A.W. (Peter) Machen to Arthur Machen

September 2, 1969

Hill 124, Vietnam 

Dear Pop,

For the last two days now it's been raining like hell!  We weren’t exactly ready for it.  Our bunkers ain’t finished and everything is soaking, all my gear, clothes and me.  I hope tomorrow it stops and we can dry out our stuff in the sun.

I am on Hill 124 outside of Da Nang, south of Phu Bi.  We will be here for about another 15 days.  I'm in first platoon, first guns -- a four-man gun team with a machine gun overlooking the east side of the hill.  The NVA is here.  For the past few days heavy artillery and naval gun fire has been combing the area.  We are sitting in our position and so far the enemy hasn't attempted anything on our position.  Kilo Co. is a Co, to mess around with and “Charlie” knows it.

Right now I'm sitting in a wet 3 man foxhole with our ponchos strung across the top to keep out most of the rain.  About the only thing dry is this paper I'm writing on because it was in a plastic bag.

It's boring just to sit in the mud not be able to move.  We must finish our bunkers before the gooks come, if they come.  We are about the only hill that hasn't had any action in this area.  God help those little bastards if they try because we will (as they say) kick ask and take names.

We are attached to the First Mar Div.

From here I can't see the China Sea on a clear day and look at all the US ships with all those salty squids who sleep in a warm rack every night and the three hot meals a day.  Some day I'm going to put some dirt on those decks and give them a sailors something to dig holes in.  A chopper just came in with more supplies and maybe, just maybe some mail.

While I remember, send me some pictures of the family.  I forgot what you look like and pictures are nice to have what you are away from home. They promote motivation.  Remember when you used to tell me to have a little motivation when I was in school?  Believe me.  I know now what the word really means.  It’s never too late to learn, right Pop?

Would you believe I actually read a book?

The rain is slowing down now.

My mustache is really coming along now and is taking some shape.  I haven't shaved in the last four days and I feel kind of scrungy.  Haven't had a bath in over two weeks.  Oh well, that's nothing new!

These slant eyed girls are looking better every day.  I don't think I can take this be away from all those Maryland girls.  Not for a whole year.  War is hell.

I think I'll have some chow.  C Rats.  They ain’t bad and they fill the stomach.

Give my best to Mrs. Chewning and the rest of the legal eagles.

Love to all,

Pete

PS

Win some, lose some, some get rained out.  (Can't remember where I ever picked that up)