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

December ?, 1969

Namu Bridge

Dear Mom and Pop,

I got the pictures and they are great!  I'll show the ones of Bill Sharp to Nickson-the other team leader.  Bill and Nickson went through ITR  together.

Well, I am now team leader.  I'm sorry to say that things are getting a little rougher than before.  The gooks are restless.  If the president can stop this war in 2 years, he is a genius!  We found a gook skeleton on patrol.  Nickson took the skull back to the compound.  I hope to get some pictures of it.

Got Henry's letter.  He sounds much older!

Don't worry about cars.  I'm not even going to worry about it till I get back.

I'm glad you got the tape.  I'll try to make a better one.  I got the Beatles and extra tape and envelopes.  You couldn't have made it better tape!

I got a card from Thelma, three packages from the Lewenz’s too.

I have to boost my GCT score up at 9 more points.  I've been studying a lot out of this book the career adviser let me.  January I'm taking a college equivalency test = 2 years.  If I pass these two tests I'll have to send home for my school records and all have to go in front of the board of officers for an interview.  If they find me qualified, I'll go to OCS in Quantico Va. for 5 weeks + 3 months of school before I become a 2nd Lt.

26th Marines are supposed pull out by March!  It's not official yet, but very probable.

I heard the Colts tied

I’ll send more $ home.

Love,

Pete