In recognition of his efforts at home and abroad to strengthen morale, Bob Hope was awarded a special George Foster Peabody award in May 1944. On issuing the award, representing outstanding achievement in broadcasting, the selection committee stated, “The joy and strengthened morale which he has given to the men and women of the armed forces can never be measured. The Peabody committee does not wish to overlook this superb contribution.” This was the first of three Peabody awards that Hope received in his lifetime.