A.W. (Peter) Machen to Arthur and Rose Machen

May 3, 1970

Vietnam

 

Dear Mom and Pop,

I was pretty surprised at the sad news of “Uncle Benie”.  Needless to say, he was a great friend of ours and his death is our loss.  There is not much else I could say except that he was a man for whom I had the greatest respect for.  Maybe if you think I should, I'd like to write a short note to the family.  It seems only proper.

Seems as if the army has the VC and NVA on the run in Cambodia.  As far as I know, there are no  Marines in Cambodia officially.

I sent home check of $111.  I'm taking another R&R.  This time, a three day R&R in country at Red Beach not too far from here (very cheap).  Evidently, I'm not eligible for Corporal.  I've been L/Cpl for 4 months.  But it's one hell of a hard rank to get.  My chances will be better of getting it next month.

For the first time, since the 26th air lift, I went to the rear.  I got Henry a birthday card and we bought a Coleman lamp.  As a matter of fact if you could, we to see if you could send some mantels for us.  They are burning filaments for the lamp.  You could just put them in envelope.  We need about 4.  Maybe Stebbins Anderson has ‘em.  Thanks.

Dad, just now I got your letter.  I have written several letters in the last week.  You should have ‘em by now.   Exactly 90 more days and I'll be on the plane.  There will be no surprises from Vietnam.  I'll let you know ahead of time to the meet me at the airport.  I'd rather do it that way anyway.

Got a letter for Jack few days ago.  He apparently was searching out for roommate or something.  I think his problem is squared away.  Aunt Betsy wrote me.

I’m getting a very bad about letters, but for the obvious reason I just don't have that much time.  Dad I remember you once said that you would take me to the Hamilton Street Club.  I rest my case.

Enclosed as a short time calendar.  I've got a copy.  Every morning I mark off a day.

Better go.

Love to all.

Pete