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

December 27, 1969

Namu Bridge

Dearest Mom and Dad,

Well, Christmas eve was great.  I spent the night sitting out in the cold drizzling rain on an ambush.  I came in the next morning and fell on my poncho and went to sleep.  While I was sleeping the Capt. said one man from each squad could go to the Bob Hope show in Da Nang.  But gun squad put names in a hat and picked yours truly.

I went to the show, got a good seat 3 hours early and waited for Bob Hope.  He was great.  Connie Stevens was there, the Gold Diggers, Miss World, Neil Armstrong and the soul sister from the Laugh-In.  Watch NBC January 15th!  It was a great way to spend Christmas day. I borrowed a 35 mm camera and took some good pictures which I'll sent home.

The show will be on TV 1/15/70, NBC.

The gooks are getting offensive.  We were attacked last night.  They had us pinned down in the tree line all night.  They were in holes so it was hard to get ‘em.  We got two right away.  This morning a Marine went up to the dead bodies and stuck KILO’S calling card between their teeth.  This gets the enemy very angry, but Marines will do anything to offend the enemy.  Thought I'd send you want of our cards.  We put them in trees, on rocks + dead gooks, sort of a psychological warfare.  The Vietnamese are very superstitious and the ace of spades is sure death!

Enough of that.  I got your last tape.  I played the B-more song for the homies.  They thought it was great.  Hope it is a hit.  Then they will play it here.

Well, I have to go.  Write soon!

Love to all,

Pete

PS I'll send Jack +  Hanks of cards if they want.

PS

Happy New Year