His death Monday at the age of 100 at his Hollywood home prompted an outpouring of affectionate tributes to the wise-cracking comedian.

"Bob Hope made us laugh and he lifted our spirits," Bush said.

"Bob Hope served our nation when he went to battlefields and entertained thousands of troops from different generations."

"We extend our prayers to his family," Bush said, "and we'll mourn the loss of a good man."

"May God bless his soul," he said.

Hope led troupes of entertainers to combat zones around the world in every war from World War II to the Persian Gulf.

The hundreds of thousands of soldiers who watched him perform were among his staunchest fans.

The Pentagon called him "a true American patriot."

"Although he is no longer with us in life, he will always remain, just as he was in our hearts -- cracking jokes, boosting morale and reminding all the world of what it means to be an American," it said in a statement.

"Bob Hope was there for all of us, before my time and afterwards," said General Peter Pace, vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

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