Letter from Bette Davis to Bob Hope

The National WWII Museum, 2008.461.001

Bette Davis wrote this letter to Bob Hope thanking him for his participation at the Hollywood Canteen in the fall of 1943. Bob Hope and Bette Davis were two of the most celebrated star supporters of the war effort. Bob Hope began his war efforts as master of ceremonies for the Hollywood Victory Caravan—the three-week cross-country railroad tour in April 1942 to sell war bonds. Hope’s dedication to servicemen and his connection with the USO would span a period of over 50 years. In 1997 Hope was named an "Honorary Veteran" by an Act of Congress. Bette Davis co-founded the Hollywood Canteen, along with John Garfield, and would personally telephone her fellow celebrities to solicit entertainment. Davis remained a tireless devotee of the Canteen—doing everything from dancing to dishes. In 1980, she received the Department of Defense's highest civilian award, the Distinguished Service Medal, for her work with the Hollywood Canteen.