Larry Dighera wrote:

I heard "Puff the magic dragon" was GI slang for the string of
explosive charges placed at the base of trees felled to create an
airstrip in Viet Nam.

Marine and Army vets I know used to refer to the gunships (like the
Gatlin-equipped C-47s) as "Puff." These were also called "Spooky."

George Patterson
He who would distinguish what is true from what is false must have an
adequate understanding of truth and falsehood.