A.W. (Peter) Machen to John P. (Jack) Machen

September 30, 1969

Vietnam

Dear Jack,

[Something written out in Vietnamese]

Well, I've learned a little Vietnamese but not that much!  But don't ask me what all that means because I don't know.  I’m just bullshitting.

How’s Princeton?  Competition must be high.  Maybe you could get a Phi Beta Kappa key.

Kilo Company stomped all over the NVA this week.  We ran a company of NVA of over 200 at Hyun Pass and fucked them up with artillery and air strikes

We haven't been told how many confirmed kills we got yet but I know it's high.  Unfortunately my platoon, 1st Platoon, lost 7 men and we are down from 43 to 35 Marines.  That's not too good.

Darby seems to like it up at Boston.  You know that as of October 1, 1969 you can drink legally in New York which isn't too far from you.  By the way, HAPPY BIRTHDAY.

When I get on ship in two weeks, I’ll send you something.

I've got handlebars on my mustache.

Hey-- you will have to register for the draft.  It doesn't mean anything though, because you are in school and they may even stop the draft.  I hope so.

The Colts better beat the Atlanta Falcons.  Two losses in a row isn't such a good start.

I got a one-month cut!

Take care and have fun!

Brother Pete

PS write whenever you get a chance