Starlets Affect Troops Morale

Press, Volume CV, Issue 31018, 25 March 1966, Page 13

Starlets Affect Troops Morale

(N.Z. Press Association—Copyright) NEW ORLEANS, March 24. An evangelist claimed yesterday that the visits of Hollywood starlets to Vietnam had done more to undermine the morale of American fighting men than Viet Cong bullets.

“One sexy entertainer can undo the work of 100 chaplains,” said the Rev. Bob Harrington, just returned from a 10-day visit to Vietnam. Mr Harrington, a Southern Baptist evangelist whose trademark consists of red socks, red tie, and a large Bible tucked under one arm, gave this appraisal: “After the visit of one of these voluptuous entertainers and her return to the

United States, the boys are so stirred up that things begin to happen.

“Consultations with the chaplain, chapel attendance, and letters home to mother fall off alarmingly. “The incidence of venereal disease skyrockets, and, believe me, there is ample opportunity to sate one’s lust in Vietnam.

“There are what is known as Saigon tea girls coming out of every nook and cranny.” On the other hand, he said, “there is nothing more heartening and inspirational to the boys than wholesome performances by such stars as Bop Hope, Martha Raye, Roy Rogers, and Tennessee Ernie Ford.

“These entertainers are a great antidote for the loneliness that grips the boys on the front lines.”