Actress Marilyn Hare embarked on a mission to boost the morale of WWII troops by kissing 10,000 soldiers in 1942. Captured in a memorable photo by John Florea

In March 1942, LIFE magazine chronicled the daring morale-boosting efforts of actress Marilyn Hare at a southern California army encampment. Determined to uplift spirits during wartime, the 18-year-old embarked on a mission to kiss 10,000 soldiers, drawing on her father's legacy of spreading joy. With her infectious enthusiasm and catchy tunes like "Kiss the Boys Goodbye," Marilyn charmed troops across the camp, leaving a trail of 733 kissed soldiers in her wake. Her unconventional approach not only garnered attention but also left a lasting impression on morale, proving that a little cheer can go a long way in times of national crisis.