The Vietnam War and D&D

The Vietnam War and D&D go way back.  Rob MacDougall explored the connection in his “Deep History of Roleplaying Games” series:

1. Dungeon Master Zero
2. R&D
3. Old School, New Histories
4. Fantasy Vietnam

In that final chapter, Rob quotes Calithena (editor of Fight On! magazine):

“When you’re in an old-school dungeon you’re in @*%!ing VIETNAM. Check EVERYTHING. Clear out EVERYTHING. Don’t take ONE STEP MORE than you have to until you’re COMPLETELY SURE it’s clear. Check EVERYTHING for traps. Search EVERYTHING. … THE GM WILL USE IT TO @*%! YOU OVER. Be PROACTIVE: set traps and ambushes for the monsters before they do it to you. Find a position of tactical advantage and DUMP FIREBALLS, FLAMING OIL, AND BARRAGES OF ARROWS on your enemies. And even if you do everything right, you STILL might get screwed by wandering monsters.”
–a post by “Calithena” on Dragonsfoot

This concept had been previously discussed in this thread at rpg.net, and ultimately led to James Raggi’s Fantasy Fucking Vietnam (now called Green Devil Face #1).