Author: Sam

Story: Christmas in Korea: 1 of 1

Series: n/a

Characters: Colonel Henry Blake; “Radar” Corporal Walter O’Reilly; “Father” John Francis Patrick Mulcahy; Corporal Max Klinger; Sergeant Zelmo Zale; “Trapper” Captain John Xavier MacIntyre; Major Frank Burns; Nurse Kealani Kellye; Colonel Henry Braymore Blake; Nurse Ginger Bayliss; Private Igor Straminsky; “Hotlips” Major Margaret Houlihan; Captain Calvin Spaulding; “Hawkeye” Captain Benjamin Franklin Pierce; rest of the 4077 and the local orphanage

Rating: PG: some minor language in songs: General; Comedy

Summary: The 4077th puts on a Christmas Concert for the Orphanage.

Spoiler: Nothing really pertinent; I give away no secrets that I am aware of.

Setting: MASH 4077 Compound

Disclaimer: MASH is a trademark of Dr. Richard Hornberger and Twentieth Century Fox. I am in no way connected with these people, and I do not claim ownership to these characters, lands, or names. I have borrowed them to share a story... and most likely not a story any of them would have written, had they had the time or no. I am making no money from this, and it is just for my entertainment, and that of free entertainment to a select group of friends. Thank You.

Distribution: Please ask first?

Note: The songs depicted generally are not from the right era; however, they were chosen strictly for their uniqueness. I wished to share some of the songs I grew up with at Christmas. This story should be considered not “strict cannon”, nor is it a very plot-inspired tale, but, please, do enjoy it. Happy Christmas.

Note Two: Special thanks go out to Merrianna and Mom for song suggestions and Beta coverage. Especially to Mom for her suggestion of the perfect ending. Thank you all!

Song Notes: The following songs from the accompanying people. I apologize that I could not track down every song to its origins, but it is safe to say that I did NOT write any of these songs. They are being used for free entertainment, as stated above:

C-H-R-I-S-T-M-A-S by Eddy Arnold
Daddy Looked A Lot Like Santa by Buck Owens & the Buckaroos
One of Everything You Got by Buck Owens
The Heck With Old Santa Claus by Loretta Lynn
Nuttin’ For Christmas by (Unknown)
Mele Kalikimaka by R. Alex Anderson
Christmas In Killarney by Redmond-Cavanaugh-Welden
I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas by (Unknown)
Gonna Eat For Christmas by Rosie O’Donnell & Gloria Estefan
Give Love On Christmas Day by The Jackson 5
Drummer Boy & Peace On Earth by Bing Crosby & David Bowie
The Christmas Bells (Snoopy versus the Red Baron) by (Unknown)
Someday At Christmas by The Jackson 5
The Peace Carol by Bob Beers
I’ll Be Home For Christmas by W Kent- K Gannon

Feedback: Yes, please? Especially constructive. samwise_baggins@yahoo.co.uk

Webpage: http://www.geocities.com/samwise_baggins/index.html

Christmas Eve away from home was not what most people wanted to experience. Christmas Eve in a hospital was even less desirable. But Christmas Eve in a MASH unit in Korea during 1951 had to be hell on Earth.

The air was cold, near freezing in fact. The ground was not so much frozen as it was slushy, icy, muck. The people were frightened, battle-weary, and disheartened. So far from loved ones, in a strange, cold country amid shell explosions and war wounds... what the staff and patients of the 4077th needed was a little Christmas Cheer.

Fortunately for them, though they might not have felt so fortunate, a plan was in the works to lighten the atmosphere a bit.

Henry Blake stood by the small wood stove, humming White Christmas while cheerfully filing that week’s report in the flames. He normally wouldn’t have been doing such a thing, continually worried that he’d get in trouble with the higher ups. However, it was December the 24th and he was freezing. With the current lack of supplies, everyone was freezing.

As he worked, Henry let himself dream about being home with his wife and three children. He looked forward to the time he could go home and meet his son, Andrew. That would be the best Christmas present ever.

When Radar opened the door and stepped in, it took a moment for Henry to notice him. “Sir?” Radar jumped just as Henry jumped, papers scattering everywhere. “Sir? Father Mulcahy here to see you, Sir.” Stepping aside, Radar tried to ignore Henry’s spluttering while looking duly concerned and attentive.

The priest walked in as Henry knelt down to try to collect his files. Father Mulcahy knelt to help him. “Oh, thanks, Father. Uh, did I want to see you?”

Father smiled and sat back on his feet, taking his hat into his hand. “Actually, I wanted to see you.” At the relieved nod, the Father continued. “The orphanage has lost its heat and water. I was hoping we could share what little we have with them for the night.” With a gentle smile, he hurried on to reassure his Commanding Officer, “there is a maintenance man scheduled to come tomorrow to fix the heater. In fact, the Sisters have offered to send them over here, as well, to help repair our generator.”

“Oh…” Radar’s voice was so soft as to be nearly inaudible.

Henry looked thoughtful a long moment, thinking over the ramifications of a bunch of kids and nuns in the compound versus leaving them out in the cold. The added benefit of having someone come look at the generator in the morning was also a big incentive. But the biggest factor in his decision was the day. It was Christmas Eve, and no one should be left out, especially a bunch of little kids. “Well… the more the merrier, right?”

A wide, glorious smile lit the Father’s face. Putting the battered hat back onto his head, the priest stood and nodded. “Thank you! I’ll tell them right away.” He hurried from the room, whistling happily.

Watching, Henry couldn’t resist a smile of his own. He shook his head and turned back to burning the files, but the sight of Radar still standing there stopped him short. “Uh… What is it, Radar?”

Radar wiped the smile from his almost boyish face and came to attention. “Sir, the camp morale is low…”

Colonel Blake just stared at his clerk for a shocked second or two. A frown came to his face and he shook his head. “Radar, we’re cold, hungry, and tired and we’re in a war for Christmas. Of course morale is low. What do you think I can do about it… sing a song and do a dance? I’ve got someone coming tomorrow about the generator.”

“Well, Sir…”

Something about Radar’s tone should have alerted his mentor, but as often happened, it didn’t. “Go on, Radar,” He put another paper in the fire.

Radar nodded, barreling ahead, as requested. He stepped over to the man he liked to secretly think of as a second father and said, “Actually you can.”

“Can what?” Henry stopped feeding the fire and turned to his clerk, a young man he often treated like a son more than an employee. He hated when people jumped around in a conversation, not making sense. He wasn’t a mind reader, for goodness sakes! “What can I do, Radar?”

“Uh… sing and dance.” Radar shifted a bit, nervous and uncomfortable. He was made more so by his Colonel’s frown.

“You want me to sing and dance?” Henry stared at the Corporal incredulously. “Why would you want that? Don’t you think I’m enough of a laughing stock around here? People barely respect me as it is.”

The clerk turned horrified eyes to his leader and shook his head vigorously. “No, Sir! I mean, yes, Sir! I mean…”

Henry frowned harder.

“Uh…” Radar gulped, Adam’s apple bobbing. “That is, what I mean to say, Sir, is that I’ve thought of a way to boost morale, Sir. If we could put together a little show… you know, singing and dancing by a few people, it might make Christmas a little homier.”

Colonel Blake opened his mouth, closed it, and then repeated the motion several more times as he sorted through his myriad thoughts. He, unfortunately, resembled one of the fish he so loved to catch. Fortunately, Radar didn’t comment, and the man finally spoke slowly. “Well, as long as we can get about… ten people to perform, so I’m not the only one.”

“Oh, good. Captains Pierce and MacIntyre have already volunteered.”

With a groan, the older man threw the entire handful of paper into the fire. “I should have known those two were behind this!” The excess of dry papers started the fire to smoke more than burn, and Henry was soon engulfed in the thick, acrid air. Radar headed quickly for the door, trying to fan the air clear as Henry sputtered and coughed in the office.

-----

The news spread quickly through the Army camp. People were encouraged to volunteer for Morale Duty, as it had been dubbed, for that evening. Those who volunteered would get a special present from Santa Claus, the rumor went… but nobody truly believed it. Mostly people volunteered just to be doing something, or because someone else had pressured them into it.

Finally, the evening fell softly, along with a new batch of snow. Orphans were scattered among officers and enlisted, all cuddling close to try to keep warm. There were only a few casualties, and they, too, were among the audience, none being too seriously wounded at the moment. There was a notable lack of uniforms, however, as a good number was in civilian clothes for the night’s Christmas performance. The general atmosphere was one of great excitement.

A sudden cheer burst forth as Corporal Max Klinger stepped forward. He was dressed especially for the occasion in his Mrs. Claus outfit, complete with open-toed high heels and red fishnet stockings. Whistles and catcalls echoed until a loud voice from the back of the audience called out “Knock it off, there are Nun and Children here!” Everybody obeyed the order from their rarely strict Commanding Officer and fell respectfully silent. Klinger held up a hand decked in a red half-glove with fur trim. The dainty matching muff on the other hand was enviously warm, making its bearer a bit more congenial in such circumstances. Soft introduction-type music started playing.

The music that came forth was the Officer’s Club piano, but it was considerably better playing than their local Chaplain normally produced, despite his love of music. When checked, it was revealed that the Sister was playing instead. That brought a bit of relief to those who’d been present for Father Mulcahy’s midnight serenades, and everyone settled in for an amusing night. Most people believed that their old favorites would be sung off-tune and barely able to be stood, but definitely with the cheer of the season behind them.

In a loud, very masculine voice he announced, “Welcome to the First, and hopefully only, Annual Christmas Performance of the MASH 4077. We have a big treat for you tonight. We have several volunteers who have agreed to sing a favorite Christmas song for you. Each picked out his,” and he grinned towards Margaret Houlihan, “or her favorite holiday song to share. So, please welcome our first performer… Father Mulcahy.”

Klinger turned and clicked his way back to his seat as the company Chaplain took the opportunity to get up from his front row seat. He turned and smiled at the assembled staff and patients. The priest was dressed in his uniform with a Loyola sweatshirt over the top and his battered hat on his sandy hair. Without any further introduction, he started singing in a strong, yet soft-seeming voice:

When the man fell silent, it was to the total accompanying silence of the audience. His gentle smile widened and Father Mulcahy tipped his hat to them. “Well, we have many songs prepared for you. Please, your attention please for our own Corporal Radar O’Reilly.” And with that he started applauding.

A bit nervous, dressed in his uniform like the priest had been, Radar slipped from the first row, where he’d been sitting next to Henry Blake. He gave a small smile to the Father, who sat, then turned and gulped. “He… hello…”

With a cheerful, “Hello,” the audience welcomed the young man.

He seemed to relax a bit at such enthusiasm and gestured, his body turning slightly this way and that as he spoke and moved. “Well, my song isn’t quite the same as the Father’s… it’s a bit more… well, it always reminds me of home ‘cause my Uncle Ed taught it to me. So… I hope you like it.” Then he smiled briefly, closed his eyes with a now serious expression, and sang to the upbeat music of the Sister:

Zale waved to the group, dressed in his normal, everyday wear, a rare grin on his face. “I’m gonna do a song from back home that y’all might not have heard. It’s called ‘One of Everything You Got’.” With that he pulled out a piece of paper that no one begrudged him. Most people weren’t familiar with the song he’d chosen, so if he needed a copy of the lyrics who were they to complain. Zale didn’t look at the paper, though. Instead he grinned wider and started to sing in a country rhythm:

The man then referred to the note in his hand, for all the world looking as if he was reading off his son’s mail to Santa:

A ripple of laughter went through the listeners; some thinking of their own children and others thinking of their childhood left behind:

The fact that it was the Supply Sergeant reading a list of required items just added humor to the funny song. Spirits were lightening already:

Zale looked up once more, merely holding the letter ready for the next time he was supposed to refer to it:

With a flourish, Zale pocketed the letter, proving he really did know the country Christmas song by heart. He gestured to the group out in front of him and called, “Everyone sing if y’all know it!” Then he went on enthusiastically:

As the enlisted man bowed, the audience broke into wild cheering. Zale may not have been a born performer, but he’d done an admirable job. It also helped that he’d picked such an unusual song to do. People often liked fresh music in a stale situation, and one could hardly get staler than the rut of the Korean War. Holding up work-roughened hands, the Supply Sergeant shushed the audience.

“It’s my great pleasure to present the next performer. He’s one of our beloved surgeons, performing a song I’ve gotten to hear earlier… and I’d say it’s just perfect for him! So, lend an ear to Trapper John singing Nuttin’ For Christmas. Thank you.” And Trapper, who’d dressed in his typical civvies, complete with feathered hat and Hawaiian shirt, quickly replaced Zale. He wasted no time, jumping right into his song and causing the Sister to have to catch up with him:

The audience laughed at the appropriateness of the song, encouraging Trapper to grin and continue… by changing the beat! The Nun was not best pleased, but admirably changed her playing to match:

With another huge grin, Trapper went back to his slower singsong tones. The Sister, however, had become wise to him rather quickly and followed quite easily, a smile on her face. Trapper gave her a sloppy, but respectful, salute and sang out:

The Nun changed the pace before Trapper got a chance to, causing him to lose stride momentarily while he laughed. She had to play the stanza again before he could gain enough control to leap in with the new words:

Several voices jumped in this time, causing Trapper to nod and gesture enthusiastically in encouragement. He waved his long-fingered miracle-working surgeon’s hands to the beat, imitating a conductor with a choir:

The Sister stopped playing, but was as startled as the audience when Trapper went on in a tolerable acapella:

Rousing applause rocked the movie tent, accompanied by stomping and whistling.

Trapper continued bowing until he became aware of an annoying hissing noise from one part of the audience. With a roll of his eyes and one last bow, he raised his hands for quiet. “Thank you, thank you. And now, for your questionable listening enjoyment, I bring you the one, the only… Thank God… Major Frank Burns.” Another hissing had him adding almost under his breath, “Singing The Heck with Old Santa Claus.

He left the stage, passing the other surgeon and giving him an inscrutable look. Burns ignored him, coming to the very front of the area marked off as a stage and grinning his silly, almost lip-less grin. He was dressed in full dress uniform. “This song is…”

“Oh, get on with it already!” The voice was random and came from somewhere near the back of the movie tent.

Frank frowned. “Well!” He was insulted, but kept reminding himself just what Major Houlihan had promised him if he agreed to perform. Thus, he decided to jump right in, get it over with, and go collect his much-desired reward. “Fine:”

Boo’s and hisses accompanied his first words, making him frown all the more:

“You expected him to?” The call came from somewhere in the middle of the room, followed by a couple of snickers. Frank frowned and continued his song, ignoring the annoyingly familiar voice of Hawkeye Pierce:

“Hey, Frank…” before the voice could continue, though, a muffled “Ow!” sounded and it fell silent. A smug look came over Frank’s face. Someone had defended him. He strolled happily across the stage area singing the refrain, ignoring the confused and hesitant looks on the face of most of the audience:

Someone hissed in the audience, but that familiar voice, from the middle once more, started laughing. That stopped the protestor, who was confused by the support for this not-so-nice song. The laugh was muffled much like the heckling previously, but it made Frank feel confident enough to continue:

A wide grin spread over Frank Burns’ face. He’d been able to do the rest of the song without interruption. Of course, there had been the laughter from Hawkeye, and the audience had even joined in, but it was supposed to be a funny song, so he took it that they’d enjoyed it. Frank turned to head back to his front row seat when a whisper that the audience couldn’t quite understand broke forth. Frank leaned over and listened intently to Klinger, a frown of disgust on his face. Finally, he whirled around exclaiming quickly, “Uh, Nurse Kellye performing, uh… Melly Kallie Mickey.” And he dove out of sight.

Dressed in traditional Hawaiian garb, down to a grass-style skirt and flowered anklet, Kealani Kellye came from the side of the tent. She was cold in the outfit, having just dropped the coat she’d been wearing over it, but had determined already that she’d put up with the discomfort. After all, she was sharing a piece of her culture with these people… this MASH family of hers.

Confusion swirled over the audience, but the cute, vivacious nurse came forth and in a clear, happy voice exclaimed, “Mele Kalikimaka is Hawaiian for Merry Christmas. Let me sing it for you.” And in an equally pleasant singing voice, the Hawaiian nurse broke into her song, her hips and body moving in the traditional dance form of storytelling from her native islands:

Applause broke out, but the nurse raised her hands with a smile, nodding to the Sister to continue her playing of the upbeat song. “Now, if you would join me. Just sing what I sing.” She then gave them a line, listened to their reply, and continued back and forth for the entire verse:

“Mele Kalikimaka is the thing to say,”

“On a bright Hawaiian Christmas day.”

“That’s the island greeting that we send to you”

“From the land where palm trees sway.”

“Here we know that Christmas will be green and bright;”

“The sun to shine by day and the stars at night.”

“Mele Kalikimaka is Hawaii’s way”

“To say “Merry Christmas” today.”

With a nod, Nurse Kellye strode out of the marked off stage area and into the audience, singing solo once more. She stopped before each child, tipping his or her nose with a gentle finger and bestowing a joyous smile. She got many smiles and much happy laughter in response, sending a ripple of joy across the rest of the audience:

One of the children, an older girl with a fairly good grasp of English, stood up and joined Kellye in her song. The blend of adult and child was beautiful to hear, even if the accents and words were odd:

As Nurse Kellye led the girl back to her seat, she finished with a flourish:

The applause was as great for her as it had been for Trapper, and the nurse headed back to the stage amid pats on the back, handclasps, and whistles. When she got to the proper area, Kellye turned and smiled widely. The audience fell silent, eagerly awaiting the next performance. She didn’t disappoint them, for she knew it was one of the most popular men on base who would sing next.

“Please welcome Colonel Blake singing Christmas in Killarney.” She left the stage as Henry stood and approached. For his part, the Commander of the 4077th was dressed comfortably in Army issue trousers and University issue sweatshirt. He had his trademark fishing hat on and looked just a tad bit unsteady… as if he had been drinking. He didn’t wait for an introduction, merely singing immediately:

With a happy, rather mellow, smile Henry listened to the cheers. People thought he was done, but he startled them when he started the next section of the song. The audience quieted down again:

Again the applause began. Henry grinned wider and started towards the audience, but seemed encouraged enough to stop short and start singing the song again:

He bowed to Father Mulcahy, who smiled back in amusement:

Fortunately, before he could keep going, Radar hissed and tugged him into his empty chair. Ginger strode forward dressed in a pretty dark red dress, still clapping for the Commanding Officer. She smiled at the crowd, ignoring Frank’s frown, and held up her hands. “My song is a bit more amusing, I think. She nodded to the nun to start playing:

Ginger didn’t stay still to sing her song. She moved to the front row and smiled down at different patients and children, singing in a light, happy voice:

With her hands, she made gestures that sent one of the Korean boys into gales of laughter. Frank, to the side, frowned and commented “He’s wrecking the concert making all that noise.” Margaret shushed him with a frown:

The patients were reacting very well with the nurse, laughing and actually flirting with the woman. She winked and smiled back, but didn’t do anything to get their hopes up. She was being sent home within a couple of weeks, and wasn’t ready for any short-term affairs. Instead, she kept it light and continued her silly song:

Finally, Nurse Bayliss went back to the stage and bent over a box near the side of the stage. The tent hadn’t been really decorated, but no one had complained so far. Now, the nurse started decorating, actually putting the paper ornaments on the wall in the shape of the hippo she sang about. People started realizing that this was staged, but funny… especially when Trapper got up and started doing another hippo, without much artistic flare.

Trapper grinned suddenly as the nurse finished and pulled her into his arms. In a loud voice he called “Mistletoe,” then gave her a sound kiss. She responded for a second, but Frank’s whiny voice rose above the cheers and laughter, and she pulled away. With a mock-frown, the nurse pushed Trapper back towards the audience.

“All the way from the Mess Tent, please put your hands together for Private Igor Straminsky!” Ginger sat down as far from Frank, and Trapper, as she could, though she leaned over and giggled with another nurse.

Igor, dressed in civilian clothes suited to the season, a sweater and thick trousers, and sporting a Santa hat on his head, loped to the stage. With a flourish, he gestured for the Sister to start up his tune, talking during the intro. “My song is for all you guys who complain about the chow.” He started singing, and people immediately started enviously thinking about festive food back home:

He gestured towards the woman approaching, calling out “Major Houlihan.” Then, Igor disappeared back into the crowd.

Margaret Houlihan was dressed in a trim red outfit with green trim. Over her heart she wore a cluster of holly. She had a green and red bow in her hair, which was otherwise loose about her shoulders. Her smile made her almost glow, and it drew answering smiles from those watching. With a nod, she listened to the Sister’s playing before singing in a strong, carrying voice:

With a bow, the Head Nurse beamed at everyone. There was one person calling out “Oh, Bravo, Margaret!” and it was no mystery who it was. Frank also clapped the loudest of the audience, standing as he enthusiastically acclaimed the performance. For her part, the nurse took in the accolade with a genuine smile. She let it go on a long minute, noting that Frank kept going even after the others stopped. He looked slightly embarrassed as he quickly sat, his hands pressed together between his thighs, a light flush on his thin face.

Finally, Margaret called out, “I know you’ve heard from both of them tonight, but two of our performers wished to sing once more for your enjoyment. So, please welcome Colonel Blake and Corporal O’Reilly.” In a stage whisper, she hissed, “What song are you doing?”

Radar, heading towards the stage, hurriedly claimed, “Little Drummer Boy.”

Simultaneously, Henry called out “Peace on Earth,” as he stepped onto the stage area.

The nurse frowned at the pair, smiled once more for the audience, then sat down without clarifying their claims. Radar, much the shorter, stood next to the older man. Henry stayed quiet as Radar started singing:

Radar was suddenly embarrassed because he forgot the next verse. So, with a bit of a flush, he started the first verse again. Thankfully, and much to his surprise, Henry started singing… but it wasn’t the same song. He really was doing his own song:

Deciding that if you can’t lick ‘em, join ‘em, Radar started singing with Henry. Their blended voices made a beautiful harmony:

Henry smiled and closed his mouth, so Radar took advantage to try his own song once more, as the music was still playing:

To his dismay, Henry again started singing his own song. Radar decided to simply repeat the first verse as he’d done before, giving Colonel Blake a chance to finish his own song:

The tears in Radar’s eyes would have embarrassed him at any other time… the song was so beautiful. This time, though, he gave up on his own song completely and finished Henry’s with him:

Radar quickly bowed and headed off the stage, surprised when he noted that Colonel Blake had stayed behind. He turned with a frown. Henry was grinning stupidly at everyone, quite obviously having been drinking most of the night. In a rather happy voice, he called out, “Captain Spaulding.” Then he stumbled to his seat and toasted Radar, followed by an enthusiastic toast to the rest of the group.

They applauded, laughing, but quieted respectfully as the surgeon with the familiar guitar stood up from the back of the room. He headed to the stage, sat partially on a stool placed there by Klinger in the interim, and started playing his guitar. The Sister joined into the fast paced song:

The rest of the audience joined in enthusiastically:

Spaulding received some whistles and stomping along with his applause. It was obvious people were feeling good. Some were even eager to end the concert and catch up to Henry Blake in drinking. But they were only just getting restless. A couple of more songs wouldn’t hurt.

The cheering intensified when the popular Hawkeye Pierce stood up and made his way from the middle of the crowd. People had been a bit surprised when he hadn’t joined Trapper in the amusing song the other surgeon sang. Now they eagerly waited to see just what the funny, yet deeply feeling doctor would come up with.

Dressed in Hawaiian shirt and Army trousers, dark brown hat perched jauntily on his head, the easy-going surgeon didn’t disappoint. He had a song, all right… but it wasn’t quite the comedy everyone expected:

No one had dared interrupt Hawkeye. He left the stage area as if he’d never performed, not even bothering to introduce the next act.

Father Mulcahy stood and walked into the area. With a gentle smile, he said, “I can say with authority that I am the second to last act. Then we can get to the food and presents.” Then, the priest closed his eyes as if praying. A moment later, he opened them, and in a clear voice started to sing:

He was silent a long moment before the audience reacted. Their applause was great, but their other enthusiastic reactions from early were subdued. Not that they disliked the song, far from it. But two such songs in a row started them thinking about things they’d tended to ignore if possible.

The Father bowed and called out, “And, for your lasting pleasure, may I introduce Corporal Max Klinger.”

As he had at the beginning, Klinger came up to the stage dressed in his Mrs. Claus outfit. He didn’t smile at the group, but his voice was clear and strong when he spoke. “My song came out during World War Two. You probably have all heard it. So feel free to join in if you want.” With that, in a sad voice, he began to sing:

Each of the group that had performed stood where they were in the audience. Together, their voices blending in a sad harmony, they sang with the Corpsman:

They all fell silent, except for Klinger, who’s voice trailed into the cold, Christmas Eve night, a single star visible in the cloudy sky… seeming to shine strongly over the small movie tent of the MASH 4077:

As the last notes trailed off into the still Christmas Eve night, Father Mulcahy got onto the stage area once more. He smiled at the assembled, looking over officers, enlisted, patients, and children with a peaceful, welcoming smile. In a uncharacteristically loud, yet still clear and gentle, voice the Catholic Chaplain of the 4077th called out. "A call from the front lines just came through. There are no fresh wounded tonight. Merry Christmas."