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In
the heart of every US GI or grunt since World War II, Bob Hope had more positive impact on morale than any other human being. It was true in the Vietnam War. Mr. Hope brought
a touch of home to the troops in Vietnam and Thailand in December of 1968. Don Muang RTAFB was their logistical
base of operations. ALCC provided the C-130 airlift. 6th Aerial Port Squadron got a front row look
at these celebrities on departure.
Mr. Hopes troupe members were always
on time for departure from Don Muang RTAFB. You got the sense they knew the importance to the troops of an on-time arrival
and on-time show. The big guy to the right of the picture is believed to be Rosey Greer, retired Los Angeles Rams tackle.
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| Ann Margaret Note: Football star Rosey Grier in background |
Mr. Hope
rode up front. My guess is that the ALCC jocks can share some interesting
stories about Mr. Hope's observations from the flight deck.
Perhaps
this day the troupe was headed to the Central Highlands of Vietnam. Or maybe Ann Margaret
got cold on the previous flight. Why else would she take a fur coat?
6th
Aerial Support Squadron thought it would be neat to give Mr. Hope an engraved tray with our unit's name
on it. I don't remember the name of the SSgt who initiated the idea, but that is him in the photo.
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| Mr. Hope is shown arriving for his first flight of the day. Bob made at least 2 stops everyday |
In 1968
Mr. Hopes co-star was Ann Margaret. She was, and in my eyes still is, a honey. The officer
to the right may be Capt. Walter L. King, Terminal Services Officer, 6th
Aerial Port Squadron.
After the
awe had subsided, we became more aggressive about approaching Mr. Hope. Check out Mr. Hopes cap. The
officer to the left is Lt. Col. James M. Maguire, Jr., Commander, 6th Aerial Port Squadron.
I don't remember the name of the female officer.
Mr. Hope
graciously accepted our gift. He made each person, and each unit, feel as though they were important
to him. What a class act and a classy guy!
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