Bob Hope’s commitment to entertaining US troops will be recognised at the National World War II Museum in New Orleans through a $US3 million donation from the comedian’s foundation.

Hope’s story “represents the value of laughter and humanity in even the darkest times”, the museum said in a news release.

The museum examines the American experience in World War II, and Hope’s role is “essential to revealing this era’s history”, museum President and CEO Gordon H. “Nick” Mueller said.

Hope, who died in 2003, performed for troops from World War II until the Gulf War.

Museum plans include a special exhibit, a documentary about Hope’s achievements and a film series honouring his legacy.

The museum also will make photographs, artefacts and other archival materials about Hope available through its digital collections at ww2online.org.

“I know my dad would be extremely proud of this association with The National WWII Museum in New Orleans, one of his favourite cities,” Linda Hope said.

“We all hope that the visitors to the National WWII Museum enjoy learning more about his service to the armed forces and hopefully it will trigger some special memories.”