http://www.stripes.com/bobhope/text/bobhopetext.html
| Stars and Stripes readers and others share their thoughts about Bob Hope, who celebrated his 100th birthday May 29. (If you have a Bob Hope story you'd like to share, click here.)
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. |