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Christmas and War in the U.S. Armed Forces

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.

Red Cross worker with wounded American soldier
A Red Cross worker fills the stocking of a badly wounded American soldier. World War I, Europe.
Red Cross worker fills stocking of wounded soldier.
A Red Cross worker fills stocking of wounded soldier, World War I in Europe.
Wounded American Soldier receives Christmas gift from Red Cross worker
A wounded American Soldier receives Christmas gift from Red Cross worker. World War I.
U.S. Soldiers erect a Christmas tree during World War I.
U.S. Soldiers erect a Christmas tree shortly after the end World War I, Germany.
WW2 Personnel of USS Lexington celebrate Christmas with make-shift decorations and a firefighting, helmeted Santa Claus
U.S. Navy personnel aboard the USS Lexington celebrate Christmas in World War II.
U.S. soldiers eat Christmas meals while other soldiers wait in line. The Philippines 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, Eating Their Christmas Dinner
16th Fighter Squadron, 51st Fighter Group, airmen enjoying their Christmas dinner, China, World War II.
10th Air Force send season's greetings to the enemy
Personnel of the 10th Air Force get ready to transmit season’s greetings to the enemy. World War II, Burma.
Soldiers of Company C, 56th Signal Battalion, V Corps enjoy Christmas festivities. World War II, England.
Soldiers of Company C, 56th Signal Battalion, V Corps enjoy Christmas festivities. World War II, England.
Wounded Soldiers enjoy Christmas dinner at a field hospital in the Philippines
Wounded Soldiers enjoy Christmas dinner at a field hospital in the Philippines, World War II.
Christmas tree at guard house in Korea
A Christmas tree decorates guard house in Korea, 1951.
U.S. Soldiers receive Christmas packages during the Korean War, 1950.
U.S. Soldiers receive Christmas packages during the Korean War, 1950.
Marines in Vietnam decorate a Christmas tree, 1967.
Marines of the Squadron 12 decorate a Christmas tree, 1967 in Vietnam.
U.S. military personnel watch Christmas service in Mogadishu, Somalia.
U.S. military personnel watch a Christmas service in Mogadishu, Somalia. 1992.
1st Marine Division Marine poses by Christmas tree.
An officer of the 1st Marine Division poses by Christmas tree. Operation Desert Shield.
Christmas: Iraq War, 2004
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
Soldiers pray during a candlelight prayer service in Mazar-e Sharif, Afghanistan, in celebration of Christmas.