American Entertainers Visiting the Vietnam Warfront

American Entertainers Visiting the Vietnam Warfront

This article relates to California Golden

In California Golden, Mindy has a transformative experience touring Vietnam during the war that makes her question her chosen career in show business. The Vietnam War was a transformative experience for America in the 1960s, impacting virtually everyone in some way. While the involvement of the United States in Vietnam was a profoundly polarizing topic, many entertainers opted to express solidarity with the troops by performing at military bases.

One of the most iconic entertainers who toured Vietnam was legendary comedian Bob Hope. Hope went on nine tours in Vietnam through the United Service Organizations (USO), often keeping troops company in dangerous areas. His shows usually included a combination of comedic acts, music performances, and audience participation. He toured with a lineup of performers, including dancers, musicians, and actors.

Hope established a special rapport with the soldiers. His performances were designed to connect with their experiences, incorporating jokes about life in the military. He was well-liked by the troops and the American people for his devotion to the cause; Hope started touring war zones in 1941 and did a total of 57 tours for the USO over 50 years. He was commended internationally for his efforts and won multiple awards for his commitment to helping the military.

Celebrated singer and pop culture icon Nancy Sinatra also toured Vietnam in the '60s. In 1967, Sinatra did 17 shows in 10 days for the troops, and also visited hospitals to cheer up the sick and wounded. Her song "These Boots Are Made for Walkin'" became something of an anthem to the soldiers.

Other performers who toured Vietnam include Phyllis Diller, Sammy Davis Jr., and Wayne Newton. The commitment these artists and many others had was truly commendable. They often performed in areas that were near active war zones, in danger of possible ambush or mortar assault. They traveled to distant bases and set up improvised stages to give performances in far-from-ideal settings.

Despite risks to their safety and divisive public opinion about the war, entertainers from all over the US went to Vietnam over the two decades the war was fought. They wanted to show their support for those serving in the US military, especially since many had not chosen to enlist. While some of the performers did not approve of the war, most went to Vietnam because they did believe in the power of music, comedy, and other forms of entertainment to arouse strong feelings and foster a sense of unity. By connecting with the soldiers through these universal languages, touring performers in Vietnam sought to provide them a little break from the hardships of war.

Bob Hope album "On the Road to Vietnam" (1965), courtesy of the Library of Congress

Filed under People, Eras & Events

This "beyond the book article" relates to California Golden. It originally ran in November 2023 and has been updated for the August 2024 paperback edition. Go to magazine.