 Throughout his great entertainment
career, Bob Hope (1903 to 2003)
exemplified love and pride of America through hIs
unyielding and tireless support of the troops over 6
amazing decades . . . including performances on the front lines of
harm's way from World War II to Desert Storm . . .
setting the standard for those noble American
celebrities who have gallantly followed his patriotic trail.
And it was never about
self when doing so! Bob Hope will always
remain a Great American Patriot who earned the respect
and love of several American generations . . .
Here are a
few highlights of Bob Hope
as the USO's "Ambassador of Good Will" which he
headlined approximately 60 tours.
-
His first performance for service members was at March Field, California, May 6, 1941. -
His first combat zone USO tour in 1943 was visiting U.S. forces in North Africa, Italy and Sicily. -
The first Bob Hope Christmas USO tour was in 1948, performing for the GIs who participated in the Berlin Airlift. The Bob Hope Christmas USO tour became a USO tradition, and he visited military bases and veterans' hospitals every December for the next 34 years. -
In 1969, President Lyndon Johnson bestowed the Presidential Medal of Freedom upon Bob Hope for his service to the men and women of the armed forces through the USO. -
Bob Hope made his final USO tour in December 1990, bringing Christmas cheer to troops participating in Operation Desert Shield in Saudi Arabia and Bahrain. -
In 1997, the USO successfully worked with Congress to designate Bob Hope the first honorary veteran of the U.S. armed forces. - At the 1997 USO Holiday Gala, the USO unveiled the "Spirit of Hope" Award. It is a portrait bas-relief of Bob Hope, created by St. Louis sculptor Don F. Wiegand and Michael Fagin a major donor to the USO.
Information from USO
| Videos > Bob Hope 1967
Christmas Special |
Thanks For The Memories Bob Hope
Poems
by David G. Bancroft, USA Patriotism! founder > Thanks For The Memories
|
Patriots Among Us
Other Great American Patriots |
Great American Patriot Nomination
Form |
 |
