Starting in World War II, Bob Hope began a tradition of visiting troops during the holiday season. The United Service Organization (USO) started sending Hollywood and radio entertainers to perform. From 1964 to 1972, Hope included South Vietnam in is holiday season tours. According to HistoryNet.com, “Hope’s Vietnam engagements were among the most dangerous ever for the funnyman and his entertainers.”
Not all of the 2.5 million troops who served in the area actually got the opportunity to attend Hope’s performance. For those who did get to attend, though, it was a welcomed moment of entertainment and a memory for a lifetime.
Three Vietnam Veterans, Dick West, Hal Rigby, and Karl Naugle remember the shows and the impact they made on those serving abroad.
