Letters From Vietnam

 The Delaware Public Archives has a collection of letters published online that were sent to News-Journal Reporter Nancy Lynch for her column, "Nancy’s Vietnam Mailbag." The column was published during the war and the letters were from Delawareans serving in Vietnam. Here are excepts from several letters that show how each soldier’s experience and perception of the war differed, sometimes greatly.

On July 5th, I lost five friends. Da Nang was rocketed and a barracks took a direct hit killing 5 and injuring 32 others. This was my first contact with war in respect to the loss of human lives since I came in country in April. When they died, I also died. Something died within me. I have not as of yet determined what is gone, but I have the feeling that the only thing we’re accomplishing over here is denting the population.

Sgt. Daniel Stokes

Boarding a Vietnam bound plane is not easy, nor is service here. The lights go on at 5:30 A.M. and the day runs till 5:30 P.M.–7 days a week. That is, if you’re in a maintenance outfit like myself. The people who really have it rough are the "ground pounders" and the "gun bunnies". These men are usually at it 24 hours a day. They do the most and complain the least. It seems the people doing the most complaining are the protesters back in the states. They’re all experts on the war, yet none have ever been here. I hope the people back home realize this and don’t pay them any attention. I hope also that the wrong deeds of a few Americans over here doesn’t ruin the image of the American service man here in Vietnam. It’s hard to understand why we’re here. It’s taken me over eleven months of being around the Vietnamese people to finally come to the conclusion that what we’re doing here is worthwhile. Vietnam service isn’t easy, but how many worthwhile things are? If America is to be free, there will always be Vietnam.

Spec. 4, Phillip (Bob) Sheppard

I can’t understand why everyone wants to leave Vietnam. Personally, I find this country fascinating. As a matter of fact, I’ve been talking to a real estate agent in "Cha Bai" and am buying a small two room grass hut outside of Phu Long Village. The house is on a small plot of land with two rice patties already built. He is giving me two water buffalo and six chickens as a bonus. Tomorrow, I’m going to ask my C.O. for a few days off a week so I can start planting my rice.

Spec. 4, Kevin M. Lyons, joking about purchasing a home.

My gripes are many like all drafted men, but this tour is an experience I shall never forget. We definitely have our place over here. I am very thankful I was assigned to the Cav. We humor ourselves in some of the oddest ways and everyone is looking and waiting for the same thing, Deros day. The date you leave Viet Nam for the states. I have already taken my first R & R, (to Hawaii), and married there. My wife’s name is Stellamarie and she is employed by DuPont at the Experimental Station in Delaware. She will have a picture of me if you wish one.

C. M. "Butch" Friedal