November 7th 1965
Matt,
Today me and the guys were foolin around with this kid. We were swimming and eatin and we taught him how to play baseball. I'm tellin you that you've never seen a happy face until you saw his today. When he finally hit that ball and sent it flyin… I like to think I'm fightin for that kid.
We searched his village today askin people if they were Viet Cong. Ain't none of 'em ever admit to being Charlie. They all say me 1 me no 10. Their scales are so fucking off. We ain't found nuthin to show that they are helpin the Charlie or if they are Charlie. I'm hoping this village is clear. It'd be nice not to worry about being murdered in your sleep from an ambush.
I wish I could be home for Thanks Giving. I just found out they don't even celebrate it here. I guess no turkey for me this year. We're starting out again soon. The next village is 17 klicks away.
Your hero,
Al
November 18th 1965
Dear Matt,
I ain't written in a while. Ain't had the time. Ain't had the paper. We lost it during an ambush. Lost Francis and Arthur too. They both fell into a pit. Punji stakes sliced 'em up real good. It's getting harder to go on. Every step I take I'm worried if I'm gonna be the one who sets off the next booby trap. Only thing that keeps me going is knowing that I'm gonna be home in August with you.
I love you so much, Matt! I can't wait to be home in our bed. The ground just ain't comfortable. It sucks knowing I can't be there with you. Give my regards to my mom. I forgot to write her a letter this month too. She'll probably chew me out in the next one she sends.
Love,
Al
November 23rd 1965
Dear Matt,
I want you to know that I love you more than life itself. I ain't fightin for no freedom here. I ain't fightin for nuthin but my survival. If I can make it home to you in one piece that's good enough for me. I swear I won't come home in no pine box. I swear I'll come home. Wait for me, Matt.
Love,
Your hero
November 25th 1965
Dear Matt,
It ain't cold here at all. I keep wishin it'd snow or somethin. Boy, I can see it now! Snow all over the beaches! All these people'd be freakin out. I don't think they ever seen snow before. I showed some lady the photo you sent me with the snowman. She didn't even know what a snowman was!
It sure feels good here. I betcha we could still go swimming! Can you imagine us boys swimming this time of year? That'll really be something.
Love,
Al
November 30th 1965
Matt,
It's been pretty smooth sailing so far. Tension is getting really strong here. Antonio looks like he's ready to blow someone's head off. He just needs to get laid. He ain't seen his sweetheart in forever. I ain't seen you in forever either.
I feel like me and death are best buddies except he's the Soviet Union and I'm America. Me and death are just like that. It's strange that we're here in S.V. considering the north is supposed to be the bad guys. The stupid Charlie should just see that democracy is 100 times better than communism.
Yours Truly,
Al
December 6th 1965
Dear Matt,
For Christmas I want a picture of you wearin nuthin but a superman cape. Do that for me and I'll come home in August. I want to come home so bad. I want to see you Matt. Told the guys in the unit that Matt is short for Madeline. Boy did I bullshit that one.
I shoulda told 'em I was gay. I want to fight communism and keep the bad guys out, but we ain't winnin. I don't think we can win this thing.
Love,
Al
December 10th 1965
Dear Matt,
Ain't it time for me to come home yet? We got a couple of new guys in the unit to replace old ones who've died. I miss Arthur and Francis a lot. They were real good buddies. I wish they didn't die.
I feel like I'm walking 100 miles each day. I'm so tired, Matt. We ain't meant to be here. Even the mosquitos are out to get us. I'll be home in August.
Love,
Al
December 12th 1965
Matt,
I saw this huge ass snake yesterday! It bit Antonio! He was the biggest baby crying out for his sweet Lovi. It was really funny. We got him to the hospital in time. He ain't losin no leg or nuthin. He gonna be there for a while. New guy in our unit named Ludwig. His parents are German immigrants. He's a real weird dude.
I miss you and I'll see you soon enough!
Your hero,
Al
A.N./ The letters are so sad if you've ever read any from people who have died.