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

October 27, 1969

Vietnam

Dear JP,

Well, so brother Jack got a ticket!  You must have been pretty anxious to get to your girl.  I don't blame you. I’d do the same thing—“Make time on the road to make time with your girl!"  Pop will probably pull you out of that jam.  An out-of-state ticket is something to avoid.

Sounds like old PU is okay!  Glad to hear you're doing a good job!

We had a two-day R+R (rest and recuperation) at Red Beach.  All the beer and food we could eat + drink for two days and nights, all night movies, USO shows, surfing etc. no girls.  I was all fucked up!  I still have a hangover to remind me.

We have a big operation coming up in elephant Valley about 15 miles south of Da Nang.  Kilo kicks ass!  It will last only a week, I hope!  Things are pretty good.  My feet are still fucked up, jungle rot etc..  I got rid of the crabs.  Got laid with a local. Hard up, that's all.  The dirty little bitch would give me the crabs.  Could do worse.  Say Hi to your roommates.

Don't worry about writing me.  Your busy time is valuable I know!

Take it easy it have a drink for me

Peace brother

Get some peace