Philip Caputo

After troops had served at least six months in Vietnam, they became eligible to take a short break—known as R-andR (for rest and relaxation or rest and recreation)—from the war. Their break varied in length from a few days to a month, but most lasted about a week. Soldiers could take a military flight to Vung Tau and China Beach in Vietnam; outside of Vietnam they could travel to Hong Kong, Bangkok, Tokyo, Manila, Penang, Taipei, Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, Australia. Some married service members were able to meet their spouses in Hawaii for a short vacation.

After living in the field for so long, many soldiers and Marines were amazed and thrilled at being reminded of every day conveniences, like flush toilets and sleeping in a bed with clean sheets. Philip Caputo's three-day R-and-R in Saigon is...