Jonny,

Please check your facts with a reliable source. You'll find that the monument was contracted a year after Jolson's death by his wife. There was no provision for a monument in Jolson’s will, Superior Judge Condee was asked to rule on the appropriateness of using estate funds for the construction of the memorial. Judge Condee wrote in his ruling, “…in this case involving a man so well known as Mr. Jolson, I believe the expenditure is justified.” (Los Angeles Times, February 8, 1951) Mrs. Jolson selected renowned LA architect Paul R. Williams to prepare a design befitting the popular entertainer. 

Jolson died upon his return from an exhausting USO Korean tour to entertain US troops. He was the first to go after the breakout of the war and preformed 42 shows in 16 days for his favorite audience, the American Serviceman. Harry Truman awarded Jolson the The Medal For Merit after his death. The citation reads "The country owes to Al Jolson a debt which cannot be repaid. In two world wars and in the present Korean action, he contributed immeasurably to the success of our efforts through his ability to boost troop morale."