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

January 3, 1970

Namu Bridge

Dear Mom and Pop,

I got both tapes.  The Christmas tape was absolutely fabulous!  Nickson got a real big kick out of it to.  I'll send you a tape-on the other side of # 2 tape.  I've been pretty busy lately.  We are short of men, the plt. is now down to 3 squads instead of 4.  We should have replacements soon.

I wrote and told you I went to see Bob Hope.  He was great.  I took some 35mm flicks.  Should be good.  I'll sent ‘em home as soon as they are developed.

Well, Kilo Comp, has been chosen path of the Bn to be a pacification force.  Well, it sounds good doesn't it?  What it means is: we will be split up into 3 plts. one squad in each village near the Hill 190 area.  The Arvons (South Vietnamese soldiers) have been having a lot of trouble keeping the VC out.  We will be large enough to keep the Cong from fighting its way into the village to get supplies etc. and terrorize the civilians.  I will be actually living in the village with them.  Should prove interesting anyway.

In Freedom Hill P. X. and then there was a huge sign which said: Seasons Greetings From Baltimore.  It was signed by one thousand people, including Senator Tydings, Hyman Pressman and other dignitaries.  Maybe you've heard about it.

I must say that candid bull session between you Bill, Bob and Larry was great.  Mom I can understand why you left the room.  I always look forward to hearing your voice Mom!  Hope you like the pin and the books.  Don't worry you will not be plagued with a deluge of bills from Orlando, Florida.

The other day we've made a sweep.  We captured one VC woman and over 100 lbs of rice, chi com grenades and  a few AK-47 rounds (same ol’ stuff)

I've got a picture of an Arvon shaking his fist at the VC POW.  I'll send it as soon as I get an envelope large enough.

Have heard no more about the pullout.

Hope each and every one of you had a very Merry Christmas

I really enjoyed hearing everyone and maybe next year I can be home.

Love to all,

Pete

PS

I'll send the Vietnamese national anthem—I’ll send ours too.

PS PS what is the stuff you call snow?  Send me some.

PS PS PS what the hell is [illegible]