Phu Bai's Night Before Christmas

by Elkins Marine and buddies (ca1968)

'Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the base, it was hoped that the VC would not show their face. Our gas masks were hung by our rifles with care, in case they should send up a red warning flare. All off-watch Marines were asleep in their beds, while visions of home danced-on in their heads. The guards with their helmets were all in the shack, they would soon settle down for a small Christmas snack. When out in the field there arose such a clatter, I rushed to our bunkers to handle the matter. We mounted and loaded our guns in a flash, and were quickly ready to fight the oncoming clash. The light of the red flare gave off such a glow, that we finally could see what had landed below. And what to our wondering eyes did appear, but a little green chopper led by eight tiny reindeer. With a little old pilot, so lively and quick, we knew in a moment it must be Saint Nick. He whistled and shouted and called them by name – on Dasher, on Dancer, Prancer and Vixen, on Comet, on Cupid, on Donner and Blitzen. And over the mine fields, his courses they flew, a squad of replacements and Saint Nicholas too. And then in a moment we heard a big noise, Saint Nick had landed with a bunch of our boys. He was dressed in Marine gear from his head to his foot, and his clothes were all covered with fuel oil and soot. His beard was close-cropped, the color of night, he dyed it that way in case of a fight. He left us our presents, all tied in a bale, then set out by foot for the Ho Chi Minh Trail. He gave us a talk that is with us yet still, saying Peace on earth to men of good will. And as he walked off into war's twisted blight, he sighed, Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night.