Da Nang Seaport in central Vietnam, on the South China Sea; many battalions were stationed there.
Darvon A white, crystalline, narcotic analgesic used for the alleviation of moderate pain.
DDT A powerful insecticide effective upon contact; its use is restricted by law due to damaging environmental effects.
defoliant A chemical substance that causes leaves to fall from growing plants.
di di mau A Vietnamese phrase meaning to move quickly.
Diem Ngo Dinh Diem (1901–1963), first president of South Vietnam (1955–1963).
dog tag A military identification tag worn about the neck.
dominoes Refers here to the "domino effect" or "domino theory," which was the prevalent course of foreign policy adopted by the United States during the Cold War. The notion was that if one area or nation "fell" to Communist forces, that the surrounding areas would also "fall" under Communist influences, like dominoes toppling over.
draft notice Official notice sent by the Selective Service System, informing a young man to report for an armed forces physical exam. The first step to being drafed into the armed forces.
dustoff Medical evacuation by helicopter.
E-6 An enlisted man's grade.
EM Enlisted man.
entrenching tool A shovel-like tool, among its other uses, used to dig temporary fortifications such as foxholes.
F-4s Also called the Phantom II, a type of tactical fighter bomber widely used in the Vietnam War.
flak jacket A vestlike, bulletproof jacket worn by soldiers.
flashback A vivid, spontaneous recollection of a past experience.
48th Viet Cong Battalion One of the most effective Viet Cong military units.
foxhole A hole dug in the ground as a temporary protection for one or two soldiers against enemy gunfire or tanks.
FREE Designation written by servicemen in the upper-right corner of an envelope in place of stamps; soldiers were allowed to mail items free of charge.
freedom bird Any aircraft which returned servicemen to the U.S.
Friar Tuck The religious leader of Robin Hood's gang of Merry Men, from the English folk tale, Robin Hood.
