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THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS (IN KOREA)m'Editor's note: Christmas being “just around the corner apparently prompted the following poem, written by Pfc. Ray E. Garnett, son of Mr. and Mrs. Raymond C. Garnett of Alpine, who is “up front in Korea with the famous First Marine division. Ray, who vol- j unteered for service, has been in Korea since July.)Twas the night before Christmas,When through our front lines,Not a creature was crawling,Except our own spines.Our cartridge belts hung on the trees with great care In hopes that new ammo soon would be there.With Joe standing watch in his Mongolian cap,I’d just settled down for a few hour$ nap,Wfhen all of a sudden there arose such a clatter,I grabbed up my rifle and said. “Whas’a matter?”Out of my bunker I flew with a dashAnd was just outside when I heard a loud crash.Then out of the trees came a little old man so lively and quick.I knew right away he must be Saint Nick.You could tell he wasn't in the infantry by the size of his belly,And when he would laugh, it wobbled like jelly.He came right on up with a big friendly smile,So we asked him to sit and talk for a while.He let us in on a lot fo new* “poop.”And it sounded to us like pretty straight “scoop.He* told us what he thought Ridgway intended to do:Said we’d all be home before long, too.He went around talking to each single man,And put a bright package in everyone’s hand.He filled all our belts with some needed ammo,And then exclaimed that he surely must go.He said he’d had a nice visit here,And would be back to see us again the next year.Then he puckered his lips and gave a shrill whistle.And his reindeer and sled floated down like a thistle.He mounted his sled and headed for a hilltop.He didn’t look back and he didn't stop,But I heard him holler ‘fore he went out of sight,“Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night.
Newspaper Details
Alpine Avalanche
Alpine, Texas, US
Fri, Oct 26, 1951
Page 4
Full Page
Clipped by
Anonymous
USA 30 Apr 2025
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