25 August, 1967: “I Just got your letter of the 9th and was so damn glad to hear from someone stateside I  decided to answer it ASAP. My mail has just caught up with me as I was at Ft. Lewis, 3 days, Cam Ranh Bay, 3 days, Nha Trang, 3 days, DaNang, 3 days and finally here at Tien Phouc. . . . “ READ MORE →

A life long friend recently informed me that he had kept all the letters I had mailed him during both my tours in Vietnam. I’ve decided it might be interesting to post those letters on this site. A real look at what I was thinking about over 40 years ago. Since my hand writing and spelling are atrocious, I decided to add a “transcribed” version below the hand written image. I have corrected some spelling and added some punctuation for clarity. (I have also added a few comments.)

09 September, 1967: “. . . Sorry about your fish. Better luck next time.

Would you believe it is now the 11th. Don't ask me what happened. I'm not even sure. Sorry about the dirty paper but I'm running a little short. . . . “ READ MORE →

02 October, 1967: “. . . Sorry about your fish. Better luck next time.

Would you believe it is now the 11th. Don't ask me what happened. I'm not even sure. Sorry about the dirty paper but I'm running a little short. . . . “ READ MORE →

12 October, 1967: “. . . After two months, I still haven't been shot at (personally) or fired a shot in anger (except at a rat my bunker). It's a hell of a war but the only one we've got***.

Better close for now as I just got back from the operation and am beat. . .”  READ MORE →

27 October, 1967: “. . . You think you have "one of those days" now and again. I've had "one of those days" every day since I've gotten in country. Funny thing about having an idiot team leader. We've had two in a row now. This yo-yo leaves and about 50 days. Hope we do better than.  . .”  READ MORE →

10 November, 1967: “. . . I got to shoot at some Charlies from an aircraft yesterday. I went up on an overflight. Or was that overfright? We flew around for about 1 1/4 hours looking for trouble. Fired three rockets (the fourth was a dud) at VC huts and then I spotted a convoy. The only weapons on board were my .45 and the pilots M-16. He asked me if I wanted to shoot at them. To wit I told him I wasn't too sure of my aerial gunnery. He told me just to be careful of the wing. One stud already put three rounds through it. Only 22 1/2 more hours and I'll get my air medal. .  . .”  READ MORE →

08 December, 1967: “. . . The entire team has changed since I first got here. I now have more time on site than anyone else and more operations. Big accomplishment! No? . . .”  READ MORE →

25 December, 1967: “. . . Just got off a great operation. We killed five NVA soldiers and wounded two more. Lost 2 CIDG with 1 wounded. (This was a joint operation with the 101st Airborne Division.) . . . I can now say I've been shot at. And don't like it worth a damn! I captured a Chicom (Chinese Communists) made SKS carbine in like new condition. My next problem is getting it back into the states. . .”  READ MORE →

05 February, 1968: “. . . So it's been a while. Seems Charles is getting a little more active around here then he use  to be. Like Hau Duc the 2nd of Jan. and Tam Key which I just left after spending 10 hectic days. . . . I don't think I'll be using this address much longer. I put in a 1049 (request for personal action form) for transfer to the C&C detachment. . .”  READ MORE →

16 February, 1968: “. . . That's right. I'm not it Tien Phuoc anymore. I've been assigned to my C-Team as the S-5 NCO. S-5 is the Civil Affairs Staff Section. I'm the only enlisted man in the section. Just me into and two 1st Lts. . . . The job I got isn't too bad. Although the life here in garrison is real rinky-dink. Formations all the time with inspections on Sats. And a Sgt. Maj. who is a real pearl. I just wish he'd go crawl back into his oyster. I've got 4 VN laborers, one VN truck driver and an interpreter who work for me. Like I say, the job isn't bad. I just like it better out on an a-site or Mike Force or C&C Det. Or anything away from here. AARRGGG. . . .”  READ MORE →