From a collection of approximately 40
From a letter dated September 25, 1969
May 12, 1969
"Well, I'm now at El Toro and they definitely made me mad. We were
allowed to have visitors but no one could make telephone calls. So I couldn't get a hold
of you. Besides I had duty from 6-12 PM. . ."
Jim's letter to his
grandmother, Mary 12, 1969
"I'm at El Toro MCAS California, and we leave at 7 or 9 in the
morning. Can't think of much to say except I'll miss every one and will send address
as soon as possible. I'm OK and Judy's supposed to call and explain why I didn't get a
chance to call tonight. Just remember God is here to help us all. So you pray for me and
I'll sure pray for you. But most of all, pray for the correct guidance to live our lives
properly. Judy said one thing: 'Without God you're nothing. With God, you're the richest
of the rich'. I love you and promise to write. . . P.S. Judy is the truest of the true.
She's not a person to be loved, but to be cherished and Memie, I do."
May 17, 1969
"I'm leaving for Viet Nam in 3 hours. We have been here in Okinawa for
about 18 hours and have not accomplished very much. It will take 4 hours to fly from here
to Da Nang and maybe within 2 days, I'll know my address. . .I got a little sick on the
way down, not from the air, but from looking at 13 thousand miles of water and not getting
off the plane once. . .I'm kind of tired now and will write later. Hope you called Memie.
Love from your future husband, Jim. P.S 393 days and counting. May God be with us
both."
Undated -
approximately May 18, 1969
"Well, here I am safe and sound in good old Viet Nam. Before I
forget there are 2 important things you should know. One, I love you very much and really
miss you. Two, my address is. . . 2/3 3rd Marine Division, Golf Company. So hope to get
your letters soon. . . I don't know how busy I'll be but I'll write as much as possible. I
hope you understand. Well, in about 3 days, I will e Cpl. E-4 type because they received
an order out and I just happen to qualify. . . I love and need you very much honey. I need
your love and prayers to survive. May God help us both. Well, I have to go because tonight
I have line watch and better sleep now while I can. I hope to hear from you soon. I know I
will. And I love you very much. Write soon. Your future husband, Jim."
Undated -
approximately May 20, 1969
"I just thought I'd send this film home. It needs to be developed.
Oh, yes, having a great time. Really enjoying my stay here. It's not so bad - seriously.
It's hot but that's the main problem. Would appreciate if you send me a copy of the
pictures. And wish you would send more film cx 126-20 color. And need envelopes bad.
Honey, I'm depending on you very much. Have to go now. I love you. . . P.S. Sorry it's
short but time is nothing here. I love you very much and really miss you. I suggest not to
send cookies are anything for a while till I get back from OP DMZ. Because we sure are
going to be busy then. But please honey send pictures and write. I hope you have got my
address by now. Hope to hear from you soon. Love and miss you, Jim."
May 23, 1969
"Well, how is everything back there. Fine, I hope. Well I have a few
minutes so I thought I'd write a fast letter hoping to tell you that I really love and
miss you more than ever. I hope you received that film I sent. And please send me some
more and writing paper and envelopes. I would deeply appreciate it.
Well, in the envelope with the film I put a little not saying please don't
send cookies or anything. I think I better explain. If you still want to send some, please
send it in a small box and not very much. Because right now we are on the run. We are
supposed to move up to Con Thien by the end of the week with 1/9. Then to A Shau Valley. So
ask Bill to explain that place a little to you.
I just finished cleaning my rifle - boy was that fun. I'm sorry I haven't
written but like I said I'm so busy I don't even know what day it is. I know the date is
the 23rd but what day of the week. Thursday, I guess. Oh well, anyway, I better sign
off far now and hope to hear from you soon. . ."
May 30, 1969
". . . I never did get a chance to thank Ruby and Leonard for all the things they
did. They treated me real nice and I am deeply grateful. . . I still haven't got any mail
yet but should be getting some soon. I hope so anyway. I'd like to now how you are doing
because I really love and miss you. So far we have gone from hill to hill not sleeping on
the same one twice. And boy do I get tired. But anyhow it' all for the Marine Corps, so
it's got to be OK. But you can count on one thing, that is it will take me one second to
pack my bag if they say you can get out. But so much for that. . ."
June 2, 1969
"Well, as you can see I received your letters yesterday. And I sure was
happy to read 15 letters from someone I really love. . . don't worry; because God planned
for us to be together. . .Honey, you asked about here and right now it's all pretty good.
There hasn't been very much activity going on anywhere. Like right here where I am it's
real slack. So there's not much to worry about. . .I really appreciated those Scriptures
you wrote me. I read every one. And I try to read more but don't always have the chance.
I'm sorry this letter is all ran together but it's dark and I don't always have a chance
to see that well. So please excuse it. . .Tell Bill congratulations on making Cpl. and
tell him I also made it. . .well, honey it's so dark now I can't see what I'm writing but
anyway the thing I think that matters that I should write is I Love You Very Much. I'll
try to write some more before the mail goes out but if I don't you'll understand.
Addendum dated June 3, 1969 - Well, I have a little time on my hands so I
figured I'd finish writing this letter. Well right now it's raining so that means this
letter's going to be messed up even more. Tomorrow we go to Quavettie for in country
R&R. There we have a chance to relax a little. . .Oh yes honey, could you every once
in awhile, when you write, send a package of instant tea in the mail. Just put a pack in
your letter. Because packages are harder to get to us. We're fixing to leave soon so
better finish for now. Love you, Jim."
June 5, 1969
"Well, we are in Quavettie today and am I glad. Here it's so
everyone can relax and rest in country. . . Oh, yes, right now as you know I am answering
your four letters I received yesterday. And I gave this guy one of my envelopes you sent
me. Because he's tripping out on it. He said he really likes your perfume. So next time
could you make it a little stronger so I could get a good smell then pass it around and
still have some left over?
When you send cookies and things like that or sometimes when you write a
letter, stick a pack of instant tea in it. It would be deeply appreciated from someone who
loves you very much...Honey, when I get home you better not request permission for a kiss.
If you want to kiss me, just do it. Besides I don't think you'll have time to request
permission, do you?
Well, honey I'm finally on your last letter. Do you realize that this is my
sixth page and I still have to answer your 5 page letter. I hope I can get it all in an
envelope. I couldn't possibly have answered all of those 15 letters, but I read all of
them about 100 times. Then I have to burn them. It's company orders. I hope you
understand? I'd keep them if I could...Even though I don't have time to send you
Scriptures to read, I'd appreciate it if you kept sending to me though. Because those I do
read when I get a chance and they help very much..."
June 8, 1969
". . .Well this morning we were supposed to go back to the
"bush" but they decided to go one more day here. Which I am glad. But tomorrow
for sure, we'll go back. . .Honey, I'm just in a moody mood today. I'm homesick for you
very much. And I'd do anything to be with you right now. I love you so much and please
don't ever doubt me. I know this letter will probably get you upset but I had to write and
tell you how much I missed and loved you and wish I were with you now. . .Honey, I know
it's a short letter but I'm tired and need to sleep. But every night I dream of Hawaii
with you. . . Will write soon and I love you, Love, Jim."
June 21, 1969
"Well, guess what? I'm in an upset mood tonight. Well, I mean I'll
be OK. It's just that two of my best buddies got wounded today. I mean we were pretty
close. One named Rivas got shrapmetal in the arm and minor scratches on the face. The
other one who was a fire team leader like me. Matter of fact we were the only two in the
squad, got a sucking chest wound. If you don't know what that is ask Bill to explain.
Thank God I found out that both are OK. That Martinez, the fire team leader wasn't hurt
real bad, but enough to go back to the States. That makes the second of my buddies to go
back to the states. And it makes me mad. Because I want to go back real bad. But I ain't
going to get wounded to do it. Because I figure you want me in one piece. So don't worry,
I'm too lucky to get hurt.
Well. honey I know this is hard to read because it's dark and I can't see
what I'm doing...I've got a lot of mail from you but never had a chance to answer it.
Well, I better answer your letters because I can hardly see now and pretty soon it will be
too dark.
You know today I looked at your pictures and you are really beautiful. But of
course I'm prejudiced. And I would very much like to have some pictures of you because
they don't last very long over here. I can't read your letters so I'll answer them
tomorrow. It's so dark I can't see. Will pick up first thing in the morning.
Well, here I am again. It's 9:"00 Sunday morning here and I just got
changed from 3rd Plt to 2nd Plt because they were real short of men. I'm supposed to take
over as squad leader in about 15 days, but I don't really want it. But I don't have any
choice.
The Plt Sgt seems like an OK guy to work for but I've only been here one day
so don't really know...Well right now there are bringing in supplies. And for once I don't
need water when they pass it out. But I'll make some Kool-Aid anyway. I wish I had some
instant tea lemon flavored presweetened. Hint! Hint! Maybe I'll get some in the mail one
of these times.
Well, I know I have packages but I won't get them till we set in for a couple
of days. But we should set in pretty sooner for the hit of the summer.
Honey, I'm not really worried about us, it's just I'm so lonesome I miss you
too much and wish I could be there to hold you in my arms and never leave.
Honey one thing we definitely agree on and that is we're deeply in love and
always will be. You might say this is a test for both of us to see if we feel the way we
thing we do. And so far we've passed with flying colors. And probably always will - well
there's no probably to it we always will.
Well, honey I'm going to have to close soon. And first I have to tell you how
much I love you which is very much. I need and miss you a whole lot and don't ever forget
it. And oh, I can't put in words how much I love you but I do very much. . ."
June 28, 1969
"Well, guess? I got your package today. Boy was I glad. The cookies were
great. I really enjoyed them. We move south of Cam Lo today and are supposed to be on
rehap for 30 to 60 days. (Rehap is just running small patrol and doing much of nothing.)
We are on a hill just above Cam Lo River and I got to bathe and shave for the first time
in 3 weeks and it felt gooooood, if not great!
Well, am sending you empty package of what I was talking about concerning
instant tea. I would really appreciate it if you can find some and send it to me. Who
knows, I might love you a little more for it. That you don't have to take seriously
because I love you as much as I could ever love anyone. I received a letter from you today
describing your graduation. Well, needless to say I never felt so proud in my life. . .
Honey, if the writing is worse than usual, it's because I'm writing from a full moon. . .
"
Undated -
Approximately 1st week of July, 1969
"Well I received your package day before yesterday and was I happy to
get it. It had everything I could possibly ask for. And since I hadn't ate in 2 days then
we come back to company CP and that package was waiting for me. Boy I can tell you it took
3 seconds to open and dissolve all the cookies, pop tarts and especially the pudding.
Thank you very much, honey. You're the greatest girl in the world. And everyone knows
that. I'm the luckiest for having you.
You wanted to know which cookies crumbled and which didn't, they all
crumbled. That was because my teeth crumbled them up. Now seriously nothing crumbled or
bent. It was the most perfect package anyone could receive over here. And I was very proud
that my baby was the one that sent it. I really appreciated that package and can't tell
you how much.
Well everything around here is slow and boring. All we do is keep the
villagers off the road (Route 9) and that's not hard.
Oh yes, I'm now the squad leader for my squad. It's kind of Mickey Mouse
really. Don't have as much time to myself as I used to. And it is a great deal more
responsibility than I'm used to. But I'll make it because I'm a Marine. Ha ha.
You remember your or should I say my senior key? Well, it's gotten a little
dirty. Not much but a little. So when we get married and I give that back in place of a
wedding ring, please don't be mad if it's a little dirty. Because I have never had it off
my neck. And as long as I live and we're not married, it will stay around my neck. That I
mean whole heatedly.
Well you remember my lungs and that fungus? Well it's time for a check up so
I might be going to the USS Repas hospital ship for a week of tests. That would be great
since they have what you call ice cream, electricity and showers. Oh yes, pretty nurses.
But I don't think you have anything to worry about. Do you?
Would you believe that this is my 3rd page going on my 4th and I haven't told
you how great a girl you are and that I truly and deeply love you very much. And honey I
really appreciate every letter and everything you do. You're just the greatest. And I love
you for it. I just want you to know that. Without you I'd be a very lonely person over
here.
Oh yes, the hotline for tonight, I just got word that I'm going to have some
medals when I come home. I'm talking about the Bronze Star - I have been put up for
it but turned it down because I don't think I rate them. But they might fix and present
them anyway. But anyhow ribbons don't mean anything. And I don't think I have to prove
anything to anyone anymore. Because as long as you love me then I don't need any ribbons
or medals. All I need is for you to love and appreciate me. They were going to give me the
Cross of Gallantry, but I made sure Martinez got that instead. He deserved it. He got
wounded, I didn't. That's the way I feel. Well, honey, I have a patrol tonight and it's
already 7:30 so I better go get ready. . ."
July 9, 1969
"Well there hasn't been much happening since I last wrote to you. We
received word that ...well, what I'm trying to say is 3rd Marines are scheduled to land in
Okinawa October 1, 1969 or pretty shortly after. But that's what the big cheese says, but
please don't get your hopes up. Because they may just transfer me to a different unit.
Probably in the 1st Marine Division. Or since I'm a squad leader and all that good trash,
they may let me go to Okinawa with the 3rd Marines. If so, I might be home in January. But
don't really know for sure. But if you get your hopes all built up and then you find out I
won't be able to come home till June, it would be a real disappointment. It would upset me
very much if you got upset. . .
P.S. written on July 12, 1969 - Been so busy haven't had time to do anything. We are now
set it at Fire Base Elliott. Name sound familiar? It's located at the Rock Pile. Will
write when I have time. Have to go back to work. . . I really love you and am sorry I
didn't have much of a chance to write. If you notice I didn't have time to mail this
letter."
July 19, 1969
"Hi Babe! Guess what? I received your packages - 2 of them yesterday.
Honey they were great. I really appreciated them. The cookies and pudding go together real
good. Thank you very much. I'm sorry I haven't written sooner, but I've been really busy.
Being Squad Leader is no easy job. You not only have to watch out for your men but
yourself too. And sometimes your so busy with your men you don't have time to think of
yourself. Which I believe if I take good care of them they are going to do the same to me.
Well, I have 4 letters form you here I better answer before I forget. But before I do
thank you very much for the packages and remember I love you very much. And I think my
squad loves you for your cookies. You see I share all packages with my squad and that's
the way I feel. I hope you're not offended for this, I don't think you are. But we believe
in share and share alike. . . as far as our wedding I think a civilian wedding would be
nice since I am a civilian at heart. So unless you (the boss) says otherwise a civilian
wedding would be a whole lot better. Don't you agree?. . .P.S. You make some of the best
popcorn in the world so states L/Cpl. B.W. King. I thought you might like to know that.
Love you always, Jim."
July 30, 1969
"I received your letter yesterday and was glad to hear from you. .
You know every day I miss you more and more and love you too. I can't wait till I'm there
to hold you in my arms and love you for ever and ever. I found out that if we get pulled
out, we'll go to Camp Schawb, Okinawa. So we won't come back to the states for a while,
but at least I'll be away from here. We are still at Camp Elliott/Rock Pile. And this
place is getting on my nerves. It is ridiculous what they want us to do. But I'll put up
with the Marine Corp for 2-1/2 more years then I'm going to try a married man's version of
civilian life. . . "
August 5, 1969
"I received your letter with the pictures and everything. . . Last
night I was listening to the radio and hear our song and want you to know it really
made me feel good to hear it. Last week we killed a 14-1/2 foot boa constrictor snake and
carried it back to the fire base. We stay here about 6 more days then we're going back to
the weeds again. We are going to sweep to Charlie Two from Mutter's Ridge. There's nothing
to worry about. All we will do is walk from Mutter's Ridge to Charlie Two - no problem
whatsoever.
Well we were told today and it is so far official, we stage gear the 10th of
September and are coming home, I should say Okinawa, the first week of October. But if we
go to Okinawa to stay, I'll come back over here. . . I love you so very much. I wish I
could be with you all of the time but I guess it doesn't work that way. We are more or
less on a trial period here and so far it's passed with flying colors. Well time
goes faster for me than it does for you I know. Especially since I don't even know what
day it is half the time. But just keep in mind that I really truly love you and that I
need you so very much. . .I just miss and love you so much I cry sometimes and then
I think of how it's going to be with you and me. And I'm all happy again. Well, I better
go far now. Sorry it's short but back to work time. Love Always, Jim"
August 5, 1969
"Honey, I just finished writing you a letter and then I read your
letters again and forgot to answer a few things. . . Well, I guess that's all you need to
know. If you want anything else, just give me a call. Golf "two", Bravo
"J" leader is my call sign. Tell them to call collect if they like. Just
kidding, if you need anything else, just let me know. I'll be right down proud to give you
assistance, little lady. As you can tell, I'm in a good humor because I love you. . .Right
now there is a funny smell in the bunker like perfume. I can't figure where it came from,
can you? Love you always, your Jim forever."
August 11, 1969
"We've been here over a month now and we leave tomorrow for back out in
bush. Well, I'm sorry I haven't written sooner but I keep pretty busy but I decided I was
going to write my future wife today whatever happens. So here I am and I really love you
very much. I had a few letters from you and really enjoying here from you. It really made
me feel like the king of everybody here, when you answered your letter "your future
wife". I really felt great when I saw that. . .Well, so far so good, but our brother
company had a rough time the other day. But everything's OK now..."
August 16, 1969
"I received your two packages yesterday and I was glad to hear from
you. I guess I'm missing you so much that when I don't get a letter I worry. But I got a
letter and two packages. We are no longer at the Rock Pile (Camp Elliott), we are not at
Charlie Three Bridge. It's pretty good. We don't leave the perimeter for any reason. And
go swimming from 5-7 every nite. Well how is everything in California? I know it can't be
any worse than here. . .If we get pulled out it, we'll go to Okinawa and stay till I
rotate. But at least it's out of this stupid place. Well, honey there's not much left to
say, except I love you and miss you very much. I love you always - your future husband,
Jim."
August 25, 1969
"I've got time on my hands so I'll drop a few lines to let you know I'm
OK and I love you very much. We are about 5 miles north of Dong Ha and there is nothing
here to worry about. We are supposed to go to Camp Carroll area by the end of the week.
But that remains to be seen. Camp Carroll is safer than where we are here and it's like
being in the rear. . ."
August 31, 1969
"I have some time so I thought I'd write and tell you how much I love
you which is very much. I am no longer in Second Plt. I'm in First Plt now and it's a real
change and a big relief. . .at least now I have a chance to write every once in a while..
.The Captain said something that I might make Sgt before I left Viet Nam, so that won't be
bad, will it? Oh yes before I forget could you send me a watch. Not expensive but one with
a calendar. Be sure it's water proof and shock proof. Can you send some film cx 126-20
color with the watch? Honey on the watch, please be sure it is illuminated with calendar.
I love you. Your future husband, Jim."
September 22, 1969
"Right now I'm in Quang Tri waiting for a transfer to another unit. You
see this unit is getting pulled out but you have to have 7 month in country to go home.
And I only have 4 month almost 5. It's possible I may go to Philippines, Okinawa or on
float. Then again I may go to First Marine Division or go to another unit in this Division
and then when I have 7 months come home. But I have to wait and see. As soon as I find out
about what's going on, I'll let you know. If I come it will be in December so I might be
home for Christmas - I hope so anyway. . .Well it's pretty nice here. Don't have to worry
about anything. . . P.S. You're the greatest girl in the world and I'm very lucky to have
you as mine. Your Jim"
September 26, 1969
"Well, I got transferred to 4th Marines so wait till I send you my
address before you write again. The 4th is supposed to be pulled out the 26th of October
to either Okinawa or Hawaii. And I'm going with them. . .I lucked out. . . If I get sent
to Hawaii I want you to think over about coming there and going to school as Mrs. Vance.
Because if I go there it's supposed to be 18 months duty station and I won't wait 18
months to get married. Because I love you so much that I get homesick now. Not really
homesick just miss being with you. So please give it some good thought about spending our
first year of married life in Hawaii and getting married in Hawaii. Well, I ran out of
things to say except I truly love you and if I go to Hawaii I want you there with me as my
wife. Honey I love you very much and I know that God planned for us to meet. And that our
marriage will last forever. So I better go for now. Wait on writing till I give you my new
address. I don't even know it yet. Love you always and for ever, Your future husband, Jim.
P.S. I'm yours and only yours. Please always love me."
October 2, 1969
"Well, I got transferred to the 1st Marine Regiment in 1st Marine
Division. We are about 20 miles south of Da Nang. I was supposed to go to Okinawa but
anyway, that's the Marine Corps for you. Just remember that I love you and always will.
There isn't much to say. I just want to write everyone and let them know my new address.
And you're the first one. . ."
October 4, 1969
"Honey, I wrote so fast the other day I just don't remember if I even
put my address in it: India Company, 3rd Battalion/1st Marine Regiment/1st Marine
Division. So I hope I hear from you soon. I'm a little down in the dumps right now because
I got sent down here. But I only have 221 days left to do so I'll be home before you know
it. . .Well, the monsoon is now in full swing. And it seems that everything is a little
slack right now. . . I am sending a picture that was taken a few days ago here. Right now
I'm in the rear till they audit my SRB and pay record. I'll probably be here till at least
the 8th of October. . ."
October 14, 1969
"Honey, I received your letter yesterday and was very glad to hear from
you. Everything here is OK. I have a cold but it is nothing to worry about. It will
probably be gone in a couple of days. I'm really glad you decided to go to Hawaii. I think
that boosted my spirits a 100% and I am really looking forward to seeing you. I will try
my best to come in December. I don't think I could make it Christmas but maybe close to
it. And besides when I see you it will be like 3 Christmases in one. I am really looking
forward to seeing the best girl a guy could have in the world. Honey I truly love you very
much and know you feel the same.
Now as far as taking out money from the bank take as much as you thin you
will need. I think you should buy a round-trip ticket-reserve seats. Also when I find out
when I go on R&R I want you to try to get there a day ahead so you set things up. What
do you think? Don't worry about taking the money out of the bank because I will put it all
back in about 3 months or so.
And besides I'd pay anything to see you. Because you are truly the one I
love. OK, we have about 60 days from today so write me to tell me what you think. But the
money's there so why not use it? OK that should over that for now. But let me know what
you think.
I have a patrol in 45 minutes so I have to finish this letter soon. I hope Bill and Debbie
are doing OK. If I was there do you think we would have the same problems? I don't. Honey,
we talk things out and we never had any trouble because we truly love each other very
much. And I really do miss you. I sometimes get so lonesome and down in the dumps because
I know I won't get to see you this weekend and so on. But one of these days we will see
each other every day, night, morning. Every time I turn around you'll be there and I will
always be happy.
What do you think about getting married on R&R? If you say no, I'll
understand. But I wish you would at least consider it for me please! And please don't get
upset if you think I had no right to ask that, OK? Well, honey I better close for now.
Remember I will always love you. And I miss you very much. I'll be seeing you in about 60
days. I love you, you beautiful girl of mine. Your and only yours, Jim. P.S. Please keep
in mind that some of the things I said you may disagree with but please bear with me.
Because I just miss you so much anything is possible for me to say. But I do truly love
you and would like to get married on R&R. But is wholeheartedly up to you - just
remember that. Your future husband, Jim"
