Day 2 138 Days Left Taking shower and cooling off at night
May 20 Dear Maxie, It’s 9 P.M. now and this is the first time that I’ve been comfortable since I’ve been here. It’s pretty nice at night after the sun goes down and it cools off. I just took a shower – you have to pour water in the barrel on the roof for water. You can’t use too much water but just washing off feels so great. It’s almost useless to take a shower before the sun goes down because I’d just get sweated up again. Am almost started getting used to the heat, not quite though. Doing the slightest chore or even walking during the day almost makes me sick it’s so hot. Guess it’ll take me a while and then I’ll be ok.
Shower at Dong Ha. Hot water on hot, sunny days. Cold water on cold, cloudy days
Have been talking to some of the guys back from up front and they’re having a hell of a time up there. They’re on the DMZ near Khe Sanh. One thing I have to respect is that if a Marine gets killed or wounded they bring him back which sometimes takes some doing. It’s amazing what they’ll do just to get one guy back. I wonder if the Army does that.
As for what I need – I don’t know what or where to begin. I could use a sheet to keep from sleeping on a blanket as hot as it is. I could also use some scotch or bourbon – but if you do send any put it in a plastic container so it won’t get broken.
If you send any packages at all, make sure you pack them well in cans or something that won’t break because sometimes they take a hell of a beating getting here. You could send a little thou to help my morale, but you might get kinda messed up in the mail.
Really, honey, I’m pretty lucky – maybe your praying helped out in getting me the desk job. Somebody’s looking out for me. You don’t have to worry about me too much cause I’ll be staying here. Just keep praying and keep loving me. I love you and can’t wait to be with you again. I miss you. This is no great life and I wouldn’t want you to be here for anything. I just want to come home to you. Knowing that you are waiting makes it a lot easier. I love you. Yours, Gary
