EntertainmentIn the summer of 1944, the popular co

Entertainment

In the summer of 1944, the popular comedian and radio personality Bob Hope began another of his famous tours of military camps for the United Service Organizations (USO). This particular tour made stops in Hawaii and on small islands all across the Pacific theater, where Hope and his troupe performed 150 shows in two months. American military personnel loved the shows. Hope’s jokes and silly stunts made them laugh and took their minds away from the war for a few minutes. Entertainment gave them something to fight for. Military commanders in all wars throughout history have understood that morale is essential to a force’s willingness to fight and endure hardship. While good morale depends (1), many things, including good leadership, clear purposes and good food, entertainment played a crucial role in the morale of American military forces during World War 1l (WWII). Entertainment also served particular purposes for different constituent groups. Of course, entertainment gave servicemen a break from the stresses and the boredom of war. Radio programs, movie showings, USO shows, and visits from Red Cross women serving donuts all allowed soldiers to think (2) something besides the war, to relax and even to laugh.

Adapted from https://americansoldierww?2.org/topics/entertainment

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