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

Oct. 22, 1969 

Hill 190

Dear Mom and Dad,

Sorry I haven't written but it's just so hot that to do anything takes effort.

I got a card from Angi and Jarrett.  Please send me her last name so I can write back.

Cousin Joan sent me a card from Japan signed by Bill and Becky.  Granny went to Dublin School for Nimi’s wedding.

I've been out in the bush in spite of my “light duty.”  We didn't to anything anyway except have a good time.  We found a spring that 8 ft. deep swimming hole and had a ball!

Hill 190 got hit.  I wasn't here, I was in the bush, but we expected it anyway.  Intelligence reports said it would-informers in the village who have contact with the US and NVA.

The reason I don’t send more money home is cause I'm saving up for R&R.  I don't draw all my pay.  I leave it on the books.  It's an easy way to save.

I told Terry if she went to our house personally, she could get the gun.

As a November 8 my tour is ¼ over!

Explanation: actually we have been attached to the 3rd Mar. Div.  They are leaving Vietnam so we expected to go to.  Instead, they just attached us to the 1st Mar. Div.  We have been in 1st division territory all this time anyway.  Looks like I'm going to be here for a while anyway.

That picture I said of me looks pretty bad.  It was taken a day after I got out of the hospital, lost some weight and color.  I've got some film which I'll said home soon!

Henry's card and picture were great and I showed them around with pride.  My 10 year old brother.  Very original.  Sharon wrote me that she is going to have the baby after all.  Also there seems to be a question of the genesis or rather who the father really is.  Not in my mind but hers.  She is too dangerous for my blood.

Too bad the Orioles lost.  I had the game on the radio.  Would you believe next year?

About six months ago, Kilo Co. got into a fight with Mike Co. both 3/26.  Anyway they are our rivals and "enemy".  They are taking over our position in the bush as soon as we left to go to 190.  They are going to arrive in helicopters.  Anyway, we got all of the cans of shaving cream together, found a clear area near the landing zone and with big letters, big enough to be seen from the air we wrote MIKE CO SUCKS.  It took about 23 cans of shaving cream to do the job but it looks good.  So, when Mike Co. comes in to land they will be greeted by our sign.

Well I'm going to get some chow.

Doing fine!

Love to all,

Pete