Encoded for the Veterans History Project, February 1, 2023.
All letters in the Larry O'Neal collection were digitized; selected letters and postcards have been transcribed.
Documents are transcribed with minimal changes to the original text in an effort to preserve original appearance, content, and idiosyncrasies of composition. Period language and terminology are also retained. Transcription is literal with regard to the writer's capitalization, punctuation, spelling, and visible corrections (i.e. crossed out words). Spelling errors are indicated with [sic]; however, recurring errors in spelling or grammar within a single document have been marked the first time and and not subsequently. Crossed out words are presented {in braces}. Any special emphasis (i.e. underlining) is presented *between asterisks*. When the writer spells out the word "and" it appears spelled out; when a symbol is used for "and" the editor used the ampersand. Alterations to the original text are consistent throughout and all editorial comments appear in [square brackets]: a single space is placed between sentences, nontextual symbols (circled page numbers, scribbles, etc.) have been changed to plain typographical characters when possible or omitted with a note, obvious slips of the pen have been silently corrected, and malformed letters are presented as the intended letter, based on spelling and context. All superscripts and underscored superscripts have been lowered to the regular line of text and are not underscored. Single word interlineations are indicated with a single caret (^) before the word; multiple word interlineations are presented ^surrounded by carets^.
27th FEB. 69
Dearest Patty,
It's me again, hope this letter reaches you in the highest of spirits and the very best of health. It leaves me doing just fine.
I imagine by now you are a married woman and if so, my deepest and warmest congradulations [sic.]. May troubles never cross your path.
There's nothing much going on around here. We're still on stand by waiting for an operation, in which I believe it should start pretty soon now.
I'm on radio watch and I've had a message come in reporting that some documents have been obtained stating that the V.C. are planning 3 large attacks somewhere along the outskirts of Da Nang.
Of course that covers a fairly large area so I guess we'll wait until they move first before we are pulled into
action. But until then we'll stay on this ship so the officers and staff can harass us. What a boring life!
I think I'm going to kill my comm chief. He really has been jumping all over us lately and just simply for no reason at all. Today, for example, he jumped all over me because someone turned in my gas mask, which was stolen from me. When I told him the situation he said it didn't matter he had to lay the finger on someone so it was me. All I can say is he better watch it on the next operation cause I will put a round in his head. The gooks have quit [sic.] a few M-16's so that's my cover up.
I sure will be glad when you write. Things get awful dull unless you drop a few lines. Will Rube let you write to enlisted men?
Well angel I must close for now so you take care of yourself and if there's anything I can do to assist you in anyway please don't hesitate to call on me. Give my best regards to Rube and Ali, and tell Ali I'm still looking for that miniature radio he wants. But being on this "tug" makes it rather difficult. May God Bless and take care.
Adios!
Love
Larry
P.S. I'm still looking forward to hearing from you. Write soon.