11 April
(Written partly on wrapping paper and partly on a piece of onionskin paper torn from a page of another letter)
Dear Dad,
CAP 2-7-2 is temporarily out of stationary so we are making use of available materials.
I had to “stand tall” in front of the “Man” this morning. I received non-judicial punishment for goofing off when I was at CAP school. The Captain fined me $15 for having a disagreement with the OD at CAP school.
The Marine Corps does have something similar to WD-40 but it’s very hard to get and, naturally, when some does appear the office pogeys at HQ get it.
Iodine tablets are supposed to be the only effective method of purifying Vietnamese water in the field. I’ve tried halazone but it didn’t work.
I got a big package from Mary Graham yesterday. She sent home made cookies and pumpkin bread, also some hard candy, and Corn Nuts. It was all delicious and went fast.
It may not be exactly couth to say, I told you so, but I’ve always thought (and said) that Nan was spoiled. End Message.
The new boat sounds great. I assume that each family paid $400.
The latest rumor has it that all Marines will soon be pulled outexcept for one Brigade and 2nd CAG (my outfit). Khong bich?
My CAP leader, Sgt. Burd, is being transferred to another CAC (Combined Action Co.). I’m not very happy about it because Sgt. Burd is good. He knows what he’s doing and doesn’t get people killed. His replacement is supposed to be a real craphead.
No contact last night. I blew up an anti-tank rocket, an M-26 grenade, and a 60mm mortar round this A.M. All were supposedly dud ordnance turned in by Viet kids.
The Courier is getting here about every day now. I got the April 3 issue today.
I’m in good health and keeping fairly clean. I’ve had no attackes of dysentery (Basically diarrhea from bad water) in a week. Since the dry season is here we have no more trouble with jungle rot. I don’t even have athletes foot.
I’m thoroughly fed up with war as a way of settling disputes. Especially this one. I think I could go for the rest of my life without being shot at again and not mind at all.
(Well, DUH!)
I’m already looking forward to R&R. I’ll be eligible in about twenty more days. I don’t think I’ll go until July when I’ll have some money saved up, and by then I’ll really be desperate for a change.
I think I can manage to save about $1,000 (at least) while I’m over here. I have $300 saved already. With the ten percent interest (compounded quarterly) that I’ll get on my savings the total will be about $1100. I want to buy some kind of used vehicle for traveling etc. when I get back to the “World.”
I was thinking about a panel truck, about ’67 or ’68 vintage in decent shape. Maybe a VW or GM. It could be fixed for camping out so Joel and I could make long trips at reasonable cost.
With a flashy paint job and some mag wheels it would also be reasonably stylish. I don’t know anything about gas mileage for such vehicles, but I imagine it would be better than many passenger cars. I wish you would tell me what you think of the idea. With the G.I. Bill and my summer work I don’t think I’ll need whatever I save for school.
I’d better quit for now.
Love
Roch