Saturday, June 29, 1968

29 June, 1968

Tonkin Gulf

Dear Mother & Dad,

It's about 12:30 AM Saturday morning here and I'm on watch. I received your letter of the 21st day before yesterday on Thursday.

I got my two new courses in the mail the same day and have done three lessons on one already.

Yesterday was pay day. I drew $180 and will probably send some home after we stop in Subic Bay as I want to buy a few last items before we head home.

We get relieved up here at 8:00 AM Sunday then head for Subic Bay. We'll probably arrive there late Monday night and leave again Tuesday afternoon. Then it's a four day trip to Guam where we stop for fuel and mail. As I mentioned before, we cross the equator on the 10th.

Since I made the last tape on the 23rd, there hasn't been anything new happen up here. We had our last refueling here Wednesday night. Of course every day they have MIG tracking alerts several times but they seldom get within 40 miles from us.

We did a little bit of painting the past few days in order to have some of our topside areas looking good for arrival in San Diego. We'll finish up the rest of it next week. It's pretty hot outside during the daytime and that sun just doesn't let up. So as a result we have been taking our time and not doing too much at one time.

I just remembered this will be the last "free" letter I write from over here. Boy, thats too bad! We are starting to lose out on some of the combat zone benefits now that it's time to leave. But we will get the month of July tax free pay and they are talking about combat pay for that month too. But they aren't too sure and may have to deduct it from our regular pay later on if they aren't right.

I hope David is having a good time at scout camp. I'm sure he is enjoying it and it will be a good experience for him.

I'm glad you liked the dress material and have it made already. I'll be eager to see the pictures you took of it.

Well I'm sorry that this is so short but there isn't much more to tell. I'll be looking to hear from you when we stop in Guam. So long for now.

Your son,

Mike