This letter is short, only two pages. I’ve been asked to scan in an orginal letter, so I’m going to go ahead and use this one front and back. I’ll type the letter first and add the scanned pages at the bottom, so the reader can read one or the other or both. Still in Tay Ninh. I am assuming this is the base where the 1st Cavalry Division has its HQ, but this is another case where my memory is sorely lacking. It’s not clear from this letter whether I’m still in the hospital. I believe in the last letter I talked about perimeter (Green Line) security.
“Dear Mom, Dad, Rob, & Sue Sept 30
Hello again from Tay Ninh, Vietnam. Got your letter of the 24th today & just in time, I might add. I also received a letter from Natraj’s and they want to know why I haven’t made any payments. Your letter made me feel better on that point so I will straighten them out on that, and check again on it when I get to Hong Kong.” Poor Dave still thinks he’s going to Hong Kong. “I am planning on returning there for my leave which is tentatively set for Nov 12. I don’t know for sure yet if I’ll be able to remain in the rear until then or not, but I’m going to give it a hell of a try.
“Yes, I did get a hair cut, and yes I intend to keep my moustache. No, I’m sorry to say that Peni hasn’t written in almost two months. I’ve just about crossed her off the list. I can’t stand the suspense, wondering if she will or won’t write. I’m not going to knock myself out trying to keep things going with her. Females are the least of my problems. I’m still being treated for Ringworm and I’m still trying to see the dentist. I’ll make it eventually. 62 days left, and I’ll get on that Freedom Bird for the states. According to the paper, it’s still pretty warm in Boston, warmer than I expected for this time of year. I hope it’s nice and cold when I get home, and some snow wouldn’t be bad either. I’m tired of this heat. And after being in an AIR Conditioned hospital for 15 days, I have to get used to it all over again. It’s bothering hell out of my athlete’s foot, so I wear my boots as little as possible. Did I tell you my Bronze Star came through after all? It won’t be presented to me until the next awards ceremony.
“Are you going to invite any of the relatives down for Xmas – (Gram & Gramps)? That sort of telegram you received is called a ‘Mars gram’. I sent it too you free from the hospital.” I attached a scanned copy of that telegram to the last letter.
“I could have sent you a bunch more, but it’s just as easy to write. I guess that’s about all, thanks for the pictures. Never did receive a package from you with foot powder in it. Haven’t had a package from you in a long time. I sure miss your cookies. Time to go. Take care – Love Dave”
There I go again about cookies. It think I’ve become a cookie monster over the years. The next letter is from Oct 1. It’s much longer and harder to read as the ink soaked through, but I’ll give it a try next week. I should point out that even though I always say see ya next Monday, I usually don’t get these letters uploaded until late Monday afternoon. Happy trails.
I recognize that handwriting!