April 1971
(This letter came from former CAP 2-7-2 member R.D. “Erp” Erpelding of Fort Wayne, Ind., who was wounded on Sept. 10, 1970. He wrote to me at my new duty station with Range Company, Weapons Training Battalion, Edson Range, Camp Pendleton)
April 21
Sgt. Rock,
So they got you coaching boots, huh.
Why didn’t you get an early out? I bet it pissed you off when you missed it. I bet Pendleton is a real bitch. But at least you know a couple of guys out there.
Tell Turner I said hi. I’m still in the Hosp. at Gt. Lakes but I get to go home on the weekends. I should be out by May 1st or so.
I can’t believe I’m finally going to be free.
A couple of weeks ago I bought a Honda 450 and I still got about $1100, so I’m not doing bad.
I’ve got a brown eyed blond and a blue eyed blond on the hook, but I can’t seem to figure out which one I want, so I just been taking turns on them. I think I’m going to Indiana next year. VA is going to pay for it because I’m getting more than 30% disability.
Well take it easy and tell me whats going on with Mike and you.
Wyatt ERP
Rick Erpelding
Wd 7 S. Gt. Lakes N. Hosp.
Gt. Lakes Ill. 60088