Tim
10 March 67 …Hi Baby Duck, arrived in Hawaii 7:30 AM…only 1/3 of the way to Nam. Almost caught the sun, but while we were landed there, it got away…I’ll write you soon…Be good…I love you bunches…Timmy.
12 March 67 …arrived Vietnam 0500 hrs. The temperature was a humid 90 degrees. We exchanged our US currency for military script, and next went to the officers quarters at the 90th Replacement Battalion, Bien Hoa, 40 miles northwest of Saigon and 10 miles west of Long Bien…I was told it would be about 2 to 3 days before I get an assignment…I haven’t slept much and this letter is sloppy and rambling…If you thought driving in New York City was bad, you should have been in the convoy to Bien Hoa. There are no traffic rules, and every one drives offensively…The place looks like a huge junkyard…I’m tired and sleepy…The hardest part of the whole trip was trying to stop thinking about you… impossible. Gigi, I love you more than I can express in words…Timmy.
13 March 67 Hi baby, yesterday I told you I was sleepy. I went to sleep around 1600 hrs and woke at 2400 hrs…I was covered with mosquito bites…
14 March 67 Hi Baby, yesterday afternoon I got my orders…I am scheduled to leave at 1445 today for An Khe to be assigned to the First Air Calvary. I don’t know what I’ll be doing, but it’s not hard to guess…Let me tell you what happened when we left Hawaii. I fell asleep. There were three seats on each side of the plane. I was setting in the center of two Signal Corps second Lieutenants. I guess I slept for about seven hours. When I woke, they told me that I kept trying to cuddle. One said he almost woke me when he thought I was going to kiss him. See, you taught me bad habits…we left for Bien Hoa airfield at 1445, but did not take off until 1815. …. We flew a cargo plane (luxury seats on the floor) to An Khe…
15 March 67 …I will be platoon leader second platoon. I met my CO last night here in An Khe. He’s a West Point graduate, and he seems all right…We will be working in northeast Vietnam in the rice paddies, villages and mountains. The operation is called Pershing...The CO said it would take about 30 days for your letters to catch-up with me, so please keep sending them…I love you and miss you…Be good…I’ll write again soon…Love you bunches, Timmy.
16 March 67 …Hi Babe, wrote a letter to my mother and sister yesterday. I told them that I would not have much time to write once I am in the field. So, the only letters I’ll make time to write are to you. Please keep my mother and sister informed…I’ve taken pictures at Bien Hoa and here in An Khe. I’ll finish the role today and send them off to Kodak…Last night at the officers club, Captain Markham showed slides he bought in Hong Kong…nude slides with captions…This place is not that bad! Captain Markham left today for R&R in Hawaii with his wife. He told me I should plan R&R after I’ve been here six months. Let’s start making those plans…I love you bunches…your favorite husband…Timmy.
17 March 67 How are you today Sweetie Britches! So far, I haven’t had a rainy day. The temperature is 80s in the day and 60’s at night…I’ll join my company soon. They are operating around Bong Son and in a few weeks will move into the An Lo Valley. Bong Son is northeast of An Khe on the South China Sea. In my Fort Polk papers I have a map of Vietnam if you would like to keep track of my movements…No letter yet...
Maybe Uncle Sam will find me soon…Love you bunches…Timmy.
18 March 67 Hi Baby Duck…In January the 5th Cav was operating in the An Lo Valley. During their first week of operations they found a small VC PX. It included four sewing machines and thousands of black pajamas and kaki uniforms. The labels on the uniforms said made in Saigon and San Antonio, Texas. Intelligence believes that they came from a black market source in Texas…It looks like you’ve got VC in San Antonio…
19 March 67 Hi baby…Last night I went to the main Officers Club at An Khe with two other officers – not bad. We had steak & baked potato, a real fine meal. They had a band and floorshow. The floorshow was really great…the Korean Rockets…The only officers that really get to use the club are doctors, warrants and other officers assigned to the fort in An Khe…I hope you got the Easter flowers and card. I love you more and more every second. Be sweet and send me some kisses…Gigi’s Timmy.
20 March 67 Hi Babe…I went through my second day of Remount Training yesterday, and we rappelled from helicopters. The first time I didn’t jump right, and the NCOIC (Non-commissioned Officer in Charge) said, Sir, you didn’t do that right. Drop and give me 10 and try it again Sir. 1-2-3-4-5, etc. I said, "Thank you for the push-ups, Sergeant." It was a lot of fun…Tomorrow we go on patrol in the territory around An Khe, and spend tomorrow night camped out in the bush…
22 March 67 Hi Baby…We finished Remount training last night. 34 other green troops and I camped out under the stars and played war…While we were putting out trip flares and claymore mines, one of my squad leaders spotted a VC. I took six men with me to look over the situation but found nothing. It’s a good thing we didn’t search further for the VC last evening, since in the morning we found booby traps that he had left for us… no one was hurt…Still waiting for your letters. Maybe soon…I love you and miss you… Timmy.
23 March 67 Hi baby…I arrived at LZ English at 0900 hours this morning, and I am sitting around waiting for the Battalion Commander to fly with me to join Charlie Company…I don’t think I’ll be able to buy too many items native to the country. I’ll probably be in the field until R&R, and there really isn’t anything to buy…Send cookies and pictures…Boy, oh boy, I can’t wait until R&R…Love you bunches, Timmy.
24 March 67 …Shortly after I finished yesterday’s letter, the Battalion Commander arrived to fly with me to join my company…arrived around 1800 hours…I have a fine platoon sergeant and excellent squad leaders…platoon has 33 men; a bit under strength, but it will be easier to control…Today we conducted a mission into the valley…covered only about 350 meters, but we found 3 tunnels and a well with a cave in it. Believe it or not, but I really enjoyed today…I am told that you don’t find Charlie until he wants you to…we are busy tonight, so I’ll write you tomorrow. Be good…I love you bunches… Timmy.
25 March 67 Hello Baby, Well I’m really having a swinging Saturday night; I’m lying on an air mattress in my platoon command post (two ponchos fastened together on sticks, and tied to the ground) on a hill overlooking a village and rice paddies, swatting mosquitoes, using a flashlight, writing my Gigi a letter. How’s that for excitement…this morning we made an air assault 3 miles from our previous location. After we landed, the company went in one direction and I took my platoon on another air assault into the mountains. We didn’t fined any VC, but we found a number of booby traps…1st Cav is a great assignment because the air mobility seems to be only a call away---These are the greatest bunch of guys I have worked with. Each man knows his job and does it…Tomorrow is Easter. I hope you got the flowers I sent…Happy Easter…bunches of love and kisses – Timmy.
26 March 67 Good morning Baby…I hope the Easter Bunny came to see you. He brought me 2 Easter eggs. Every morning the battalion tries to bring us coffee and donuts. This morning we had colored hard-boiled eggs…I am usually in a hurry when I write, so I don’t get to really explain everything. This morning we don’t leave on a mission until 1030 hrs, so I have a little more time. Most mornings we try to start patrolling around 0800 hrs and finish up about 1600 hrs, if all goes well. We do very little night patrolling. The night before last I took my platoon out just before dark and set-up an ambush. It was an ideal ambush site, but Charlie didn’t come by…this command really makes me feel great. Already the men, most with a lot more experience and age than me, look to me for guidance and leadership. It’s really great…when I am patrolling, the time goes fast, but my thoughts are first with you and second on the safety of my men…11 ½ months to go but only 5 ½ to R&R…I haven’t had a shower in five days now – I should be really ripe in 5 1/2 months…getting close to assault time…be good, stay sweet and pretty. I love you bunches and bunches – Timmy.
27 March 67 …Well our air assault didn’t turn out bad. We thought we were going into the area to cordon and search. Instead we went back to LZ English to secure the base…I set up a command post, and we all had a little beer party, compliments of the Battalion…this morning I received an order to take 15 men to patrol an area where the Air Force lost two 750 lb. Bombs. We found one, and I sent six men to look for the other while I waited for a Chinook to come and lift the bomb out. This afternoon, we are scheduled to assault back into the mountains of the An Lo Valley to act as a backing force…hoping today I’ll get a letter…
28 March 67 …Today, we are operating in the mountains and serving as a blocking force for other companies of the battalion operating in the An Lo below…still no mail…
29 March 67 … My morale is really sky high today. This afternoon we walked from the mountains to the valley below about 3,000 meters. The temperature is in the 100's, but when our supplies arrived, I got my first two letters…
30 March 67 …Last night we had a hectic night. We were set-up in a two-platoon perimeter. At 2200 hrs a VC snuck up on 3rd platoon’s position and threw a hand grenade. No one was hurt. The 3rd platoon was jumpy and fired for almost 2 hours. I put out an order to my men that if anyone fired, they better have a dead VC at the end of the bullet. There was no more firing from the 2nd platoon, and finally the 3rd platoon caught on and ceased firing…. This morning we moved to a mountain, which provided an excellent location to observe the valley, but it was covered with brush so we had to clear it. We chopped for about 4 hours to create a half-ass LZ and perimeter…received two letters today. They were great, simply great…
1 April 67 …No letter today…I was talking to the CO’s RTO today. He said the other night when the grenade was tossed on the 3rd platoon, the CO said I was so calm and cool and handled things very well. Got word today we are headed to An Khe for a while for relaxation and training…
2 & 3 April 67 …I receive two wonderful letters from you today. I went in to Ah Khe today and bought a few things. I can’t tell what, but I’ll mail them soon…
4 April 67 …I bought a Minolta SR7 camera today at the PX for $99.25; they cost almost $300 in the States. I don’t want to take it to the field, so I’ll give it to the sergeant major for safekeeping and give it to you during R&R. We had a battalion meeting at the officers club tonight. The battalion commander congratulated me in front of the group on the job I was doing. That was a real surprise. I think my CO likes me. Tomorrow I get my Combat Infantrymen’s Badge. Time goes slow in An Khe, but fast in the field…
5 April 67 …I don’t think we’ll need a lot of money for R&R, unless they charge by the hour to use the bed…received two letters today…Send peanuts…Your Timmy.
6 April 67 …We go back to the field tomorrow and I’m looking forward to going. Time moves really fast in the field, but slow here. Stay sweet. I love and miss you very much.
8 April 67 … We are in Duc Pho in the north near the DMZ taking over for the Marines…
9 April 67 …Today, five men and I went to a village near our base camp. The Village had a well, and a little boy drew water for us, and we all bathed/showered as best we could. It was refreshing. Tomorrow we move to a beach near Khanh Nam where we are to secure the beach for Army Engineers to bring heavy equipment ashore…
10 & 11 April 67 …We are on the beach. After setting up the perimeter, we took turns skinny-dipping in the ocean this morning. Late morning I took a tank squad and a Navy diving team south along to beach to look for another landing site for heavy equipment…
12 April 67 …The mailman forgot Charlie Company again yesterday. This afternoon I got 9 letters! I love the smell on the letters. It must be your bath powder. I keep all of your letters in a plastic bag in my side pocket. I take them out and smell them from time to time, so I always have the smell of my Gigi with me. I love you bunches, Timmy.
13 April 67 … I am enclosing two propaganda papers that are distributed and dropped from helicopters. One paper is from the 1st Cav and tells the people how the 1st Cav will help them, but warns the VC and NVA that the big birds will fly from the sky and destroy them if they are fired upon. The second paper is distributed by the NVA and tells how communism has helped the world and will help them…
14 April 67 ...All day my platoon walked with the engineers. We provided security as they built the road. Today we covered about 6,000 meters of road from the beach inland. We were sniped at three different times, but no one was injured. I eventually called in artillery and tore-up the areas that were the source of the fire. We were ordered to burn villages and destroy hiding places. It was a long tiring day and I am glad for the rest. I sure miss you.
15 April 67 …we are moving further north tomorrow near the Song Tra Cau River. I can’t tell you any more, but you can at least see the river on your map. This morning I was invited to go onto one of the Navy vessels. They didn’t have a store, but they did have wonderful showers. I spent at least 30 minutes showering and it was great. I’ve not been this clean since San Antonio, but I’ll get dirty again soon; the infantry way…I will live for the day we are together again, and I’ll love with words and memories until then. I’d like to sing you a love song, but I don’t remember any of the words…Send more pictures…
16 April 67 …We finally changed locations and are at LZ Montezuma near the river I mentioned yesterday. While we enjoyed the beach, 5 days and nights of sand is enough for now. The Marines build this LZ and occupied it for about 80 days. They fixed it up nice during that time. Since my platoon is the only one here, I get the CP (Command Post), which is a large two-room bunker. All positions are well fortified. We are supposed to be here for five days, conducting small patrols in the surrounding area...
17 April 67 …I don't have any place to put things. When I was in An Khe I did, but the CO told me that I'll likely not go there again until R&R in August. I appreciate whatever you send me…I know how you feel when you want me to tell you how much I love you. That's what I look forward to in every one of your letters. Without those words, I get depressed. Baby, we know without any doubt how strong our love is for each other, and knowing this, we sometime take that for granted. My love for you is greater than I thought possible to love anyone. Day and night I'm thankful that I have you…When God made you, he stamped you perfect and tagged you for Timmy …You had told me I would see honey buckets when I got to Nam. These people don’t use buckets. They squat and go when the urge comes. No inhibition at all…
18 April 67 …This afternoon we were notified to get ready for a mission. We were to be used as a ready reaction force further north…When we landed at our destination, we moved quickly, sweeping through several villages, capturing 4 VC without firing a shot. No US forces operated in that area and our fast movement was a surprise…
20 April 67 …could not write yesterday, since we were on the move from dawn to dusk. We are now back in the Bong Son area…Keep sending pictures…On my next few rolls of film, I had my RTO take a few shots of me. One is of me in full combat gear as your brother requested…
21 April 67 …No time to write much today. The weather is 110 degrees with high humidity…wish I were spending the summer with you. Bye for now. I love you. See you in my dreams.
22 April 67 …Thanks for the darts. This morning my men put pictures of Playboy Bunnies against a dirt bank and took turns trying to hit selected places. You can imagine the point system used…Right now I am sitting on a mountain looking out across the South China Sea. As I look, I can almost see San Antonio. Oh what I would give to be there right now. The streets are crowded, but I can see my Gigi, the most beautiful woman in the world. I know it’s you. I see the beautiful hair, the twinkling eyes, and shapely sexy sway of your body…see you in my dreams.
23 April 67 …Jackpot! Today I received 7 letters from you. My letters should catch-up with you soon…I carry the pictures you send with me at all times and I look at them often…
24 April 67 …It has rained for five days straight now, and it’s not even monsoon season…the temperatures are cooler, but it’s miserable to be wet all the time, especially in my sleep…We get a change of socks daily which helps…As usual, it’s getting late and I am tired from playing war…goodnight…I’ll see you in my dreams.
25 April 67 …I got to take a bath today. I took a squad on patrol in the mountains. We found a beautiful stream, so we took turns bathing…No letters today…I love you.
26 April 67 …Hi Sweetie…No mail again today, but I know you wrote to me. Letters will catch-up soon…we are still climbing mountains. On your map, look for the tallest and steepest mountain east of the Bon Song Plain near the sea. That’s where we are today…kisses and snakey licks…Your Timmy.
27 April 67 …still climbing mountains…still no letters…maybe tomorrow…
28 April 67 …I received two letters today and a package with all kinds of goodies…the cookies were fresh and delicious. I ate my fill and shared with my men. They asked that you send more. I shared the peanuts with my command group. They were great…we are operating near Dam Tra O Lake near the sea. We are now in the mountains following a stream leading to the lake below…one of squad leaders offered to give me a haircut today…I wish you could be in my next package. That would a wonderful surprise…Time for my haircut…I love you bunches.
29 April 67 …I found a Buddhist scarf and will send it to you when I can. It’s a bit soiled and frayed, but a great souvenir…thanks for the book, Of Mice and Men. I finished it recently. Sgt. Sal is reading it now…when the mail arrives, one of my squad leaders collects the 2nd platoon’s mail in a bundle prepared in An Khe. He always brings the bundle for me to smell. The smell of your bath powder let’s me know that I have a letter. My men asked if they can smell my letters…At night before going to sleep, I look at the picture you sent me and smell my bag of letters…It’s the next best thing to having you here…We are supposed to wear our uniforms until they tear. I try to find a way to tear my uniform at least weekly. Five days of dirt and grime is enough….I look forward to patrols that take us near steams, and I try to give my men and myself a chance to wash-up a bit…we don’t always smell that good…Being separated from you is harder than I thought it would be. When I return, I’ll not let you out of sight again…I’ll see you in my dreams.
1 May 67 …Received 3 letters today from a beautiful woman, and each had a picture of her…I look forward to R&R and our 3rd honeymoon…
2 May 67 …We received an order that General Abrams will visit Charlie Company. He is to replace General Westmoreland as Vietnam Commander…Today we were ordered to move to a river in our area of operation and take a bath…The general must have a sensitive smeller…Tomorrow night we are all to receive fresh uniforms…Today my RTO put Kool Aide in coconut milk and it was really great…No matter how hot is gets the coconut milk is cool…My RTO told me to ask you to remember him in your prayers, since everywhere I go, he goes…see you in my dreams.
3 May 67 …Received 3 beautiful letters today…The general arrives tomorrow to watch us conduct a sweep of an area on the plains…look for this in the news…It’s 2300 hours and I must go to sleep to look good for the general…million kisses and snakey licks…
4 May 67 …I really needed you today…we patrolled hard and long and I needed a hug…by the way, the general never showed. He was delayed at other stops and did not have time for us…can I come home now…
5 May 67 …We captured 5 more VC today…This week my platoon killed 3 and captured 12…I don’t always agree with my CO’s tactics, and I offer my suggestions…he often uses my suggestions, but I'm not sure he like to…I always try to protect my men rather than setting them up as bait…
7 May 67 …My watch died about a week ago…one of men went to An Khe and there he bought a $10 watch…nothing fancy, but it will do…I sent a second letter to the 90th Replacement Battalion inquiring about the letters and package you mailed to me there…hope to hear from them soon…
8 May 67 …I had to cut last night’s letter short…I took men on a night patrol…we didn’t return until 0100 hours…it really gets dark out there and I hope I don’t have too many more of those…received 5 letters today and one large envelope with a bunch of letters forwarded from the 90th Replacement Battalion…You asked about what happens to our dirty socks. We put them in a pot, add water and make stew; actually, battalion washes and returns them for re-use…
10 March 67 …Hi Baby Duck, arrived in Hawaii 7:30 AM…only 1/3 of the way to Nam. Almost caught the sun, but while we were landed there, it got away…I’ll write you soon…Be good…I love you bunches…Timmy.
12 March 67 …arrived Vietnam 0500 hrs. The temperature was a humid 90 degrees. We exchanged our US currency for military script, and next went to the officers quarters at the 90th Replacement Battalion, Bien Hoa, 40 miles northwest of Saigon and 10 miles west of Long Bien…I was told it would be about 2 to 3 days before I get an assignment…I haven’t slept much and this letter is sloppy and rambling…If you thought driving in New York City was bad, you should have been in the convoy to Bien Hoa. There are no traffic rules, and every one drives offensively…The place looks like a huge junkyard…I’m tired and sleepy…The hardest part of the whole trip was trying to stop thinking about you… impossible. Gigi, I love you more than I can express in words…Timmy.
13 March 67 Hi baby, yesterday I told you I was sleepy. I went to sleep around 1600 hrs and woke at 2400 hrs…I was covered with mosquito bites…
14 March 67 Hi Baby, yesterday afternoon I got my orders…I am scheduled to leave at 1445 today for An Khe to be assigned to the First Air Calvary. I don’t know what I’ll be doing, but it’s not hard to guess…Let me tell you what happened when we left Hawaii. I fell asleep. There were three seats on each side of the plane. I was setting in the center of two Signal Corps second Lieutenants. I guess I slept for about seven hours. When I woke, they told me that I kept trying to cuddle. One said he almost woke me when he thought I was going to kiss him. See, you taught me bad habits…we left for Bien Hoa airfield at 1445, but did not take off until 1815. …. We flew a cargo plane (luxury seats on the floor) to An Khe…
15 March 67 …I will be platoon leader second platoon. I met my CO last night here in An Khe. He’s a West Point graduate, and he seems all right…We will be working in northeast Vietnam in the rice paddies, villages and mountains. The operation is called Pershing...The CO said it would take about 30 days for your letters to catch-up with me, so please keep sending them…I love you and miss you…Be good…I’ll write again soon…Love you bunches, Timmy.
16 March 67 …Hi Babe, wrote a letter to my mother and sister yesterday. I told them that I would not have much time to write once I am in the field. So, the only letters I’ll make time to write are to you. Please keep my mother and sister informed…I’ve taken pictures at Bien Hoa and here in An Khe. I’ll finish the role today and send them off to Kodak…Last night at the officers club, Captain Markham showed slides he bought in Hong Kong…nude slides with captions…This place is not that bad! Captain Markham left today for R&R in Hawaii with his wife. He told me I should plan R&R after I’ve been here six months. Let’s start making those plans…I love you bunches…your favorite husband…Timmy.
17 March 67 How are you today Sweetie Britches! So far, I haven’t had a rainy day. The temperature is 80s in the day and 60’s at night…I’ll join my company soon. They are operating around Bong Son and in a few weeks will move into the An Lo Valley. Bong Son is northeast of An Khe on the South China Sea. In my Fort Polk papers I have a map of Vietnam if you would like to keep track of my movements…No letter yet...
Maybe Uncle Sam will find me soon…Love you bunches…Timmy.
18 March 67 Hi Baby Duck…In January the 5th Cav was operating in the An Lo Valley. During their first week of operations they found a small VC PX. It included four sewing machines and thousands of black pajamas and kaki uniforms. The labels on the uniforms said made in Saigon and San Antonio, Texas. Intelligence believes that they came from a black market source in Texas…It looks like you’ve got VC in San Antonio…
19 March 67 Hi baby…Last night I went to the main Officers Club at An Khe with two other officers – not bad. We had steak & baked potato, a real fine meal. They had a band and floorshow. The floorshow was really great…the Korean Rockets…The only officers that really get to use the club are doctors, warrants and other officers assigned to the fort in An Khe…I hope you got the Easter flowers and card. I love you more and more every second. Be sweet and send me some kisses…Gigi’s Timmy.
20 March 67 Hi Babe…I went through my second day of Remount Training yesterday, and we rappelled from helicopters. The first time I didn’t jump right, and the NCOIC (Non-commissioned Officer in Charge) said, Sir, you didn’t do that right. Drop and give me 10 and try it again Sir. 1-2-3-4-5, etc. I said, "Thank you for the push-ups, Sergeant." It was a lot of fun…Tomorrow we go on patrol in the territory around An Khe, and spend tomorrow night camped out in the bush…
22 March 67 Hi Baby…We finished Remount training last night. 34 other green troops and I camped out under the stars and played war…While we were putting out trip flares and claymore mines, one of my squad leaders spotted a VC. I took six men with me to look over the situation but found nothing. It’s a good thing we didn’t search further for the VC last evening, since in the morning we found booby traps that he had left for us… no one was hurt…Still waiting for your letters. Maybe soon…I love you and miss you… Timmy.
23 March 67 Hi baby…I arrived at LZ English at 0900 hours this morning, and I am sitting around waiting for the Battalion Commander to fly with me to join Charlie Company…I don’t think I’ll be able to buy too many items native to the country. I’ll probably be in the field until R&R, and there really isn’t anything to buy…Send cookies and pictures…Boy, oh boy, I can’t wait until R&R…Love you bunches, Timmy.
24 March 67 …Shortly after I finished yesterday’s letter, the Battalion Commander arrived to fly with me to join my company…arrived around 1800 hours…I have a fine platoon sergeant and excellent squad leaders…platoon has 33 men; a bit under strength, but it will be easier to control…Today we conducted a mission into the valley…covered only about 350 meters, but we found 3 tunnels and a well with a cave in it. Believe it or not, but I really enjoyed today…I am told that you don’t find Charlie until he wants you to…we are busy tonight, so I’ll write you tomorrow. Be good…I love you bunches… Timmy.
25 March 67 Hello Baby, Well I’m really having a swinging Saturday night; I’m lying on an air mattress in my platoon command post (two ponchos fastened together on sticks, and tied to the ground) on a hill overlooking a village and rice paddies, swatting mosquitoes, using a flashlight, writing my Gigi a letter. How’s that for excitement…this morning we made an air assault 3 miles from our previous location. After we landed, the company went in one direction and I took my platoon on another air assault into the mountains. We didn’t fined any VC, but we found a number of booby traps…1st Cav is a great assignment because the air mobility seems to be only a call away---These are the greatest bunch of guys I have worked with. Each man knows his job and does it…Tomorrow is Easter. I hope you got the flowers I sent…Happy Easter…bunches of love and kisses – Timmy.
26 March 67 Good morning Baby…I hope the Easter Bunny came to see you. He brought me 2 Easter eggs. Every morning the battalion tries to bring us coffee and donuts. This morning we had colored hard-boiled eggs…I am usually in a hurry when I write, so I don’t get to really explain everything. This morning we don’t leave on a mission until 1030 hrs, so I have a little more time. Most mornings we try to start patrolling around 0800 hrs and finish up about 1600 hrs, if all goes well. We do very little night patrolling. The night before last I took my platoon out just before dark and set-up an ambush. It was an ideal ambush site, but Charlie didn’t come by…this command really makes me feel great. Already the men, most with a lot more experience and age than me, look to me for guidance and leadership. It’s really great…when I am patrolling, the time goes fast, but my thoughts are first with you and second on the safety of my men…11 ½ months to go but only 5 ½ to R&R…I haven’t had a shower in five days now – I should be really ripe in 5 1/2 months…getting close to assault time…be good, stay sweet and pretty. I love you bunches and bunches – Timmy.
27 March 67 …Well our air assault didn’t turn out bad. We thought we were going into the area to cordon and search. Instead we went back to LZ English to secure the base…I set up a command post, and we all had a little beer party, compliments of the Battalion…this morning I received an order to take 15 men to patrol an area where the Air Force lost two 750 lb. Bombs. We found one, and I sent six men to look for the other while I waited for a Chinook to come and lift the bomb out. This afternoon, we are scheduled to assault back into the mountains of the An Lo Valley to act as a backing force…hoping today I’ll get a letter…
28 March 67 …Today, we are operating in the mountains and serving as a blocking force for other companies of the battalion operating in the An Lo below…still no mail…
29 March 67 … My morale is really sky high today. This afternoon we walked from the mountains to the valley below about 3,000 meters. The temperature is in the 100's, but when our supplies arrived, I got my first two letters…
30 March 67 …Last night we had a hectic night. We were set-up in a two-platoon perimeter. At 2200 hrs a VC snuck up on 3rd platoon’s position and threw a hand grenade. No one was hurt. The 3rd platoon was jumpy and fired for almost 2 hours. I put out an order to my men that if anyone fired, they better have a dead VC at the end of the bullet. There was no more firing from the 2nd platoon, and finally the 3rd platoon caught on and ceased firing…. This morning we moved to a mountain, which provided an excellent location to observe the valley, but it was covered with brush so we had to clear it. We chopped for about 4 hours to create a half-ass LZ and perimeter…received two letters today. They were great, simply great…
1 April 67 …No letter today…I was talking to the CO’s RTO today. He said the other night when the grenade was tossed on the 3rd platoon, the CO said I was so calm and cool and handled things very well. Got word today we are headed to An Khe for a while for relaxation and training…
2 & 3 April 67 …I receive two wonderful letters from you today. I went in to Ah Khe today and bought a few things. I can’t tell what, but I’ll mail them soon…
4 April 67 …I bought a Minolta SR7 camera today at the PX for $99.25; they cost almost $300 in the States. I don’t want to take it to the field, so I’ll give it to the sergeant major for safekeeping and give it to you during R&R. We had a battalion meeting at the officers club tonight. The battalion commander congratulated me in front of the group on the job I was doing. That was a real surprise. I think my CO likes me. Tomorrow I get my Combat Infantrymen’s Badge. Time goes slow in An Khe, but fast in the field…
5 April 67 …I don’t think we’ll need a lot of money for R&R, unless they charge by the hour to use the bed…received two letters today…Send peanuts…Your Timmy.
6 April 67 …We go back to the field tomorrow and I’m looking forward to going. Time moves really fast in the field, but slow here. Stay sweet. I love and miss you very much.
8 April 67 … We are in Duc Pho in the north near the DMZ taking over for the Marines…
9 April 67 …Today, five men and I went to a village near our base camp. The Village had a well, and a little boy drew water for us, and we all bathed/showered as best we could. It was refreshing. Tomorrow we move to a beach near Khanh Nam where we are to secure the beach for Army Engineers to bring heavy equipment ashore…
10 & 11 April 67 …We are on the beach. After setting up the perimeter, we took turns skinny-dipping in the ocean this morning. Late morning I took a tank squad and a Navy diving team south along to beach to look for another landing site for heavy equipment…
12 April 67 …The mailman forgot Charlie Company again yesterday. This afternoon I got 9 letters! I love the smell on the letters. It must be your bath powder. I keep all of your letters in a plastic bag in my side pocket. I take them out and smell them from time to time, so I always have the smell of my Gigi with me. I love you bunches, Timmy.
13 April 67 … I am enclosing two propaganda papers that are distributed and dropped from helicopters. One paper is from the 1st Cav and tells the people how the 1st Cav will help them, but warns the VC and NVA that the big birds will fly from the sky and destroy them if they are fired upon. The second paper is distributed by the NVA and tells how communism has helped the world and will help them…
14 April 67 ...All day my platoon walked with the engineers. We provided security as they built the road. Today we covered about 6,000 meters of road from the beach inland. We were sniped at three different times, but no one was injured. I eventually called in artillery and tore-up the areas that were the source of the fire. We were ordered to burn villages and destroy hiding places. It was a long tiring day and I am glad for the rest. I sure miss you.
15 April 67 …we are moving further north tomorrow near the Song Tra Cau River. I can’t tell you any more, but you can at least see the river on your map. This morning I was invited to go onto one of the Navy vessels. They didn’t have a store, but they did have wonderful showers. I spent at least 30 minutes showering and it was great. I’ve not been this clean since San Antonio, but I’ll get dirty again soon; the infantry way…I will live for the day we are together again, and I’ll love with words and memories until then. I’d like to sing you a love song, but I don’t remember any of the words…Send more pictures…
16 April 67 …We finally changed locations and are at LZ Montezuma near the river I mentioned yesterday. While we enjoyed the beach, 5 days and nights of sand is enough for now. The Marines build this LZ and occupied it for about 80 days. They fixed it up nice during that time. Since my platoon is the only one here, I get the CP (Command Post), which is a large two-room bunker. All positions are well fortified. We are supposed to be here for five days, conducting small patrols in the surrounding area...
17 April 67 …I don't have any place to put things. When I was in An Khe I did, but the CO told me that I'll likely not go there again until R&R in August. I appreciate whatever you send me…I know how you feel when you want me to tell you how much I love you. That's what I look forward to in every one of your letters. Without those words, I get depressed. Baby, we know without any doubt how strong our love is for each other, and knowing this, we sometime take that for granted. My love for you is greater than I thought possible to love anyone. Day and night I'm thankful that I have you…When God made you, he stamped you perfect and tagged you for Timmy …You had told me I would see honey buckets when I got to Nam. These people don’t use buckets. They squat and go when the urge comes. No inhibition at all…
18 April 67 …This afternoon we were notified to get ready for a mission. We were to be used as a ready reaction force further north…When we landed at our destination, we moved quickly, sweeping through several villages, capturing 4 VC without firing a shot. No US forces operated in that area and our fast movement was a surprise…
20 April 67 …could not write yesterday, since we were on the move from dawn to dusk. We are now back in the Bong Son area…Keep sending pictures…On my next few rolls of film, I had my RTO take a few shots of me. One is of me in full combat gear as your brother requested…
21 April 67 …No time to write much today. The weather is 110 degrees with high humidity…wish I were spending the summer with you. Bye for now. I love you. See you in my dreams.
22 April 67 …Thanks for the darts. This morning my men put pictures of Playboy Bunnies against a dirt bank and took turns trying to hit selected places. You can imagine the point system used…Right now I am sitting on a mountain looking out across the South China Sea. As I look, I can almost see San Antonio. Oh what I would give to be there right now. The streets are crowded, but I can see my Gigi, the most beautiful woman in the world. I know it’s you. I see the beautiful hair, the twinkling eyes, and shapely sexy sway of your body…see you in my dreams.
23 April 67 …Jackpot! Today I received 7 letters from you. My letters should catch-up with you soon…I carry the pictures you send with me at all times and I look at them often…
24 April 67 …It has rained for five days straight now, and it’s not even monsoon season…the temperatures are cooler, but it’s miserable to be wet all the time, especially in my sleep…We get a change of socks daily which helps…As usual, it’s getting late and I am tired from playing war…goodnight…I’ll see you in my dreams.
25 April 67 …I got to take a bath today. I took a squad on patrol in the mountains. We found a beautiful stream, so we took turns bathing…No letters today…I love you.
26 April 67 …Hi Sweetie…No mail again today, but I know you wrote to me. Letters will catch-up soon…we are still climbing mountains. On your map, look for the tallest and steepest mountain east of the Bon Song Plain near the sea. That’s where we are today…kisses and snakey licks…Your Timmy.
27 April 67 …still climbing mountains…still no letters…maybe tomorrow…
28 April 67 …I received two letters today and a package with all kinds of goodies…the cookies were fresh and delicious. I ate my fill and shared with my men. They asked that you send more. I shared the peanuts with my command group. They were great…we are operating near Dam Tra O Lake near the sea. We are now in the mountains following a stream leading to the lake below…one of squad leaders offered to give me a haircut today…I wish you could be in my next package. That would a wonderful surprise…Time for my haircut…I love you bunches.
29 April 67 …I found a Buddhist scarf and will send it to you when I can. It’s a bit soiled and frayed, but a great souvenir…thanks for the book, Of Mice and Men. I finished it recently. Sgt. Sal is reading it now…when the mail arrives, one of my squad leaders collects the 2nd platoon’s mail in a bundle prepared in An Khe. He always brings the bundle for me to smell. The smell of your bath powder let’s me know that I have a letter. My men asked if they can smell my letters…At night before going to sleep, I look at the picture you sent me and smell my bag of letters…It’s the next best thing to having you here…We are supposed to wear our uniforms until they tear. I try to find a way to tear my uniform at least weekly. Five days of dirt and grime is enough….I look forward to patrols that take us near steams, and I try to give my men and myself a chance to wash-up a bit…we don’t always smell that good…Being separated from you is harder than I thought it would be. When I return, I’ll not let you out of sight again…I’ll see you in my dreams.
1 May 67 …Received 3 letters today from a beautiful woman, and each had a picture of her…I look forward to R&R and our 3rd honeymoon…
2 May 67 …We received an order that General Abrams will visit Charlie Company. He is to replace General Westmoreland as Vietnam Commander…Today we were ordered to move to a river in our area of operation and take a bath…The general must have a sensitive smeller…Tomorrow night we are all to receive fresh uniforms…Today my RTO put Kool Aide in coconut milk and it was really great…No matter how hot is gets the coconut milk is cool…My RTO told me to ask you to remember him in your prayers, since everywhere I go, he goes…see you in my dreams.
3 May 67 …Received 3 beautiful letters today…The general arrives tomorrow to watch us conduct a sweep of an area on the plains…look for this in the news…It’s 2300 hours and I must go to sleep to look good for the general…million kisses and snakey licks…
4 May 67 …I really needed you today…we patrolled hard and long and I needed a hug…by the way, the general never showed. He was delayed at other stops and did not have time for us…can I come home now…
5 May 67 …We captured 5 more VC today…This week my platoon killed 3 and captured 12…I don’t always agree with my CO’s tactics, and I offer my suggestions…he often uses my suggestions, but I'm not sure he like to…I always try to protect my men rather than setting them up as bait…
7 May 67 …My watch died about a week ago…one of men went to An Khe and there he bought a $10 watch…nothing fancy, but it will do…I sent a second letter to the 90th Replacement Battalion inquiring about the letters and package you mailed to me there…hope to hear from them soon…
8 May 67 …I had to cut last night’s letter short…I took men on a night patrol…we didn’t return until 0100 hours…it really gets dark out there and I hope I don’t have too many more of those…received 5 letters today and one large envelope with a bunch of letters forwarded from the 90th Replacement Battalion…You asked about what happens to our dirty socks. We put them in a pot, add water and make stew; actually, battalion washes and returns them for re-use…
Jeanie
10 Mar 67 …This year's going to be awful, and this is only the 1st day…I miss you so…This afternoon I re-arranged my room and packed your clothes…Daddy's brother will visit soon and the whole family is going to Houston to see a pre-season game against the Yankees…Everyone says they wish you were here to go with us…My love is always around you. I cherish every little memory and possession of yours…I love you, your Gigi…
12 Mar 67 …You only have been gone 3 days, but it feels like a year…I'm really an infantry wife. I've got a large detail map from National Geographic on the wall, bordered by smaller colored maps, the Infantryman's Prayer and The Man with the Rifle. Of course, your pictures, mug and grenade are set out too. Someone said that being separated so early in our marriage would be easier to take than if we'd gotten use to each other longer. They sure didn't know what they were talking about…It wasn't Sherman who said, War is hell; it was Sherman's wife…I love you and I'm at your side constantly…
13 Mar 67 …I got your postcard from Hawaii. Wish I was there with you…I can hardly wait till your letters start arriving…I am so proud of my combat platoon leader, my husband who is fighting for me and for the things that we believe in…my never ending love…your Gigi…
14 Mar 67 …Got my first letter today and it was wonderful…I had 10 calls about buying your GTO today…Keep your fingers crossed…
18 Mar 67 …Another day without a letter…I know you will have very busy days, but please try to drop a card or short message. No news from you is miserable…
20 Mar 67 …I love you so much; I'm in pure misery without you. Your safety is all I think about. You can't image how comforting it was just to sit near you in the car or the movies…It's amazing how fast you take these small things for granted. You never realize they exist until they're taken away. Be careful and love me…Le Amo…
22 Mar 67 …You don't know how happy you made me today. I got 4 letters. I hope my letters reach you soon. I write everyday…I finally have you pin-pointed on my map. It took time to find Bong Son and the An Lao Valley…You are the most wonderful thing that every happened to me …All I think about is you and me in Hawaii…
25 Mar 67 …It's so hard to live on memories. Of course, your letters help tremendously; that's what will get me thru this year. But they just aren’t a sufficient substitute for my Timmy…I know you are with me in mind and soul, but I sure am partial to having your body around as well…I love you, sweetheart…
28 Mar 67 …I visited the school district today to apply for a substitute position and they want me to teach 5th grade and the elementary school is near Mama and Daddy's house…I think I'm going to take it…I worry about you so much, but I guess that's the plight of an infantry wife. I'd rather be a rich executive’s wife. But I'd be your wife if you collected garbage. Write soon and love me…Le Amo, your Gigi…
30 Mar 67 …This getting up at 7:00 AM is for the birds. I came home from school today and went to sleep till 7:00 PM. I'm a person who needs sleep…
31 Mar 67 …Only 3 weeks – it's unreal…It seems like years ago that we said goodbye at the airport…I had no idea that being away from you would be so awful…When I get you back, I'll never let you leave again…I brought home stacks of books and papers…I have lesson plans and three sets of spelling papers to grade…I took over three 6th grade classes as well…It may sound trite, but I never really lived until I fell in love with you…the most wonderful thing that has ever happened to me…
1 Apr 67 …Guess what! I'm pregnant – April Fools, so don't panic…I finally got your letters that tell me what you are doing and where you are…Your pictures are great…Are you losing weight? Don't lose too much. I won’t recognize you in Hawaii…I've been reading The Green Berets and I'm glad I am or I wouldn't understand half the things you say. Your terminology is right out of the book – LZ, Huey, beer (oops, I heard that one before), but don't worry, I'm a hard-core infantry wife…
2 Apr 67 …I simply thank God at the end of each day that you've made it one more day. The first day that the 1st Cav has a major action, I'm going to be pitiful until I get a letter from you telling me you are okay…
9 Apr 67 …I really enjoyed the Astros vs. Yankees game and the Astrodome is fantastic…We got home at 3 AM this morning…I was so tired, but I read your letter before passing out in bed…I miss you so much and I feel so empty…At the game, I kept saying to myself, Timmy would like this or that. I am always thinking that you should be here…my life wont be complete until you are here with me…
10 April 67 …I don't understand this dumb mail system…your letters take 4 or 5 days and mine are taking 8 to 10…
11 Apr 67 …received some of your slides and they are wonderful…I also picked-up pictures made from your slides and will send the pictures of me to you in future letters…Please have more pictures taken of you…I'm not so sure I want you to stay in the Army…You can't depend on staying in one place for long and especially when they need people like you in Vietnam…I just couldn't bear to be apart from you for such a long time again…A life apart is not living, only existing until again you can make me live…Be careful and love me…Le Amo, your Gigi…
11 Apr 67 …Hi there! This is your cheerful gift girl. (This note was included in a package Jeanie sent)
Instructions
1. Fold-a-note – so you won't have to use GI postcards anymore (unless you want too, of course}
2. Mailers – sorry, I could only afford 5 this payday. I'll get you 5 more next month, okay?
3. Notebook – as ordered
4. The Green Berets – To fill in your idle hours and teach you about what's going on in Vietnam
5. Noxzema – as ordered
6. Plastic cigarette packs – Who likes moldy soggy cigarettes anyway?
7. 5 ball points and 5 grease pencils – ordered
8. 2 Army men – For you to play war with – what else?
9. Water pistol – To protect yourself and is also good for taking showers
10. Darts – Also to protect yourself, but also to throw at large nude picture of a Playboy Bunny
11. Various reading material
I Love You
17 Apr 67 …Now I see why I haven't received any mail. In the paper today it says 1st Cav moved north and is in some kind of action. In a situation like this, no news is good news…The nights are so hard without you. I wish I could fall asleep as easily as you, but I just lie awake and think. This is the hardest to bear…There's nothing to keep my mind off you…I love you so very much…
18 Apr 67 …Second Lt.; this is to inform you that your wife has not received any mail from you in over a week and is very upset. Please check the appropriate boxes on the enclosed card and return it. Sincerely, Mrs. Soyars…Sweetheart, don't worry about the mail. I understand, but that doesn't mean I have to like it. I'll probably get a beautiful romantic letter tomorrow…
19 Apr 67 …I got mail…just can't help being unhappy when I don't have any contact with you. You know I can't help but worry about you…
20 Apr 67 …5 wonderful letters today –Wheeeeee! I have your film, stationary, and nuts and other goodies and will mail the box tomorrow…
22 Apr 67 …Gigi sure does miss her Timmy…I went to the travel agency today and got prices and I picked a hotel on the beach I really like. It's the Reef on Waikiki Beach. It's $12 per night. The Fort Debussy cottages only cost $1.50 per night and they're on the beach…
25 April 67 …Got 2 letters today…The one on the 17th made me feel so good, so warm inside, so loved, and secure; even from thousands of miles away, I feel your love reaching out to me and engulfing me in loving bliss…I love you…Mon Cher. Your Gigi…
27 Apr 67 …no letter today, but I love you anyway. I'm able to take a few days without mail now much better than before. At first, it really tore me up. Now I know that I'll probably be getting a bunch in a couple of days…
29 Apr 67 …What do you mean you don’t wear underwear? Doesn't that chafe? Are you not wearing them because I'm not there to wash them? HA HA! What do you do with the dirty socks if you get new ones each day?…
30 April 67 …Happy four-month anniversary! We've been married 4 months today and you've been gone half that time…I miss you so. Everything seems so empty without you…
1 May 67 …Guess what? I got 5 letters returned to me from the 90th replacement battalion. I didn't put your SSN on the address. I guess they couldn't find you. I put them in one envelope and here they are…
2 May 67 …I pray every night for your safety. I can meet any problem and handle my difficulties as long as you are there by my side. All I want is you…Be careful and love me…Mon Cher. Your Gigi…
3 May 67 …Hi Baby…They're playing Love Eyes on the radio. Dedicated to my baby…I love you…Tell me everything you do. You will never bore me…I live for your letters…
5 May 67 …I've got you pin-pointed on my map… You are giving very clear map instructions…Anticipating August so much…I want to see that special light in your eyes when you look at me…
6 May 67 …I write you everyday, even though you don't get mail. Writing is the only way I can let you know how much I love you and need you and miss you…
.
10 Mar 67 …This year's going to be awful, and this is only the 1st day…I miss you so…This afternoon I re-arranged my room and packed your clothes…Daddy's brother will visit soon and the whole family is going to Houston to see a pre-season game against the Yankees…Everyone says they wish you were here to go with us…My love is always around you. I cherish every little memory and possession of yours…I love you, your Gigi…
12 Mar 67 …You only have been gone 3 days, but it feels like a year…I'm really an infantry wife. I've got a large detail map from National Geographic on the wall, bordered by smaller colored maps, the Infantryman's Prayer and The Man with the Rifle. Of course, your pictures, mug and grenade are set out too. Someone said that being separated so early in our marriage would be easier to take than if we'd gotten use to each other longer. They sure didn't know what they were talking about…It wasn't Sherman who said, War is hell; it was Sherman's wife…I love you and I'm at your side constantly…
13 Mar 67 …I got your postcard from Hawaii. Wish I was there with you…I can hardly wait till your letters start arriving…I am so proud of my combat platoon leader, my husband who is fighting for me and for the things that we believe in…my never ending love…your Gigi…
14 Mar 67 …Got my first letter today and it was wonderful…I had 10 calls about buying your GTO today…Keep your fingers crossed…
18 Mar 67 …Another day without a letter…I know you will have very busy days, but please try to drop a card or short message. No news from you is miserable…
20 Mar 67 …I love you so much; I'm in pure misery without you. Your safety is all I think about. You can't image how comforting it was just to sit near you in the car or the movies…It's amazing how fast you take these small things for granted. You never realize they exist until they're taken away. Be careful and love me…Le Amo…
22 Mar 67 …You don't know how happy you made me today. I got 4 letters. I hope my letters reach you soon. I write everyday…I finally have you pin-pointed on my map. It took time to find Bong Son and the An Lao Valley…You are the most wonderful thing that every happened to me …All I think about is you and me in Hawaii…
25 Mar 67 …It's so hard to live on memories. Of course, your letters help tremendously; that's what will get me thru this year. But they just aren’t a sufficient substitute for my Timmy…I know you are with me in mind and soul, but I sure am partial to having your body around as well…I love you, sweetheart…
28 Mar 67 …I visited the school district today to apply for a substitute position and they want me to teach 5th grade and the elementary school is near Mama and Daddy's house…I think I'm going to take it…I worry about you so much, but I guess that's the plight of an infantry wife. I'd rather be a rich executive’s wife. But I'd be your wife if you collected garbage. Write soon and love me…Le Amo, your Gigi…
30 Mar 67 …This getting up at 7:00 AM is for the birds. I came home from school today and went to sleep till 7:00 PM. I'm a person who needs sleep…
31 Mar 67 …Only 3 weeks – it's unreal…It seems like years ago that we said goodbye at the airport…I had no idea that being away from you would be so awful…When I get you back, I'll never let you leave again…I brought home stacks of books and papers…I have lesson plans and three sets of spelling papers to grade…I took over three 6th grade classes as well…It may sound trite, but I never really lived until I fell in love with you…the most wonderful thing that has ever happened to me…
1 Apr 67 …Guess what! I'm pregnant – April Fools, so don't panic…I finally got your letters that tell me what you are doing and where you are…Your pictures are great…Are you losing weight? Don't lose too much. I won’t recognize you in Hawaii…I've been reading The Green Berets and I'm glad I am or I wouldn't understand half the things you say. Your terminology is right out of the book – LZ, Huey, beer (oops, I heard that one before), but don't worry, I'm a hard-core infantry wife…
2 Apr 67 …I simply thank God at the end of each day that you've made it one more day. The first day that the 1st Cav has a major action, I'm going to be pitiful until I get a letter from you telling me you are okay…
9 Apr 67 …I really enjoyed the Astros vs. Yankees game and the Astrodome is fantastic…We got home at 3 AM this morning…I was so tired, but I read your letter before passing out in bed…I miss you so much and I feel so empty…At the game, I kept saying to myself, Timmy would like this or that. I am always thinking that you should be here…my life wont be complete until you are here with me…
10 April 67 …I don't understand this dumb mail system…your letters take 4 or 5 days and mine are taking 8 to 10…
11 Apr 67 …received some of your slides and they are wonderful…I also picked-up pictures made from your slides and will send the pictures of me to you in future letters…Please have more pictures taken of you…I'm not so sure I want you to stay in the Army…You can't depend on staying in one place for long and especially when they need people like you in Vietnam…I just couldn't bear to be apart from you for such a long time again…A life apart is not living, only existing until again you can make me live…Be careful and love me…Le Amo, your Gigi…
11 Apr 67 …Hi there! This is your cheerful gift girl. (This note was included in a package Jeanie sent)
Instructions
1. Fold-a-note – so you won't have to use GI postcards anymore (unless you want too, of course}
2. Mailers – sorry, I could only afford 5 this payday. I'll get you 5 more next month, okay?
3. Notebook – as ordered
4. The Green Berets – To fill in your idle hours and teach you about what's going on in Vietnam
5. Noxzema – as ordered
6. Plastic cigarette packs – Who likes moldy soggy cigarettes anyway?
7. 5 ball points and 5 grease pencils – ordered
8. 2 Army men – For you to play war with – what else?
9. Water pistol – To protect yourself and is also good for taking showers
10. Darts – Also to protect yourself, but also to throw at large nude picture of a Playboy Bunny
11. Various reading material
I Love You
17 Apr 67 …Now I see why I haven't received any mail. In the paper today it says 1st Cav moved north and is in some kind of action. In a situation like this, no news is good news…The nights are so hard without you. I wish I could fall asleep as easily as you, but I just lie awake and think. This is the hardest to bear…There's nothing to keep my mind off you…I love you so very much…
18 Apr 67 …Second Lt.; this is to inform you that your wife has not received any mail from you in over a week and is very upset. Please check the appropriate boxes on the enclosed card and return it. Sincerely, Mrs. Soyars…Sweetheart, don't worry about the mail. I understand, but that doesn't mean I have to like it. I'll probably get a beautiful romantic letter tomorrow…
19 Apr 67 …I got mail…just can't help being unhappy when I don't have any contact with you. You know I can't help but worry about you…
20 Apr 67 …5 wonderful letters today –Wheeeeee! I have your film, stationary, and nuts and other goodies and will mail the box tomorrow…
22 Apr 67 …Gigi sure does miss her Timmy…I went to the travel agency today and got prices and I picked a hotel on the beach I really like. It's the Reef on Waikiki Beach. It's $12 per night. The Fort Debussy cottages only cost $1.50 per night and they're on the beach…
25 April 67 …Got 2 letters today…The one on the 17th made me feel so good, so warm inside, so loved, and secure; even from thousands of miles away, I feel your love reaching out to me and engulfing me in loving bliss…I love you…Mon Cher. Your Gigi…
27 Apr 67 …no letter today, but I love you anyway. I'm able to take a few days without mail now much better than before. At first, it really tore me up. Now I know that I'll probably be getting a bunch in a couple of days…
29 Apr 67 …What do you mean you don’t wear underwear? Doesn't that chafe? Are you not wearing them because I'm not there to wash them? HA HA! What do you do with the dirty socks if you get new ones each day?…
30 April 67 …Happy four-month anniversary! We've been married 4 months today and you've been gone half that time…I miss you so. Everything seems so empty without you…
1 May 67 …Guess what? I got 5 letters returned to me from the 90th replacement battalion. I didn't put your SSN on the address. I guess they couldn't find you. I put them in one envelope and here they are…
2 May 67 …I pray every night for your safety. I can meet any problem and handle my difficulties as long as you are there by my side. All I want is you…Be careful and love me…Mon Cher. Your Gigi…
3 May 67 …Hi Baby…They're playing Love Eyes on the radio. Dedicated to my baby…I love you…Tell me everything you do. You will never bore me…I live for your letters…
5 May 67 …I've got you pin-pointed on my map… You are giving very clear map instructions…Anticipating August so much…I want to see that special light in your eyes when you look at me…
6 May 67 …I write you everyday, even though you don't get mail. Writing is the only way I can let you know how much I love you and need you and miss you…
.
Sample excerpts from letters
Jeanie wrote to me daily, and I reciprocated when conditions permitted. She lived for mail delivery and I for mail call. In the summer of 1967, Jeanie and her family were at her parents’ lake property for a long weekend. The property was between Austin and San Antonio, but Jeanie drove to her parents’ house in San Antonio on mail days to collect the mail and then return to join the family. We both became depressed when several days would pass with no mail, and we reflected this despondence in our letters. Of course, the melancholy was temporary since soon three to five letters would arrive, and our morale went sky high. As time passed, we both knew that letters were on the way, and we learned to have more patience. We had only been married for a couple of months before I left for Vietnam and it was a tough year for both of us.
In many of my letters, I tried to give Jeanie descriptive information concerning my location. She had a map of Vietnam and attempted to track my location and movement the best she could. I was prohibited from writing about operational topics, but I tried to give her a flavor of my daily experiences and my location. I do not include excerpts from all my letters. I have used only those that I believe add to my war stories and the more poignant story of Tim and Jeanie. Periodically, I insert excerpts from Jeanie’s letters to me to show the perspective of war from the home front. While her letters do not contain war stories, they do tell the story of a young wife left to wait for her husband’s safe return. Jeanie was the most important part of my life while I was in Vietnam, and she was always on my mind. As you will see from the letters, she felt the same.
The following excerpts were reproduced faithfully as they were written:
Jeanie wrote to me daily, and I reciprocated when conditions permitted. She lived for mail delivery and I for mail call. In the summer of 1967, Jeanie and her family were at her parents’ lake property for a long weekend. The property was between Austin and San Antonio, but Jeanie drove to her parents’ house in San Antonio on mail days to collect the mail and then return to join the family. We both became depressed when several days would pass with no mail, and we reflected this despondence in our letters. Of course, the melancholy was temporary since soon three to five letters would arrive, and our morale went sky high. As time passed, we both knew that letters were on the way, and we learned to have more patience. We had only been married for a couple of months before I left for Vietnam and it was a tough year for both of us.
In many of my letters, I tried to give Jeanie descriptive information concerning my location. She had a map of Vietnam and attempted to track my location and movement the best she could. I was prohibited from writing about operational topics, but I tried to give her a flavor of my daily experiences and my location. I do not include excerpts from all my letters. I have used only those that I believe add to my war stories and the more poignant story of Tim and Jeanie. Periodically, I insert excerpts from Jeanie’s letters to me to show the perspective of war from the home front. While her letters do not contain war stories, they do tell the story of a young wife left to wait for her husband’s safe return. Jeanie was the most important part of my life while I was in Vietnam, and she was always on my mind. As you will see from the letters, she felt the same.
The following excerpts were reproduced faithfully as they were written:
