"I’d Rather Be Here With You Guys"

Christmas 1970

        Like everyone else, I spent one Christmas in Vietnam. 1970 was a big year for me. I was sent to Vietnam on February 8, 1970 – ended up in HHD of the 720th MP Battalion. In September of 1970 my son was born. In early December of 1970 I had my "R&R" in Hawaii. By Christmas of 1970 I was beginning to see "the end of the tunnel". About that time the "early out program" was increasing the timeframes involved and I extended my tour 64 days to get out of the Army five months early.

        My remembrance of Christmas of 1970 revolves around a good friend I worked with in the Battalion S-4 shop (Supply). His name was Dennis Carlson and he was from Austin, Minnesota. Denny was due to go home right at Christmas time. As a matter of fact, I drove him to the staging area for all soldiers going home of December 23rd (he was due to go out on December 24th).

        On Christmas eve we were all sitting around feeling sorry for ourselves (like many soldiers did during holiday periods) when in walks Denny Carlson. His had changed his flight out from the evening of December 24th to the evening of December 25th. I have never forgot what he said:

        "If I can’t be home with my family on Christmas I’d rather be here with you guys than in the air over the Pacific somewhere…"

        I have never forgot those sentiments.

        Denny where in the heck are you???

SP/4 Dennis R. Dudley HQ Detachment, 720th MP Battalion, February 1970 to April 1971.