lettershome

Letters Home

Davis wrote these two letter home in 1967.

The second arrived in a mud spattered envelope the day after we learned he was gone.

Dear

Bonnie,

Just got your letter, was so glad to hear from you. The first thing I want to ask you is some advice. I've been here 6 months now and I'm thinking of extending for a 6 month tour. In other words, I'd be over here for 19 months, but after being over here 10 months, I can get a 30 day leave to get home for extending; in other words, I could come home , say about Dec. 20 and get 30 days leave and then come back over here for the rest of my tour.

I figured I'd come home next August if I extended, but after the 6 months I'd get another 30 days leave free, for extending you get a 30 day leave free, I'd probably be a corporal on my first 30 day leave and maybe a seargent on my second 30 day leave, I'd really be making quite a bit of money also. I'm not sure yet, but let me know what you think.

We just got some real good news, we may be staying on this hill indefinitely, that would be real good. I haven't heard from David in about 2 months, I don't know where he is, do you have any idea? The picture was real good, now I wish I had a picture of the family. Chris has been writing to me, what do you think of that? I'm going on R&R to Hawaii maybe next month. Oh yes, I'm starting to comb my hair a

different way now, I'm going to have some pictures of me taken and my new hair style, I'll be a swinging dude, when I come home. I'm saving all (almost) of my money. I'll be getting quite a bit of money if I don't go under (ha ha) first I plan to take about $300.00 on R&R, I shall have a little fun after being in this hell hole for 7 months. Remind Mom to send me my hunting knife. Say hi to everybody for me and I'll be

Tell Angie to write, and tell Terry to watch for B.B.M. [Big Bad Marine] > namely me ?? seeing you sometime. Oh yes, tell Tim that his older brother said hello, and I'll be writing to him some time in the near future. We shall have a swinging time come about Christmas (maybe) if not then, then in March we'll have a time. Well I want you to treat Gary good, and be good to the kids and write real soon. Bye now. Love, Davis

You'd best write real soon EM! BC!

I'm proud of myself for making L/Cpl also (ha ha).

I guess you think I'm happy and gay and crazy

you're right

your brother closes now

Dear Mom, Nov 1, 67

Received your letter(s) today. I got 3 letters from you and Angie. Mom I wish you wouldn't work so much, it's hard on you, even if you don't realize it. I'm going to talk to my career advisor and see if I can get stationed in Ohio when I leave here. If I can, I'll be able to help out at the house. Russ wrote to me, he's in the 3rd Division. He may be up at the DMZ when he comes over - I hope not. I can't wait to see Philip and everybody else. I'm sure they've all grown.

I have a letter dated the 18th of October. It almost tore my heart out. I'm terribly sorry that I said that you weren't faithful in writing. I forgive you because you're my mother but I'm sure glad you did write. It means so much to me. It's hard to believe that John is ten years old. I'll bet he's big. I hope Bonnie's ear gets better. Not much happening here except I've put on weight from eating so many C-Rats. It sure gets sickening after 5 months of them. Sure did enjoy the fruit - it's quite a change.

Please send homemade cookies and candy, it sounds great. You don't realize how much it helps to see and receive a package from home. Just got paid. I only drew $95.00 off so I can save for Christmas. If I can get into Danang I may order some gifts by mail for you and the kids. Well mama, I hate to close but not anything new around here.Be good, and please don't work so hard.

Love,

Davis