1944 Army-Navy War Show

The Coliseum, a living memorial to all who served in the U.S. Armed Forces during WWI, has a long history of supporting the military. On January 8 & 9, 1944, the U.S. military and Hollywood studios joined forces to recreate a battle in the South Pacific to gain public support for the military. 178,513 spectators attended the two-day performance with Hollywood studios contributing motion picture sets, scenery and stars Bob Hope, Edgar Bergen, Charlie McCarthy, and Frances Langford. In turn, the simulated warfare was directed by Washington commanders in chief while members of the 3rd Battalion of the 140th infantry provided the action.