Inspired by the Stage Door Canteen in New York, Bette Davis and John Garfield saw the need of a similar enterprise on the West Coast. From 1942 to 1945, over three million servicemen came through its doors on their way to fight in the Pacific--some never to return. There, in a converted barn in the heart of Hollywood, soldiers were fed, entertained by and danced with some of the biggest stars in the world ... Knowing they were so appreciated, the soldiers were armed with the kinds of hope and encouragement that would help them win a war.--from the back cover.