EIN: 52-1149668, Copyright 2020 The Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund, Javascript must be enabled for the correct page display. The famous actor was accompanied by other well-known entertainers like the Les Brown Band, Phil Crosby (son of Bing Crosby), Elaine Dunn (singer/dancer), Madeleine Hartog-Bel (Miss World, 1967), Barbara McNair (singer), Raquel Welch (actress), and Earl Wilson (baseball player). Yes sir. Hope’s tribute in 1966 came with a message of reflection for the American people, “Nobody wanted this war, but it’s here, and we can’t wish it away. Hope’s tribute in 1969 stated, “A lot of people ask me if I’ve noticed any change in our situation this year from what it was last year. In addition to the 83 NVA artillery shells that hit, our own bombs on aircraft at the south end of the field cooked off. Throughout the show, there were moments like these, where his love for the service members was evident. Keep track of everything you watch; tell your friends. Charles Dwight Ward A2CThere were 3 other fatalities that night:1. If any of them see my story, I would like to hear from them. I have had no contact whatsoever with any of my TADC comrades. That night the Viet Cong fired 56 Rockets at the base that damaged 13 Aircraft and killed 11 Americans and wounded 124 others. Would love to know more. “, Hope headed back to Vietnam, and with increasing troop levels he continued to see increases in attendance at his shows. He was in the Air Force, and was born in New Zealand. Post Views: 242. It was an extremely busy place. I imagine you know that they were declared "Missing in action" initially. I gave the ok to taxi while the plane turned and started to head for the runway. Good night.” Hope was honoring and thanking service members, but the same could certainly have been said to him. Grover Norquist, founder and president of Americans for Tax Reform political group, which opposes all tax increases. I was a civilian "adviser", assigned to the Marine attachment on Hill 327 (just across from the airfield) on the morning of the attack. According to the information on this site, Robert died in the first mortar/rocket attack on the base, on Feb. 27th, 1967. Anyone remember when the viet govt sent a surveying team onto Danang? Now what!!? Pardon me if I'm not saying it correctly. You know you’re going to get home. Footage of Hope’s performances throughout his tour were produced into TV specials aired later back in the United States. 1967 Raquel Welch (Visited 1 times, 1 visits today) Originally posted on August 8, 2020 @ 8:30 pm And if you listen carefully, you can hear the neutral troops carrying the neutral ammunition down the neutral Ho Chi Minh Trail.” In these jokes the cynical feelings that some service members may have had were given voice and laughter to help work through a grey area. That's when I got to do my best 'John Wayne' impression yelling 'HIT THE DECK!! LSD?”, The tenor of the Christmas tour of 1966 reflected changing attitudes in the United States regarding the course of the war, and Hope’s humor didn’t shy away from it. I am not a member of this site.Good luck with your efforts, and Thanks to your Dad for his service. 1967 Raquel Welch (Visited 1 times, 1 visits today) Originally posted on August 8, 2020 @ 8:30 pm. This year they gave me my choice of either combat zone…Vietnam or Berkeley.”. General Yakubu "Jack" Gowon, leader of Nigeria 1966-75; his government prevented Biafran secession during the Nigerian Civil War (1967-70). He was stationed at Clark Air Base in the Philipines. Unfortunately, I did not have that authority because that belonged to Marine infantry units who knew the ground situation (such as the location of “friendlies,” etc.). Joined on the tour by actresses Raquel Welch and Barbara McNair, Hope performed for 25,000 men and women at Long Binh who sat in a brutal sun while organizers fretted about security. Good to hear from you again Frank. Together, we can make sure our heroes will get the reverence they deserve and the stories and sacrifices of our heroes will never be forgotten.