Encoded for the Veterans History Project, February 2, 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^.
December 4, '69
Hi Luv
Received your letter today so I figured I'ld [sic.] write you one last letter before I leave Nam.
By the time you receive this I should be on my way to the states. If not I'll be close to it, either way I'll be in the world for Christmas and New Years.
Sorry to hear about Sporty. After all, she's the one that brought us to know each other. I hope she turns up.
I'm very glad to hear you and Rube are hitting it off so good. I sincerely hope you two will always be happy for beau-co [sic.] years to follow.
The lifers in our platoon are giving me a slight hassel [sic.]. They're trying their damndest to bust me and a buddy of mine for marijuana but they can't catch us. ^Ha!^ I told one staff sgt that I was too damn short for him to catch me. So he comes back saying that he promises that he's going to catch me. So he comes back saying that he promises that he's going to catch me. It'll never happen! Now when we do smoke we have to be sort of on guard for him. But we manage to stay stoned anyway
I was thinking of stopping in at your place, but with all the brass..., I don't know! Ha. Did you ever think of the talk there would be? An enlisted man staying at the major's house!! Anyway I'll call and let you know. OK!!??
As for Mary and I, what can I say but she couldn't wait, I guess. If the divorce comes through I'll get custody of Larry or die trying. It's been over 2 months since she's written so I don't know what's going on. What a headache!
So much for Peyton Place II!
I am thinking very seriously about college. I did have a USAFI college course on Psychology and Life but it was thrown overboard along with the rest of my gear. I was thinking about going to junior college first because the classes would be smaller, then after a couple of years go to some university. But I still have time to decide.
Well doll I guess I'll sign off for now I'll be seeing you all real soon so be prepared to party! ^Ha!^ Take care and be cool!
Love,
Larry
¡¡Paz Niño!! ^Ha!^