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

September ___, 1969

Vietnam 

Dear Mom and Dad,

How is life back in the world?  Haven't gotten any mail yet -- it takes about five days I think.

Last night was my first patrol.  Contact with the enemy, they said, was unlikely.  Well I took the squad leader's word for it which was a big mistake!  We got hit.  Not bad.  But I was scared half out of my wits.  I've never really been shot at before.  Without thinking twice, I hit the deck and opened up.  We couldn't tell where they were and couldn’t see them but I think we sure kept their heads down with superior firepower.  I locked and loaded with my second magazine and put out three more rounds then -- it JAMMED.  Well I was shaking like a leaf anyway but this was too much!  I ejected the round and tried again.  Still nothing.  Did it again and my rifle started firing again.  By that time the firefight was about over.  It only lasted about a minute.  When I got back to the base this morning I checked my rifle and then the magazines.  It was dirt caught in the magazine which caused the jam.  Live and learn!

No one was hit and next time I'll be on my guard.  Everyone says the first one is the worst.  I guess so!

I'll be here on base for the next week or so -- in the rear.

Don't worry.  It wasn't all that bad.  It just scared me at the time.  The important thing is to keep cool and think!

That's about it from the “Rice Basket of the Orient”.

Love to all.

Pete