[1943] Regimental S-2 Captain Albin Dearing was a
sophisticated and cosmopolitan man with literary and theatrical connections. On
learning one day that the well-known comedian Bob Hope was scheduled for an
appearance in Atlanta, Dearing asked Colonel Walsh for permission to try to get
him to make a side trip to Camp Toccoa. To the great surprise of everyone except
Dearing, Hope agreed, and a few days later a C47 carrying him and his troupe put
down after dark at a tiny nearby airstrip.
Bob Hope was (and is) a quick study. His success is based in large part upon his
ability to adapt to the idiosyncrasies of any particular audience. Enroute to
the camp Colonel Walsh gave him a quick rundown on paratroopers and parachute
training.
The entire regiment was assembled in the Post theatre. After being introduced
with a not very original pun ("... I now present our last Hope. ..") Mr. Hope
delighted his audience by pretending to struggle through an exaggerated pushup.
The performance was brilliant. The troopers felt that if a celebrity like Bob
Hope could take time to visit tiny Camp Toccoa, perhaps their efforts were being
appreciated. In his own way Bob Hope contributed greatly to the war effort.
