a couple of klicks Two kilometers.
Abbie Hoffman (1936–1989) A countercultural icon of the 1960s, Abbie Hoffman was successful at turning many flower children into political activists.
Air Medal A U.S. military decoration awarded for meritorious achievement during participation in aerial operations.
air strikes Air attacks on a ground or naval target.
AK-47 Basic infantry weapon of the NVA and Viet Cong.
American Legion An organization of veterans of the armed forces of the U.S., founded in 1919.
AO Area of operations.
Army Commendation Medal Awarded to any member of the Armed Forces of the U.S., other than general officers, who, while serving in any capacity after December 6, 1941, distinguished himself by heroism, meritorious achievement or meritorious service.
arty Artillery.
ARVN Army of the Republic of Vietnam (Army of S. Vietnam).
AWOL Absent without leave.
Bao Dai (1913–1997, meaning "Keeper or Preserver of Greatness") Bao Dai was the last of the Nguyen Emperors.
bivouacked Encamped in the open, with only tents or improvised shelter.
bodybag A rubberized bag sealed with a zipper, used for transporting a dead body from a war zone, accident, etc.
Bonnie and Clyde A 1967 film starring Warren Beatty and Faye Dunaway about the criminal pair of lovers.
boonies Boondocks; hinterland.
bouncing Betty An explosive that propels upward from the ground and then detonates.
Bronze Star A U.S. military decoration awarded for heroic or meritorious achievement or service in combat not involving aerial flight.
buck sergeant stripes Embroidered patches sewn on to uniforms to signify the enlisted army rank, also known as E5.
C rations A canned ration used in the field in World War II.
C-130 (Hercules) Aircraft that primarily performs the tactical portion of an airlift mission. It can operate from rough dirt strips and is the prime transport for airdropping troops and equipment into hostile areas.
carhop A waiter or, especially, a waitress who serves food to customers in cars at a drive-in restaurant.
Charlie Cong Viet Cong.
chopper A helicopter.
Chu Lai Site where many troops were stationed.
CID Criminal Investigation Department.
Claymore antipersonnel mine An antipersonnel mine that scatters shrapnel in a particular, often fan-shaped, area when it explodes.
CO Conscientious objector. A designation for legal exemption from military combat service due to moral or personal ideological conflict.
Cobras A type of helicopter used to attack enemy troops.
Cold War Hostility and sharp conflict as in diplomacy and economics between states, without actual warfare.
Combat Infantryman's Badge An award designed for enlisted men and below who have served in active combat zones.
cooze A derogatory name for a woman.
culottes A woman's or girl's garment consisting of trousers made full in the legs to resemble a skirt.
