America’s fighting men and women have endured the hardships of combat for almost 250 years. However, those hardships haven’t prevented Soldiers, Marines, Sailors and Airmen from celebrating the Holy holiday. CombatTales.com presents a look at American war fighters celebrating Christmas during times of war.
A Red Cross worker fills the stocking of a badly wounded American soldier. World War I, Europe.
A wounded American Soldier receives Christmas gift from Red Cross worker. World War I.
U.S. Soldiers erect a Christmas tree shortly after the end World War I, Germany.
U.S. Navy personnel aboard the USS Lexington celebrate Christmas during World War II.
U.S. soldiers eat Christmas meals while other soldiers wait in line. The Philippines World War II.
16th Fighter Squadron, 51st Fighter Group, airmen enjoying their Christmas dinner, China, World War II.
Personnel of the 10th Air Force get ready to transmit season’s greetings to the enemy. World War II, Burma.
Wounded Soldiers enjoy Christmas dinner at a field hospital in the Philippines, World War II.
A Christmas tree decorates guard house in Korea, 1951.
U.S. Soldiers receive Christmas packages during the Korean War, 1950.
Marines of the Squadron 12 decorate a Christmas tree, 1967 in Vietnam.
U.S. military personnel watch a Christmas service in Mogadishu, Somalia. 1992.
An officer of the 1st Marine Division poses by Christmas tree. Operation Desert Shield.
Santa Claus visits Soldiers at Camp Victory in Baghdad, Iraq, in 2004.
Soldiers pray during a candlelight prayer service in Mazar-e Sharif, Afghanistan, in celebration of Christmas.