Letters from Vietnam

Feb 21
Dear Esperanza,

Just thought I'd write these few lines to say hello. I wrote to mom the other day telling her Louie was here he got here a few days before yesterday I talked with him for about 6 hrs and yesterday he had to go on a patrol but he will be back this morning and then I'm going to go look for him he's going to be here about 6 to 8 weeks they they will go some where else. we are suposed to leave next month to but they don't really know yet. Louie and I are going to take some pictures together this week. he's out on a patrol right now but he should be in about 12 oclock. And he will probly come and see me again me and him talk every night till about 11 oclock it sure was good to see him he goes out on patrol every third day I wish he didn't have to go out there. I was really surprised to see him. I didn't think Id see him so soon. He usually takes me some hot coffee at nite when we have to stand watch and we talk a while I worry about him, I wish he didn't have to go out on patrols though.

I got about 8 months 20 days left. I sure hope it don't break out in Korea cause I sure hate to have to go up there, what do you think? I sure wish I could stay home for good when I get back. The sun hasn't come out for about 3 week's now. I was real happy to see Louie. Esperanza tell mom if she has any money to send me and Louie a package tell her to send a couple of those same beans she sent the last time and at least two cans of chile ok. I will send some more money about the third of March have yous gotten the check I sent?

How do you like your job? have you seen Mercedes lately tell her hello. What's dad been doing lately? Well I guess Ill close for now answer soon.

Antonio
April 28, 1968

Dear Esperanza,

Received your most welcomed letter today and was real glad to hear from you hoping when you get this letter will find yous fine as for myself Im fine.

Well news around here not much to say except it was real hot and everything else the same, but Louie left already he's been gone about two weeks now. I sure miss him. Its not the same anymore without him. Sometimes I wait for him to come to my bunker thinking hes still here. Time went by so fast when he was here talking about back home and all the girls. I hope he'll be fine, he has to go out on those operations where they wipe out villages. I pray for him every night.

By the time you get this letter Ill have 198 days left. Woodcock leaves in about nine days, he leaves the 8 of May. Ill miss him too cause hes been my best friend here.

I'm real proud of the way your working and helping out Dad and Mom I hope they pay all there bills so mom can quit working, when I get out I'll find a good job and help them so she can quit working. I think Ill be going to another position pretty soon its called A-3 its farther north from here in fact its only about 900 yards from the DMZ, I'm glad cause I'm sick of this place especially without Louie.

Well, Esperanza I guess Ill close for now. I sure miss talking to Louie. Answer soon.

Your brother
Antonio