“Hi! Here I am writing to you within 3 miles of the Cambodian border. We can see it from here off to the west. Last night were in a tizzy. It came over the radio that there was a whole battalion of gooks sitting 2000 meters from us just over the border – ready to pounce on us. Fortunately they didn’t. We feel pretty good today, at least I do.” I feel like I’ve written some of this before, especially since this letter was written just two days after the last one. Probably the only time I ever used “tizzy” in a written sentence.
The letter resumes with some house keeping chores. They are included to give the reader the whole picture of a day in the life. “I seem to have lost Mrs Coughlins address. I would appreciate it if you could find it for me and send it along so I can properly thank her for the cookies and maybe she’ll send some more.” I wonder if this obsession with cookies is why I can’t seem to do without them today. They seem to be an important part of helping to keep us sane in an insane environment.
“Since the pictures are on the way, and I have no idea whether they will develop or even it they’ll get to you, I’ll give you a description of them anyway. All the pictures of individuals were taken at our last FOB near Phuoc Vinh. There are pictures of me and guys in our platoon. All the pictures of the helicopters were taken at LZ Jake on our way to LZ Rita. The birds are of 3 types. The skinny bird (mean looking) is the Cobra. They provide our air support. They are equipped with rockets and mini guns and an automatic M-79 (like mine). The little bubble shaped helicopter is the Loach – very fast and very maneuverable. They usually have a pair of M-60 machine guns. The normal looking helicopters are our Charlie Alpha birds (combat assault). Also equipped with twin M-60s. Some are equipped with rockets.” I am aware that I described the Cobra in a previous letter. “I’ll explain all to you when I come home. I would like you to send some of the pictures over here, pictures of the squad or me and the guys. I forget exactly who or what I took pictures of. The big plane is either the C-130 or the C-120 Caribbean troop transport planes. They’re hell to ride in.”
“Not too much else to say. Last night we had a little rain – first rain in two months. I’d just as soon it didn’t rain because we have absolutely no protection. We don’t even have ponchos anymore. Since we carry everything we own, we try to carry as little as possible. Because, believe me, it’s hard humping around in this heat. Another thing I’d like if you get the chance is a church key can opener – and some kind of chain to carry it on.”
“See how dirty this paper is. It is but a slight portion of the dirt on my filthy body. Guess I’ll sign off here. So take care. I’ll try to keep you informed as much a possible. Love to all, Dave.” I don’t really have much to add to this letter. This was actually the letter that contained the clipping I sent home of a GI cracking the barrel of the M-79 I mentioned in the last letter. The next letter is dated March 18. Spoiler alert, we get to ride in a Navy riverboat. See ya next Monday.