Throughout his great entertainment career,

And it was never about self when doing so! Bob Hope will always remain a Great American Patriot who earned the respect and love of several American generations . . .

Here are a few highlights of Bob Hope as the USO's "Ambassador of Good Will" which he headlined approximately 60 tours. 

• His first performance for service members was at March Field, California, May 6, 1941.

• His first combat zone USO tour in 1943 was visiting U.S. forces in North Africa, Italy and Sicily.

• The first Bob Hope Christmas USO tour was in 1948, performing for the GIs who participated in the Berlin Airlift. The Bob Hope Christmas USO tour became a USO tradition, and he visited military bases and veterans' hospitals every December for the next 34 years.

• In 1969, President Lyndon Johnson bestowed the Presidential Medal of Freedom upon Bob Hope for his service to the men and women of the armed forces through the USO.

• Bob Hope made his final USO tour in December 1990, bringing Christmas cheer to troops participating in Operation Desert Shield in Saudi Arabia and Bahrain.

• In 1997, the USO successfully worked with Congress to designate Bob Hope the first honorary veteran of the U.S. armed forces.

• At the 1997 USO Holiday Gala, the USO unveiled the "Spirit of Hope" Award. It is a portrait bas-relief of Bob Hope, created by St. Louis sculptor Don F. Wiegand and Michael Fagin a major donor to the USO. 

Information from USO  | Videos > Bob Hope 1967 Christmas Special | Thanks For The Memories Bob Hope

Poems by David G. Bancroft, USA Patriotism! founder > Thanks For The Memories | Patriots Among Us

Other Great American Patriots | Great American Patriot Nomination Form