Comments by Bobby Tony | Eastern NC Now

Raquel Welch was certainly on of the GI favorites. But my all time favorite then and now was An Margaret.

I was fortunate enough to see her in December 1968 at Cu Chi base Camp. I was 37 days out from coming home. She was on the Bob Hope USO tour. I still have the picture of Bob Hope on stage but somehow was to mesmerized to take a picture of Ann.

Many years later my admiration for her was increased tenfold when I heard the story of her actions at a book signing many years later. A GI who had seen her and gotten a studio photo of her in while he was on tour in Vietnam. He wanted her to sign the book that she was selling but also to see and possibly sign the 8x10 Black and White photo.
Before her appearance, bookstore employees announced that she would sign only her book and no memorabilia would be permitted. Richard was disappointed, but wanted to show her the photo and let her know how much those shows meant to lonely GI's so far from home.
Ann Margaret came out looking as beautiful as ever and, as 2nd in line, it was soon Richard's turn. He presented the book for her signature and then took out the photo. When he did, there were many shouts from the employees that she would not sign it. Richard said, "I understand. I just wanted her to see it".
She took one look at the photo, tears welled up in her eyes and she said, "This is one of my gentlemen from Viet Nam and I most certainly will sign his photo. I know what these men did for their country and I always have time for "my gentlemen". With that, she pulled Richard across the table and planted a big kiss on him.

Most people will never know what a morale booster it was to see Ann and Bob Hope and his troupe. He was a dedicated entertainer from World War II, Korea and Vietnam. Thanks for the memories, Bob.
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Commented: Monday, May 11th, 2015 @ 6:53 pm By: Bobby Tony