August 5, 1967

Dear Lorraine,

Hi Honey! I wish I knew how you are doing, it’s been a very long time since I had a letter from you. I have been checking the mailroom here at the 189th and back up at the 119th just make sure they haven’t screw up. I know I haven’t been writing every day but I’m doing what I can.

In between missions yesterday we went to the free fire range so my new Peter Pilot and door gunner could get some experience. I asked Mr. Borders if it was time to initiate him and got the OK so I took my Gun off the mount removed the brass catcher and put about 20 rounds of hot brass in the right front seat. He was really pissed for a while but got over it I’m pretty sure he’s going to get me back before I get out of here. Today we picked up three bodies in an LZ and took them back to 4th infantry, that has got to be the worst part of flying. When I first got in country things like that made me feel sick now it’s just part of the job, don’t get me wrong I still feel for them it just gets blocked out. Sometimes I can see their faces for days. Sorry for telling you this stuff but sometimes I just have to vent.

My time here is almost over, and being busy makes the days go faster. I thought about taking an R&R again but decided that I have made it this long so why spend the money. I’d rather spend it on you when I get home. I really want this to be over but at the same time I’m nervous about what I’m going to be like when I get home. I know I’m not the same person that left a year ago and I hope that will be OK with you. I know I still love you and want to spend the rest of my life with you so please give me some time to adjust.

I got called to the CO’s tent after missions today I thought I was in trouble for spraying the brass on the Peter Pilot but he just wanted to promote me to SP5 and then asked me if I wanted to be his Crew Chief. I had to tell him I’d rather keep flying regular missions. I know it would be a lot safer but I feel like I’m helping now and when you fly with the old man you don’t do much of anything except stay up in the clouds. The promotion was just a carrot to get me as his crew chief.

Not much else to tell you except that I LoveYou and Miss You Very Much. Please write soon and if you have been writing and its just not getting to me I’m sorry for being a pain about it.

Love
Tom
S.W.A.K.

Tom Gator 851