18. The Germans recognized the value of the American USO shows
The entertainment shows which crisscrossed France and Italy after portions of those countries fell under Allied control were hugely successful in boosting morale of the troops. The fact was not lost on the Germans. Using agents and spies, the Germans made several attempts to attack the traveling troops, believing the effect on morale would be hugely detrimental. Another war correspondent, Quentin Reynolds, wrote in Billboard, “…One of the generals said Hope was a first-rate military target since he was worth a division, that’s about 15,000 men”. On one tour in France, the Germans targeted Hope and his troupe at least three times, missing him in each attack. Years later, the Viet Cong did the same during one of Hope’s Christmas Shows during the Vietnam War. Hope’s support of the military remained tireless, despite the changes in public support for war in the 1960s.
When combat operations ended in Europe and the United States initiated Operation Magic Carpet, the massive sealift which brought American troops home, the USO announced the need to continue USO shows in Europe. The landscape of Western Europe was shattered, the atmosphere depressing, and occupation troops were still needed. Even though the war in Europe was ended, Hope offered his services to continue providing entertainment, as well as recruiting other stars to join in the effort. Hope never made a dime for his services to the USO, and instead spent freely of his own money to entertain the troops during the war, and through the remainder of the 20th century. He also made several films during the war years, and nearly uncountable radio appearances, indicating the man really was tireless. Eventually, he hosted 57 touring USO Camp Shows over 50 years.
Also Read: Operation Magic Carpet: Bringing Home the Heroes of WWII.