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

February 4, 1970

Wa Thong

Dear Mom and Pop,

Well, today I got your package Mom.  As usual, it was great and my squad said to compliment you on your cooking.

Tomorrow, I'll be “of age", not that it will do me any good over here.

Things are going pretty smoothly.  I've got what you might call a girlfriend.  Her name is Lin, who leaves in the village of Wa Than.  She's pretty cute and I'll send you a picture of her when I get them developed.

As you probably know, this is Tet, the Vietnamese new year.  The Tet Offensive of the NVA has already started.  There are three companies of NBA and Chinese advisers about 1 mile east of here.  Lucky for me, we are in this unstrategic area in the bush.  Actually, the rear areas are in much more danger.  We know why they are here and what they are after.  Tonight (evening) Phantom Jets are going to rocket and drop bombs on the area.  No sweat!

Well, I've learned to use chopsticks fairly well.  Now the Vietnamese still think it's pretty funny though.  They can't pronounce my name and call me “he.”

I've got a little problem.  It wasn't my fault.  Paymaster messed up.  I signed up for $20 in cash plus $15 check they only gave me the $20 and no check.  Well, I've got bills to pay.  I've paid the bill of $15 and now I'm left with $5 for the rest of the month.  Good as broke.  Well, I’ll get to the point.  Would you send me a postal money order of $40, needless to say out of my account.  I hate to even talk to you on matters concerning my financial inadequacies.  But at least this time I'm not asking you pull me out of the hole.  Just send me my own money.  I'm sure you understand.  I would greatly appreciate it.  I am no longer a dependent of yours, but I still need my parents to help me out sometimes.  For some reason, I feel like a heel, asking for money, even though it's my own.

My R&R is not affected yet but I'm pretty sure I'll get it.  Well, Feb 11th I'll have ½ year in with 171 days to go.

Ah yes, I got your 120 MPH letter Pop

Hope the “Grad-u-wit” likes his Sprite.  Sounds typically collegiate.

Love to all,

Your son, Pete