Chapter Three
Excerpt from the book (continue...)
Thursday, Dec. 28
Dear family,
I am here! We got off the ship this morning at Da Nang and were split up to our different organizations. They then trucked me to my Battalion area and I was assigned to a company and platoon. My platoon is out in the field right now on a mission. They won't be back till tomorrow. Only 6 boys are in the platoon with me from the whole draft and I don't know any of them.
Viet Nam was quite a shock. The people, the houses and stores and everything. I was trying to eat dinner, but all the kids kept begging for it, so I gave most of it away.
They only have tents for us to sleep in and there is only mud and rain right now. The monsoon season is still on. I was issued a rifle immediately when I got here and told I must carry it everywhere. To eat, sleep, and anywhere I go. We get our combat and jungle gear in the morning.
I don't know if I will ever get the mail you have mailed before this letter, or if it will take a long time I fl do. Use the new address to get it here faster. Tell Kaye about it for me.
I am just north of Danang a little ways. It is not too nice right now. I see patrols going out tonight and they are all wet and muddy. Loaded down with ammunition and wearing all kinds of gear. I guess I'll be doing it soon.
I'll have to get all the U.S. money I have changed into some kind of V. Nam money.* I don't know why.
I guess I'll close and mail this. Don't worry.
I love you all.
Tommy J.