One more GI from Vietnam, St Peter, I've served my time in hell. -popular saying among soldiers
Mom,
Just writing to say that I got your package. I've already eaten most of it and the chocolate was melted, but I ate that too.
Love,
John
Mom,
The mail service is really erratic over here. Sometimes I don't get mail for a week, then suddenly I have mail from only two days ago.
Bernie told me you were really upset with the last letter I sent you and I'm sorry. I'm so sorry. It's just that the guys don't talk about it afterwards, other than to say it was one hell of a night, or something similar. And to me, suddenly thrust into this place with people dying and begin injured on a daily basis... it's something I feel should be talked about, not to showcase how bad war is, but just to talk about it. To let it out. There may be times or events when I won't talk, but this... this isn't one of them. I'll try and include less next time. I'm really sorry.
Answering a couple questions Bernie said you had, I'd like to get the paper, yes. Let me know the local news at home. The package was great; I sent a note saying I received it. I ate most of the food the day I got it, and I shared the rest with the guys. Next time, don't send chocolate, as it melted. But even melted, it tasted great. I've read two of the three books you sent. Tell Bernie to get more by those authors, as I found them interesting. I've stashed the notebook and pen in as safe a place as I could find, as I fell they'll get the most use.
It started raining yesterday morning and hasn't let up much since. Everything quickly turned to mud. Unfortunately, we had to go out on patrol during one of the brief lulls and had to put on our ponchos. Everyone got soaked to the bone anyway. I think I'm still wet, hours later. Our return to camp also got delayed, so we set up about a quarter mile from the LZ. As an FNG (ask Bernie what it means... but don't slap him), Stanley and I had to go on watch at opposite ends. David volunteered to sit out with me, but Stanley got stuck with one of the guy's who's short (as in time. He's planning on leaving next week), who wasn't too happy about the whole patrol anyway and seeing as we got stuck out there, he was convinced he was going to die. Stanley said all he did was stare out to the jungle, every once in a while muttering something along the lines of, "At least St. Peter will let me in, I've already been to hell." When the choppers finally radio'd us to get to the LZ, we scrambled there, quickly securing it. Apparently, though, there were a couple VC in the trees and we attracted fire as we were lifting off. A couple guys opened up on the treetops below and that silenced them.
Mom, I can't say how sorry I am. I just needed to tell someone and you said not to tell Bernie... Now I'm placing the blame on you. It's my fault. I should've thought about it before writing. I'm sorry. I can't say it enough. Please, forgive me. I promise, never again.
Your loving son,
John
PS Please send my well wishes to David's parents.