We Almost Killed Santa
Mike McGuire
Company B, 2nd Battalion, 12th Cavalry
December 25, 1968

It was Christmas Day 1968. 

Company B, 2/12th was standing down on a small island in the middle of a dried up rice paddy.  I was new in country and didn't know diddly about what one was to do on an OP. But, that is where Henry Gutierrez and I ended up. 

The log bird was coming and going.  It was rumored that we were going to have a turkey dinner with all the trimmings.  Henry and I waited patiently for our relief.  Being FNG's we had no idea when our relief would arrive.

Just then, we heard a rustling in the brush behind us.  We both prepared to take on the enemy single handedly. Out of the brush stepped Santa Claus.  "Ho, Ho and Whoa fellas, I just wanted to wish you a merry Christmas. Here's a couple of gifts (shaving kits)." 

Good god, we almost killed Santa. 

Little did we know, but Santa was also the Battalion Sergeant Major.  As he went back to the chopper, we think we heard, "Merry Christmas to all and get me the hell outta here."

     Photo by Bill Mazejko

Henry was killed on February 1, 1969. I cherish my memory of him remembering that Christmas day.

From LTC Jim Dingeman, Commander, 2/12th Cavalry:
I took Santa out that day, we had a large Red or Orange Mail bag with lots of items, it was fun and it went fine.
I remember one trooper say that "Guy in the Red Suit may draw fire - so keep him moving". He said some other things in solid soldier language which are bleeped out.

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