Bob Hope has been one of the most influential comedians of the twentieth century. He has entertained all over the world for both civilians and soldiers alike. When times got tough in America, we could always count on Bob Hope and his troupe to help bring us around. When our troops were in harms way and feeling down, Bob would be on his way to the front lines to cheer them up. He has been there from the start of World War II, all the way to Operation Desert Storm. He helped the troops understand what they were fighting for and how much America depended on them. Whether it was through the radio waves to America, or through the microphone to huddled masses of soldiers who desperately sought an escape to the everyday horrors of war, Bob Hope was there to do his duty to the country he loved.
The year was 1932 and Bob Hope was just a speck on the entertainment map, so to speak. He, like so many others, was getting his start on the vaudeville circuit. These were quick-fire shows that featured as many new acts as they could fit into an hour or two showing. He quickly gained respect and admiration with his witty ad-libs and ridiculous sketches. This would be the beginning of a career that would span half a century and would touch so many lives.
When Bob first got the call to help his country out in Europe and the South Pacific, he was hesitant because he would be dodging more than just overripe tomatoes. He didn't know what to expect from soldiers who were weary from combat. But when he finally made the decision to go, neither he, nor the rest of the world could have predicted the impact he made. Mr. Hope was reassured that what he was doing was the right thing when he told that first joke to a battalion of Marines in the South Pacific. He said he was talking to a medic that was bandaging his sprained ankle he got while getting off the plane and Bob asked,.
"How did you get into the medical corps?".