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On December 22nd, 1969, Bob Hope’s USO Christmas Show went to the 1st Infantry base camp at Lai Khe, Vietnam.
It was a big show, with Neil Armstrong, Connie Stevens, Suzanne Charney, Teresa Graves, the Gold-diggers, Eva Reuber-Staier (Miss World of 1969), Les Brown and his Band of Renown, and the Peiro Brothers (a comic juggling team).
15,000 GIs took a break from the war, smiled, gawked at the beautiful ladies, and cheered until they were hoarse.
I was stationed at Lai Khe at the time, out pounding the bush with a Mechanized Infantry platoon. We’d been out for 7 straight weeks, with one three-day stand-down. We were supposed to chopper in 3 guys from each platoon to see the show, but were tasked with providing extended perimeter security instead. It’s a good thing we were, for a squad of Viet Cong were caught setting up 122mm Katyusha rockets 4 miles north of Lai Khe. Lai Khe was called “Rocket City” for a reason, but the show went on without enemy intervention.
Every year, at Christmas time, I remember how it was back in the day, and it makes me thankful for all the great things I enjoy at Christmas now. This year, I wanted to thank Bob Hope for all the joy he provided American GIs.
Thanks, Mr. Hope.
T. W. Dittmer 
An outstanding entertainer who gave his all to the troops…LOVE Bob Hope…
Thanks so much for sharing, Tim. You exemplify the feelings of billions!
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I thought the way Hope did so much for the troops was great. Didn’t get to see the show, but still appreciate what he did.
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Great post!
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Thanks. Your post inspired me.
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Now I’m even more thrilled!! Mr. Hope deserves to remembered for all his service!!
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He sure does. Didn’t get to see his show, but still think what he did for the troops was great. Merry Christmas to you!
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And bach atcha, my friend!
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Beautiful post. I hate all the hell you and your friends had to go through. You all were better men than us, for sure.
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We actually had it good compared to a lot of units, Stan. We were well supplied, always up to strength, and had excellent artillery and air support. Real good guys in my battalion, with great morale. Pretty gung ho, at times, Iron Ranger all the way.
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Well, no one had it easy. You know I got much love for you. Hope you and fam have a Merry Christmas, and let’s just hope 2021 is a little bit better year. lol
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I never got to see him, but he was in the area and it was nice knowing a little piece of home was near by, Especially the “round-eye” women. HA!
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🙂
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I had the pleasure of seeing the last Bob Hope Christmas show in Vietnam on Jan 29, 1969 at Long Binh. I was a weapons specialist (46250) with the Air Force stationed at Bien Hoa, about five miles from Long Binh. At the end of the show, all the guests came out and Connie Stevens led us in singing Silent Night. Man, there wasn’t a dry eye in the whole group of 25,000 that were there. We drove over in three semi-trailor trucks but they only sent two back to pick us up. Typical military SNAFU. I was in the group waiting for the last truck to show up. While we were waiting, staff cars started showing up to pick up the cast and crew from the show. I got to get an autograph picture (black & white) of Connie Stevens as she sat in the back of a staff car and autographs on the back of that picture from Miss World and from Suzane Charney. Lord, Connie Stevens was so damn pretty and had such a pretty voice. Also got to say thank you to Bob Hope as he was getting in the staff car in back of the one Connie Francis was in and he responded to us! I will remember that Christmas Show until I die. I still have that 8X10 black and white picture of Connie Francis in my Air Force scrap book. That was long ago and far away, but I will remember it forever. Thanks For The Memories!!!
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That’s great! When 1st Infantry went back to the States I ended up at Long Binh until I went home.
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He was aptly named, wasn’t he?
I come a few years behind you, so the Bob Hope I grew up with was already a respectably established man, exuding wellbeing. Who knew he began as a skinny smiling freak with tree stickers on his coat? Haha! How refreshing! Have a great day, brother.
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