A VIETNAM CHRISTMAS DINNER

2010  THE YEAR OF VALLEY ADVENTURES

There's a German word, popular in World War Ii movies, called "ersatz".  To my understanding, the word means a synthetic that just doesn't measure up to the real thing. I suppose that half the problem with a synthetic is the promise that it will taste or smell like fresh strawberries when it's closer to "mystery meat."

25 December 1967 - Christmas Dinner menu and holiday message to American Marines in Vietnam.
 Gift to The Museum of the San Fernando Valley from Jerry Berns 2010.

 Less sensitive to religious diversity than modern military officials, the leadership of the US Marine Corps during the Vietnam War made the above assumption that their enlisted men and women shared their preferences.

 (click on this menu to read Jerry Berns' notes on the menu he saved from his service as a Marine during the Vietnam War.)
Tomato Juice Cocktail - none
Shrimp Cocktail, Saltines - none left
Scotch Broth - Didn't have it.
Roasted Turkey - canned, overcooked - dry
Cornbread Dressing - Didn't have it.
Baked Ham - Canned - Not bad.