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

November 29, 1969   

Namu Bridge

Dear Mom and Dad,

I got the tape recorder.  The package with the sacks and plastic bags and the bourbon balls (which have already been eaten by 1st platoon). Thank you all ever so much!  You sure have done a lot to make my X-mas as good as possible.  I'm going to make this a short letter.  There is a tape on its way now.  You should get it with this letter or the next day.

Aunt Betsy sent me a really good raisin cake and Granny sent me a good package too.  Mom, you to work know how to make up a great “Care Package.”

Lima Comp. got a cheiu hoi who surrendered.  He told intelligence that when Kilo was on the operation that they were on their way to kill the village chief.  We got 18 kills (guns got every one of ‘em). We killed a battalion commander and a doctor too.  It was too far away for small arms to be effective so guns did the job. Mortars didn't get any, just shaked ‘em up.  On top of that I've been put up for combat action ribbon.  Same operation we found the B-40 rockets.

It's cold and rainy.  Sure wish I was home.  War can't sure make a person appreciate freedom and the good things in life!  I never really knew how easy my life really was before, even thought I had problems.  I thought life was rough.  I didn't even know what life was till I came here to Vietnam.  Well, maybe a little good comes out of everything.

I'll write again real soon!

Love,

Pete

P. S. Someone from the church is sent me a card. Know who it is?  D.A. Loemous? Beats me!