S/Sgt Jim Hanley and I were in the cadre
to form a new outfit at Camp Hann. I got to know Jim very well and
we frequently went out on pass together. It was announced that Lucille
Ball would be giving a show at the camp. Jim informed me that he
had grown up in Jamestown and knew Lucille personally. He invited
me to join him when he was going to see her. The two of us walked
over to the outdoor theater where the show would be performed. Behind
the stage were several buildings for the talent, orchestra and crew.
Jim went up to one of the crew and asked him to inform Lucille that
he would like to see her, giving his name. The crew member came
back and announced that she would love to see him. When Jim entered
the dressing room Lucille jumped up to greet him, gave him a hug
and a big kiss. He introduced me to her and she gave me a kiss.
We then settled down at a table and had coffee and cake, while Lucille
and Jim had a long discussion about times in Jamestown. In person
she was not a fidgety gigety air head but a very articulate lady
As show time approached she made sure that we would have good seats,
informing a member of the crew to see that we would be seated in
the VIP section. We were the only Enlisted Men seated in the front
row surrounded by Officers. Oh yes we thoroughly enjoyed the show.
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