November 11, 1966

Dear Lorraine,

Let me start with I love You very much. I hope this letter does not upset you but I have to talk to someone. Today was not a good day one of our Gun Ships and two from another company got shot down out near the Cambodian border. They were flying cover for Special Forces troops on the ground that was under attack. We were doing a Combat Assault in the same area putting more troops on the ground to help out the Special Forces when it happened. It’s pretty quiet in the hooch tonight. Three of our guys were killed Captain Speare, Lt. Stone, and Ed Schoenig the gunner somehow got out and is going to be OK. I always knew there was a war going on and sooner or later something would happen I just did not think it would be so soon. Don’t worry about me I’m OK I just have to get this straight in my mind before tomorrow. We are supposed to go back to the same place and move more troops.

I’m not even sure I’m going to send this letter but it helps if I write about it. If I do send it please don’t get too upset I’m going to be OK. Nothing can hurt me now. We have too much to look forward to when I get home.

I think I’ll stop now. I wish you were close enough to hug.

I Love You
Tom
S.W.A.K.

Tom Gator 851.