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

December 24, 1969

Namu Bridge

Dear Mom and Dad,

Sorry I haven't written lately.  I got the tape in it sounded pretty good.  We had a Christmas USO show.  I taped it.  I think you'll get a kick out of it!

Christmas night I'll be out in the bush.  The gooks are trying to get it to the villes again.  Things ain’t as lazy around here as they were when we first got here.  We are short of men.  I am team leader + gunner both.  I have very little time, but when I'm this busy, time flies.

I think I've got more packages than anyone in 1st  platoon.  You all have done so much to make my Christmas as good as possible.  Thank you so much!

I hope your X-mas is a merry one for all.

I'll write it shortly!

Love,

Pete