Artillery from our ships will soon hit your village. You must look for cover immediately. From now on, chase the Vietcong away from your village, so the government won't have to shell your area again. -Leaflet No. APO-6227, US Army's Psychological Warfare Office
Johnny,
I can't seem to fall asleep, so I thought I'd write. Maybe I won't even send this letter. Who knows?
Bernie is finding life with a broken arm trying and sometimes quite difficult. He and I have been fighting lately concerning the subject of him watching the evening news. Uncle Jacob feels he should be allowed to watch it, but I really don't want him seeing this world. I know he will one day, but I rather it be when he's older. I don't want him to know what you now know. That people kill each other and wage wars against each other. That people die, for no good reason sometimes, too. Under no circumstances do I want communism spreading to the United States, but I don't want to lose my boy in the process. I wish there were a peaceful way to settle this whole ordeal, but I suppose the old politicians rather strut their armies to show off for each other. None of them could possible have a son in the military. Not one. And if they do, they're sitting in comfy armchairs, politely debating this whole conflict. Like I said, I don't want communism to spread, but I don't want to lose good boys like you in the process.
Other than these dark thoughts on the war, life is moving along fairly well. Uncle Jacob is settled in your room. Bernie has been keeping his grades up and been acting better, except for the fight he got himself into. He still won't tell either me or Uncle Jacob with whom he was fighting, or why, and to be honest, I've about given up. I simply don't have the strength or will to argue with him everyday about it. As for me, work has been going about as well as can be expected, it being work and all. I'm almost done getting together another package for you. I've included socks this time, along with snacks and Uncle Jacob's books. Please write me if you need anything else. Have you received a letter from that junior high class I told you about? If you haven't, I assume they haven't gotten around to it yet, what with their studies and all. I hope you've been enjoying the newspaper. How many issues have you gotten so far? David's family has invited Bernie and I to dinner Friday night. I'm so happy for you, being with David even now, so far away from your family, and I'm so glad you have a friend in a boy like David. Such a nice young man.
Oh my, I've just looked at the clock and it reads 1:17. I should try to go to sleep again. Wherever you are, sweet dreams, Johnny. I love you. Stay safe.
Love,
Mom