If I were asked, who did the most to cheer up our service personnel during W.W.II, I would have to say Bob Hope hands down. Not only did he put on his world famous performances in the States, but he took several troops overseas on both fronts. What a guy. I was one of the fortunate ones to have been to one of those performances when I was in California. It was an outdoor performance and as usual, it was jammed. There was about twenty of us that got up on a small hill so far away we could hardly see the stage. We were lucky enough to hear, as speakers were everywhere.

We were listening to Mr. Hope, and then Francis Langford came on stage accompanied by a huge reception from the troops. She was a beautiful women, and she could sing too. She was followed by Jerry Callona. He was funny with an unusual talent, with some smart remarks about Francis. While we were listening to his humor, when all of a sudden we heard a voice. Mr. Hope had learned that a group of sailors were up on that knoll way back in right field. This gentleman came out to us, and said "HELL OF A SHOW ISN’T IT?"well what a nice thing to do. He had rounds, and shook every ones hand, and asked where are home towns were. There was some small talk about the war, and then he said, "I WAS GOING TO SEND FRANCIS TO SAY HELLO TO YOU GUYS, BUT I HEARD YOU HAVE BEEN AWAY FROM A WOMEN FOR A LONG TIME." so I am sending Jerry up to talk with you all. Soon we were treated to very special performance by Jerry Callona. It was a performance that you don’t forget.

Another Place I liked was the "DIME A DANCE" hall. I liked the music, and I was young and learning just how warm, and soft and how nice these young girls smelled. Dancing with their hair close to your face, her perfume, her hair rinse whatever. And I was learning how nice they felt in your arms.

It all worked like this. You would purchase tickets. If you wanted three dollars worth, you would get thirty tickets. For each dance, you would give the girl a ticket. If you wanted to sit one out and have company, you would give your companion a ticket for each song that played while you were in her company. This was a very popular place to visit. I was eighteen, and I was growing up.

The next few years would be a monumental time in my life and I was ready...

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