December 10, 1968: Today we had to stop work in the afternoon because of the heat. It is very hot here (LZ MaryEtta) and there are no shade trees. Where we are now there are tigers, I saw tracks and other people have sighted them. Their footprints are huge.

December 15, 1968: They told us we would be here until January 3rd and after that a seven-day standdown in Pleiku. (The seven-day standdown was cancelled)

December 16, 1968: Not much to report I goofed off all day. I did get a hair cut.

December 17, 1968: Today I went swimming.

December 20, 1968: I had KP today washing pots and pans.

December 24, 1968: We are on standby and are all packed up and ready to move. I do not know where we are going, the CO said 400 miles.

December 26, 1968: We had a fine Christmas dinner with all the trimmings. They say we will be here awhile now so I don't know what's up. I got the word there is a detail awaiting me, barbwire type.

December 28, 1968: Getting flu shots today.

December 31, 1968: We have to go out on a three-day platoon sweep January 4th. The sweeps are not bad and they break the monotony. I have 243 more day's to go.