Monday, December 19, 2011

Christmas in Southeast Asia

I spent 1968-69 in Southeast Asia. At Christmas time I was at Korat AFB in Thailand. We were told that the Bob Hope Show would be at the base. I got there the afternoon before the show and we  partied overnight waiting for Mr. Hope and company. 

He brought Ann-Margaret, Rosie Greer, the Gold diggers and his usual gang. Unfortunately Jerry Colona and Dolores Hope, his wife,  were unable to be there. The show was great - the banter between Hope and us was one thing that was unexpected and fun; and not broadcast-able. At the end of the show Hope explained that they would be doing Silent Night with the Cameras on us. This was our opportunity to be on his broadcast, so that our families could see us.  His wife normally led the singing, but was home ill. So he and the cast led us.

Can you imagine a few hundred GI's singing and crying simultaneously? It was one of the most memorable events in my young life.

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