13 Vietnam-Era Holiday Stories to Remember, as Told by Veterans

Christmas in the military is certainly different than celebrating the holidays as a civilian. And Christmas during war is an entirely unique experience from anything else. When we asked for your most prized stories of the holidays in uniform, our Vietnam-era veteran readers responded in force.

These stories made us laugh, cry and take stock of the sacrifices made by so many from the Vietnam generation. From holidays spent in locales from Greenland to Thailand, dodging enemy mortars, friendly fire or beer cans, or listening to perennial favorite Bob Hope, these Vietnam-era stories deliver poignant memories from yesteryear.

Some selections have been edited for length and clarity.

A Hopeful Christmas
"Christmas, 1965 at Tan Son Nhut AB, Vietnam: The Bob Hope [USO Tour] was the highlight. [It was a] pretty big deal for a 19-year-old."

-- James, Air Force

The Weather Outside Was Frightful
"Christmas of 1964 was spent in barracks while serving in Thule, Greenland. We spent 6 days and nights unable to exit until the storms subsided!"
-- Ken, Air Force