It might have seemed like just another ordinary day in Vietnam. The base was filled with battle-hardened U.S. Marines of the 9th Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division who had become accustomed to a grimy and spartan existence at Fire Support Base Dick.
However, this day was Dec. 25, 1968 — Christmas Day, in other words — and Santa Claus had come to town. Accompanying Santa (visible on the right) was Floridian journalist Helen Musgrove (second from left), who brought along gifts for the servicemen donated by Jacksonville residents.
In this photo, on Santa Claus leads the Marines in a salvo of Christmas caroling around a miniature Christmas tree, its branches complete with decorations and its base appropriately surrounded by dusty boots. Santa has brought a large bag of gifts (visible on lower right) for the troops.
The year 1968 was a tough one in Vietnam War history, and we can only hope that Santa’s visit succeeded in bringing some holiday joy from home to men in the war zone.
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