fan-shaped, area when it explodes. Starlight scope A night-vision telescope that enables a user to see in the dark. tunnel complexes The use of tunnels by the Viet Cong as hiding places, caches for food and weapons, headquarter complexes and protection against air strikes and artillery fire was a characteristic of the Vietnam war. The Stars and Stripes A newsletter-style publication produced for servicemen by the U.S. Army. Bronze Star A U.S. military decoration awarded for heroic or meritorious achievement or service in combat not involving aerial flight. Purple Heart A U.S. military decoration awarded to members of the armed forces wounded or killed in action by or against an enemy: established in 1782 and re-established in 1932. entrenching tool A shovel-like tool, among its other uses, used to dig temporary fortifications such as foxholes. zapped Killed. freedom bird Any aircraft which returned servicemen to the U.S. sin loi From Vietnamese, literally meaning excuse me, though servicemen came to understand the term as meaning too bad or tough luck.