The rain slashed down on the weary squad
who had been assigned the tough and
dangerous mission of forward listeners
deep inside VietCong held territory.

The squad was lead by a savvy sergeant
with 25 years of experience and the others were
seasoned combat troops
who had been hand picked for the mission.

There was a Christmas Cease Fire in effect,
but the VC didn't seem to care and had overrun
a small  village killing the people and burning the village.

The group of combat hardened soldiers took
time and carefully buried the dead and knelt in prayer.

The clouds opened and the stars shone brightly.
The Southern Cross shining like a beacon of hope.

For a brief shining moment peace fell upon
this tortured land, her people and the warring soldiers
but as quick as the clouds cleared they 
returned with sheets of blinding rain .

Their mission accomplished the
haggard battle scarred soldiers began
the arduous journey through thick and dangerous jungle,
finally reaching their fire base asked the soldiers if they'd
seen the beautiful sight, they all looked at the squad
like they were crazy and walked away.

One soldier knelt and said Merry Christmas
to his friends and when the sun returned that morning.
It  was Christmas Morning. All was quiet and serene.

God had shut off the killing and pain and for at least this
one shining day Peace Came to Vietnam.

I never took part in anything like this,
but on Christmas Eve I took a piece of
scrap wood and made a "Christmas Tree" for all to see.
The accounts above are my impressions
only and other than my "Tree"

I'm sure happened somewhere in
Vietnam during The Cease Fire.

Written and sent to me by
Former Army SP/4 Lawrence Pichulo I was an Army Engineer in 1968 in Pleiku and this letter reflects accounts from friends and memories of Virtnam during my "Tour of Duty"