Tuesday, March 12, 1968

12 March, 1968

Tonkin Gulf

Dear Mother + Dad,

I got your note with the crossword puzzles today and your letter of last Monday yesterday.

Everything is still the same over here. The weather hasn't changed a bit and the days continue to go by. We only have 11 more days on station then are to arrive in Japan on the 29th of this month.

Last Friday a chaplain came aboard and said Mass for the first time since we left the states. They are going to arrange it so he comes once every two weeks.

Yesterday an Air Force plane went down inland about 65 miles southwest of us. They made some attempts to find the pilots but gave them up for lost in a couple of hours.

I am having a years subscription of "All Hands" sent home to you. You might say its the Navy's answer to "The Leatherneck". It will give you some idea of what goes on in some of the operations and you just might read about the Jouett.

If I can find a tape recorder that plays cartridges, I'll buy one in Japan. Those type aren't in use too much yet and the only ones we have here on the ship are the ones like mine. It shouldn't cost much and it will be good to send messages back and forth. I'll be sure to keep an eye out for one.

I know I mentioned this before but would you let me know how much I have in the checking account. Also include the tax refund. I have been trying to keep track of it but would like to know the exact figures.

I read the newspaper clipping you sent me. That guy has a brother that is in the reserves also. At first I thought it was him but remembered he had an older brother.

Yes, if you can find some paper back books, I'd like for you to send them. Mysteries, science fiction or short stories are okay. I can do without any of the off-color type if you know what I mean. We usually trade back and forth with the guys and it helps to occupy your time if you have something to read while on watch or waiting in line.

I haven't heard from Bill lately but expect to any day. I suppose he finds it hard to write and may not have the time. I could write letters everyday but there would be nothing to write about. But as soon as I get one of your letters I am anxious to sit down and answer it.

I have sent the application in for the correspondence course test. I don't know when it will get here but in the meantime am going to cram up on things I need to know a little better.

We have had a couple of intelligence briefings since we have been out here on station. They point out on the map what operations have been taking place and how it involves us. Actually its a lot of the news that comes out in the "Stars & Stripes" but the explanation makes it more interesting. They say that at Khe Sahn there is most likely to be one of the most decisive battles take place soon. Of course the way news travels over here it may have been over by the time you get this letter. If you keep one eye on the map and another on the paper you will be pretty well informed about just what the score is over here.

What kind of bike is David planning on buying? How did he get the money, rob a bank? I think you ought to make him wait till school is out that way he has to be good till then. Only kidding of course. Tell him to be good in school and keep struggling along with the drum lessons no matter how hard they may seem at times. I noticed the little note he wrote on the letter and could picture him sitting down writing it.

I have held off long enough telling you, but I have grown a mustache. I started it on Jan. 28 and will probably shave it off in Japan. I don't really care for it but it is something a little different. I remember Bill telling me that he was going to grow a beard and the whole works when he got over here. They wouldn't let us grow beards so the guys had to settle on mustaches instead.

Well, thats all the "exciting" news for now. I'll be looking forward to hearing from you again and will keep everyone back there in my thoughts. Bye for now.

Your son,

Mike