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

October 15, 1969

Vietnam

Dear Jack

I finally got out of the hospital.  I had an infected foot.  The infection spread up my leg into a lymph gland under my appendix.  Two shots of penicillin a day for a week.  I've now got two weeks of light duty so I'm “skating.”

Right now I'm sitting in a bunker overlooking the valley watching the gook in the rice paddy.  With me is a very good friend, THE CHOPPER!  That’s my M-60 machine gun.

When I left the hospital, I went into Da Nang city instead of coming back to the hill.  All this time I didn't carry any weapon with me.  When I came back to the hill on my way I hitched a ride with the gook for $1.00 to take me to 190.  I felt kind of a uncomfortable going through the villages knowing that there were VC  in the area.  Anyway I had no trouble and made it back OK.

I'm taking a college equivalent test.  It's good for college credits.  I figure I owe it to myself anyway.

Last night at 12:45 a.m. I heard the Orioles v. Mets game in Shea Stadium, Live . 5-0 Mets.  I got $20 riding on that game.  Baltimore better get their shit together!

I should have a bundle of mail waiting for me. I hope so

Work hard but not too hard.

Peace brother,

Pete

PS take a hippie to lunch