for so long a time. With that said, the only words that come to mind are...To Mr. Bob Hope, thanks for the memories! You are a True American Legend. May God bless Bob Hope, and the United States of America. W.R.
(Bill) Barbour, Jr. When I was a young brat, my Grandad would tell me stories of his adventures in far off lands during World War II. He was a Bomber Pilot flying B-17's over Germany. He would tell me because I begged him to and he would recant the stories as distant memories. His eyes would light up though when he told me of the times the USO shows came around and a funny man named Bob holding a golf club would come with these "Gorgeous Dames." Being an eight-year-old, I didn't know what a dame was. When I got a little older I would ask my dad how was it for him over there in that place everyone was calling 'Nam? He wouldn't tell me much, I know he lost alot of his childhood friends over there. What he did tell me, however, was of the same funny man Grandad told me so much about, Bob and those georgeous red heads. I was beginning to understand what a Dame was. When I got sent to the Gulf to assist Kuwait, a strange thing happened to me. I saw my first USO show and I met the man I have heard so much about from both my Grandfather and Father. I saw and met Mr. Bob Hope. It was great and yes he really was funny, and the Dames, wow. Thank you Mr. Hope. For three generations you have braved hostile environments to entertain your boys, the troops. In doing so, you did more than just entertain, you gave us your name, you gave us Hope. For all you have done, and for all you are about to do, we salute you. SSG Ortiz As a young Military Policeman stationed at West Point in 1972, we received word that we were scheduled to provide security and crowd control for Mr. Hope's show that was coming to West Point as a rehearsal for his overseas tour. Of course we were all excited that he was coming, and that he would take time out of his busy schedule to entertain us before he left for other parts of the world. Although I had to work the detail, I was able to watch most of the show as I had the extremely hard duty of guarding the door to the Gold Diggers' locker room, extremely tough duty for a young single MP. The show was great, and the interchange between performers and soldiers/cadets were the highlight of the day for all of us. The most memorable moment was when we found out that Mr. Hope had insisted that the enlisted soldiers be given seating close to the stage, and that the higher-ranking members of the community take the so-called cheap seats located in the field house. Talk about a morale booster. He was and still is number one in the hearts of the soldier. In the 30 years of military service that I completed, the one constant was that in the event of a major deployment Mr. Hope would be there to entertain the troops. He is truly one of us. Respectively,
In December 1969, I was a young man 18 years old, thousands of miles away from home (Md.) during the Christmas holidays, and the Bob Hope Show really made me feel better about being away from during the holidays fighting a war. I was stationed with The Americal A Co. 1Bn 20 Inf out of Duc Pho, and lucky enough our unit was back in the rear for stand down, which is when after being out in the field for 30 or more days the unit gets to come back to the rear for three days and eat party and relax for that time. I do remember that Teresa Graves was in the Bob Hope Show that Year. I also still have a Picture of Tersa Graves during her performance. I can now say, Thanks Bob Hope, for all the USO Shows you have performed all these years, and Happy Birthday. Martin
Skinner SP/4 Bob Hope and his group visited the 517th Parachute Regimental Combat Team in Toccoa, GA during the summer of 1943. One of our comrades (Jack Smothers) was allegedly responsible for selling Mr. Hope and Jerry Colonna two of the much-coveted paratrooper's jump knives. According to Mr. Hope they didn't have time to closely inspect them but paid a handsome price for them. When, on their flight back to California, they opened the knives and on the obviously cheap metal blades were engraved with the words "SOUVENIR OF TRENTON, NEW JERSEY". Mr Hope distinctly remembers Jerry turning to him and saying, "We ought to go back and smother that damn Smothers. Their reaction and conversation was reported to us by Mr. Hope's Secretary Marie Boren in a letter responding to an invitation for Mr. Hope to attend our Palm Springs Reunion March 8-11, 1993. Best
Wishes, Hi, I am Wayne Wright. I was a SPC 4 in the HQ Battery, 5th Bat. 16th Art., 4th Inf.Div. near Pleiku, 1966-67. Being a farm boy from Palestine WV ( home of Jessica Lynch). I had only seen Bob Hope on TV and never ever dreamed of seeing him or any other celebrity. When it was announced that he was coming to Pleiku I was very excited, knowing that I was getting to see his show. Well, the day of his show, I think on a Sunday, I was on the duty roster and not getting to go. I was really down. Finally my Staff Sergeant Lawrence Griffith took pity on me and allowed me to go. After all this time I can't remember too much about the show, except I think it was Hoagy Carmichael, singing with Nancy Sinatra and during the song he reached down and rubbed Nancy's leg. Of course that set off crowd into jealous envy and a roar of cheers. So now I can say I saw Bob Hope, and he was funny as usual and even though each show was repeated, the one I saw, he made as special as if it was his only one. So on that particular Sunday, Bob, Nancy, and the kindness of Sergeant Griffith, they put a very special moment in my life. I wish Mr. Hope a happy 100th birthday and I still see him in my mind, as I did as a little farm boy in West Virginia, on TV and as a soldier on that special day in a far off land. Thanks For The Memories, Wayne Mr. Hope's Show came to Cu Chi, Vietnam, where I was asked to guard the ladies' dressing room. At first this assignment didn't sit well. The dressing room was behind the stage, so I missed the show. My direct orders were to keep any man from entering the dressing room. During my post, I had various officers and press people say they had to enter to speak to one of the ladies. I enjoyed giving the response of, "Sir, my orders are to 'shoot to kill anyone unauthorized entrance.'" Couple of the officers were miffed, but let it drop when I brought my M-16 to their attention. During the performance, Miss World said hello. Anita Bryant practiced her song right next to me. But the highlight was Joey Heatherton. She stopped on the steps and asked if she could lean on me as she adjusted her stockings. I replied, "certainly." We spoke briefly, and I told her I had met her brother, who lived near me back in the states. That news shocked her, because she didn't expect to meet a soldier that knew her brother. After a moment, she kissed me and said to take care of myself. So suddenly I was the envy of ever guy in the immediate area. As the show ended, Mr. Hope and his entourage passed my post. Someone told him of the kiss. He extended his hand and said, "You're doing better with Joey than I am." He laughed and moved on. To this day, I hold these moments special. To be kissed by any beautiful women is memorable, but to have my hand shaken by Mr. Hope is beyond my limited ability to describe. Please wish Mr. Hope a very special "Happy Birthday" from me. Also, say he's someone special to every lonely soldier he made laugh. To me he is a true American treasure. J. Woodward Bob Hope entertained my grandfather in WWII, my father in Korea, my uncles in Vietnam, and me in Desert Storm. God Bless you. GySgt Burks, USMC December 1966 Cu Chi So. Vietnam: Mr Hope came to our base camp along with Miss World and many more to entertain us on Christmas Day. I was a Combat Medic with the 25th Inf. Div., and sat front with the wounded from our hospital. After a great two hours of laughter and singing, he came to our hospital wards with many others, and spent about two more hours just talking with the wounded. He always kept a smile and a joke going to keep the spirits of the men up. My Father was lucky to see him in World War II and I in Vietnam. He walked up and shook my hand and said thank you, and I said thank you for the time he spent with us. The guy was always great to all GIs, and we owe him a lot. Happy 100th, Mr. Hope, from an old friend that will always REMEMBER. God Bless, and thank you again. Doc. Paul L. Pleticha When I was in high school, my dad was stationed at Fitzsimmons Army Medical Center in Denver, CO. His job there was Security, Plans and Operations. Whenever anyone came to the base he had to handle the arrangements. I will never forget when Bob Hope came to see the patients there. My sister and I were lucky enough to be in a small group of dependents that were allowed to attend his show in the post theater with the sick or injured soldiers. I was young, but I still remember how impressed I was by this man, who over the years gave his all to our military members serving all over the world. As we sat in the audience watching him tell jokes and include the GI's in his stories and banter, I was touched to the core. Bob Hope is an amazing American who loved each and ever one of the servicemembers that served this country. When his act was over, he shook the hand of every single military member in that theater and thanked them all, one at a time, for their service. As long as there are people alive who remember him and how he loves this country, his dedication and his love of mankind, there will be a sense of what a true American Spirit is. Bob Hope is the epitome of American. Nancy
Martin I have some vivid recollections of the Bob Hope Show, on that hot Christmas Day 1966, at Di An, Vietnam which was Headquarters for the 1st Infantry Division, Big Red One. Being rather far in the back rows I mostly remember Bob's bright yellow trousers, and with him holding his trusty driver and taking an occasional swing. On the show that Christmas Day was Joey Heatherton, Phyllis Diller, and Miss World, who was from India, as well as Les Brown and his Band of Renown. It was a great show indeed, and one I'll treasure forever. Some things you never forget, and this was one. I wish Bob the very best for his 100th birthday and many more to follow. Thanks for the memories, Bob. Mike
Richter In 1952, I won a middleweight golden glove championship in Pasadena, Ca. My fiancee, Sue Graves, was a Rose Princess, and appeared on [Bob Hope's] Christmas show. He said to her, "I understand your boyfreind is a boxer, I was a boxer myself. Have him stand up." In 1953, I was a combat M.P. in Korea, and was guarding the road between the front line and the place where he put on a show for the 25th division, so I was not able to see it. However, the next time he came I did. In fact, one of the beautiful dancers dragged me on stage to dance and hold areal live girl. Dr. D. McDonald What ... Bob Hope 100 already? Makes me feel old! In 1967, I was a 23-year-old sergeant, outprocessing Vietnam at the Cam Ranh Bay replacement company on my way to ETS from the Army at Ft. Lewis, Wash., after completing an 11-month tour of duty. I had had been there three days when we heard that Bob Hope would be coming to Cam Ranh Bay. I caught his show before departing for the states the following day, and man! what a "show!" He had thousands of soldiers sitting out on the sand dunes of Cam Ranh Bay laughing the entire length of his show. He came out on the outdoor stage wearing "jungle fatigues," and dangling from his fatigue jacket were what seemed like every medal awarded for every conflict that the U.S. military forces have been in. Well, in between the laughs he brought several celebrities onto the stage with him. One I'll never forget was Raquel Welch! And to this day I remember that she wore a white knitted "mini-skirt" with knee-high white leather boots! And she danced with Bob Hope to the latest dance craze at the time, the "twist!" Anyway, those are my memories of the Bob Hope show in Vietnam, 1967. Joe
Becerra I don't have any story in particular, and I've never seen the man perform live. I want to say though, that I have the highest respect and admiration for Mr Hope. He has selflessly provided so much for our soldiers, far surpassing what others could ever even dream of doing. His comedy was always great, clean fun; and a great time was had by all. Thank you Mr Hope for touching so many lives. CW4 Danny
Barlow During Bob's tour of Vietnam in 1968, I was assigned to fly gun cover during his show at Cu Chi, the 25 th Infantry Division's main basecamp. Prior to his arrival via Air Force C123, we received fire off the end of the runway and reported to the tower that Charlie was taking pot shots in the area. Mr. Hope's aircraft landed without incident, and while we flew circles around basecamp, the show went on as planned. Upon takeoff, the tower advised the pilots of Mr. Hope's plane that the gunships had recieved some small arms fire, and so the takeoff was one of those max climb, all out jobs that C123s could do so well. We were entertained and surprised when seeing the headlines the next day or so in Stars and Stripes that Bob Hope had been shot at while taking off from Cu Chi. I guess it was a good headline, but was a bit enhanced. Pat Eastes I got to see Bob Hope,
Johnny Bench and the USO girls right around Christmas time at a Bob Hope special while in
the Gulf during Operation Desert Shield. Kenneth
Niman Bob Hope and troupe were to arrive aboard the USS Coral Sea (CVA-43) in the Gulf of Tonkin for a Christmas Show in December 1971. We were all hyped up about the event and had prepared posters and banners welcoming Bob and his entourage. We had even painted his likeness on one of the F-4Bs on board. (A VF-51 bird). However, as luck would have it, the weather was rough and the show was cancelled (at least I think that was the reason it was cancelled.) At any rate, the buildup and anticipation was awesome. Just realizing a man of that stature would be coming aboard was excellent. Too bad he didn't make the trip. His show was replaced by another show which was fine, but not just the same. Bill Freckleton When I was in Vietnam, Jan, 1968 thru March 1970, I saw Bob Hope and his troop at Da Nang in Nov. or Dec. 1968. I was stationed at Hill 65 with the Alpha Platoon of the 1st 155 Gun Battery, 1st Field Artillery Group, 1st Marine Div. Rein. Our staff sergeant had a problem and had to go to the 1st Marine Headquarters at Da Nang. He asked if I and another Marine would accompany him and a driver as shotguns for a trip to Da Nang. Of course, we agreed to go. Hill 65 was a rather rough place at the time, and his request for shotguns wasn't unusual. So G.A. Brown and I got into the back of a 3/4-ton PC and rode back to Da Nang. As we approached Da Nang, we had to stop at a bridge and the staff sergeant, Guthrow told us [to] drop off at the USO show as he heard Bob Hope had his show there. By now, we looked like we had been dragged all the way there. We were covered with dust that stuck to everything — mostly us, as we were wet from sweat. So anyway, he drops us off at the the base of the area where the show was. As we approached the gate, a Marine security guard was checking everyone and taking M-16's and other weapons from people in front of us. When we got there, the guy looked at me and Brown and just waved us through. At first, I couldn't figure out why he had done that. Brown very quietly told me to look at him, and he said "would you try to take MY M-16?" He was right — we both were totally GRUBBY. Everyone one else there appeared to be in their Sunday best and we looked liked like we just stepped out of a blender. So anyway, we saw the show. Time and distractions erased most of the show; I do remember Bob singing a song with Christine Plummer (Miss World, 1968). It was great show, though, and except for the heat, dust and noise from Da Nang airfield and artillery shoooting out, it was a bright spot and for a short time Viet Nam seemed far away. Wayne
Schimmel I was stationed in Thailand in '69 to '70. I went to his show. It was right before Christmas. I'll never forget his show — I cried and cried. This is one show that I will always remember for the rest of my life. John
Puente I saw Bob Hope in Korea on the DMZ in 1970 or 1971; not sure anymore. He was there along with Dean Martin's "Gold Digger" girls, and I believe famed baseball catcher Johnny Bench. Bob & company put on a wonderful show. I was proud to be there, and even more amazed I was only on the 3rd row. Bob came out with stripes running up from his left wrist all the way to the right wrist, and he had enough lifer stripes on the sleeves to cover a zebra. It was hilarious, I'll never forget it, EVER. Especially when one of the "Gold Diggers" sat in my lap and kissed me on the cheek. Oh Wow, I was in heaven for weeks after. :) Michael E.
Wascom, Civ, VMM Like most really great entertainers, Bob Hope was a perfectionist. I was on Stars & Stripes in Tokyo — also helping as volunteer Stage Manager for his Preshow (before hitting Korea) at the Ernie Pyle Theater in Tokyo (sister venue of New York's Radio City Music Hall). His advance team (no kidding) arrived the week before to arrange for accomodations, facilities, musicaons. Everything was OK at the Imperial Hotel, but the Pyle Theater had a red-and-gold 2nd Fly curtain, and he didn't like red. In addition to sanding and polishing the stage, we flew a blue curtain in from San Francisco, and it was up minutes before the show. Headliners with him included Paul Douglas and Jan Sterling, also comedian Molly Picon. The sexy starlet was none other than Piper Laurie. The skit was, Hope had a bow-and-arrow, and shot it off stage-left; it landed "I know not where." In crawls Piper Laurie (then about 18) across the stage with the arrow stuck in her breast. (pause for 10-minute cheering and applause) Hospital wounded were falling out of their wheelchairs; the routine brought down down the house, and we had to replace 60 seats. There were four other performers, and they broke up into three smaller acts to entertain the troops. Every show was a smash and much appreciated. On Stripes, our cartoons were always the enemy and Non-coms. Hope had a writer sketching in names of all the Tokyo brass for a royal roasting; both Generals Matthew Ridgway and Mark Clark took big hits, much to the delight of us all. Hope and company spent two days doing hospital ward visits — alone, without the press — so I forgave him for the Blue Curtain Royal Ration and vote him "Soldier of the Century" Former Cpl. Mory Jung, PS&S Tokyo I was an E-5 in Dong Ha, Vietnam. when Bob Hope visited our troops. Johnny Bench was one of the celebrities accompanying him. I told my wife and family that it would be filmed for viewing in the US. I also told her to watch for me — I would have a white t-shirt on. Unfortunately, about 300 other GI's had on their white t-shirts as well! I was hot, homesick and scared, but for those few hours that day, I forgot those feelings. I enjoyed seeing Bob Hope and knowing that he was risking his life to come to Vietnam and give the troops a chance to laugh and momentarily forget about the War. I was thrilled to be able to shake his hand at the end of the show. Two Ohio "Buckeyes" sharing a moment I will never forget. What a great humanitarian! Retired
MSGT Larry J. Bailey Bob Hope is a great American, and one that modern-day Hollywood [should] try to mimic. His support of our troops, of which I am one, was legendary. I remember him best for the only two props he used on aircraft carrier decks, USO clubs, Air Force flight lines, and the jungles and other unpleasant places that we warriors were often required to frequent — his golf club and a very pretty, talented girl. Hawk Wells, Retired Fighter Pilot Dear Mr. Hope, It was such a pleasure, watching your television show recently. It certainly brought back a lot of memories — and a lot of laughs! How nice of you to spend your time entertaining our military, and giving them a few laughs, and taking their minds off the problems at hand. Sometime around 1947, when I was 15 years old, I wrote to you at your Hollywood address. You mailed a photograph to me, with the inscription: Marlene, I treasured that photograph, and others I had from such stars as Bette Davis, Katherine Hepburn, and many others. Around 1952, a recruiter came to visit my hometown (Charlotte N.C.) and convinced me I should go to Washington D.C.to assist with the current war effort. Most of my personal belongings were left with my mother, who also made a couple of personal moves, and somehow my collection of photographs was lost......never to be seen again. Your recent TV show really brought back a lot of memories. Beautiful memories. Thank you so much. Sincerely, Of the 6 years I spend in the Marines, one of my top sea stories is talking of how I was lucky enough to be in his audience. There was as much a legacy there, sitting on the ground seeing his show, as I felt on the parade grounds of Parris Island. I was honored to be there. Tim Estes I had been in country [Vietnam] for about two months in 1971. My unit was back from the field, and we were on Fire Support Base (MASE) north east of Bien Hoa. Someone asked "anyone want to go to the Bob Hope show"? I said "why not," and got a helicopter ride to Long Binh. Next to an in-country R&R at Vung Tau, the Bob Hope [show] was most memorable. To see him on the TV is one thing, but live is real. As I recall, Bob had some very nice-looking ladies with him, and of course Martha Raye was there in her 5th Special Forces outfit. Bob Hope is a man that could make you laugh and in those times, we needed a good laugh. President Nixon was saying there were no U.S. troops in the field, but I can tell you, we were there. Doc
Roberts I was in Vietnam in 1969-70 as a platoon SSG for the RECON platoon 4th Battalion 23rd Infantry 25th Infantry Division. We were told Bob Hope was coming to Cu Chi; I could send up to 50% of the platoon. My guys had a blast and brought me back a picture, I decided to stay with the guys in the field. Doug Conn The Bob Hope Show stayed at Phan Rang Air Base during their visit in 1967. Mr. Hope and many of the people in his show visited our squadron, 614th TFS - Lucky Devils, on two different occasions. It was during his second visit that I met him, and even had my picture taken with him. I never got a copy of the picture form the GIs that took the picture. It was an unbelievable and fun party. Mr. Hope is a great entertainer, a great person and a great American. Have a happy 100th, good friend. Col. (Ret) E. W. "Gus" Guenther I saw the show around the holidays in 1970. I was the XO of a rifle company in the 2nd Infantry Division in Korea (Bravo Company — 1/23 Infantry). Our unit was deployed north of the Imjin River for DMZ duty. As you might imagine, it was a cold day when I drove south with two truckloads of largely weary grunts to see the show at division headquarters. As you also might imagine, no front-row seats were left for us, and we stood in the back of a large crowd. Bob had a papasan high hat on, a
parka and his golf club. Aside from a group of beautiful dancers, I think Bob's
guests included Gloria Loring and Johnny Bench. He started his monologue off with
what would now be a politically-incorrect comment. He said he was told that the
slicky boys (thieves) were legendary in Korea, but he didn't appreciate the belly-landing
as they had stolen the landing gear before the plane landed. Bob Hope and the people that traveled with him over the years are true patiots. I wish Mr. Hope a wonderful birthday and many more. |
