December 7, 1967

Dear Mom and Dad,

Mom! Thanks for sending me more cookies. Chocolate chip is my favorite and they were great. I had to eat them all in one day because we were only back at Ladybird for a day before we had to go out on another mission.

Going out with my squad was a lot different this time. We had to go into the Dung Ho Valley and patrol an area for Air Force pilots who needed to eject from their plane.

Well the first day we spent most of the morning and afternoon walking to our lookout spot. When we got there I took a few minutes to enjoy the view of the countryside. I always remember Grandpa Percell reminding me to take time to "stop and smell the roses." Then we dug our foxholes and waited to see if any of the zoomies, that’s what they call the Air Force pilots, would need us. That night was the first night that I have been cold in Vietnam, and it felt good!

The next morning we got the report that a plane had gone down in our sector and we needed to go and get the pilot. The squad saw his parachute and he was coming right to us till a wind came and he got caught up on a cliff.

The NVA was in the area so we had to be quiet so they didn't see us. The LT was trying to make a plan how we were going to get the man without being seen, I gave him a suggestion and he thought it was a good idea so he ordered Johnson to stay back and watch out for us while the squad went and got the pilot.

Most of the guys in my outfit don't know anything about the outdoors so I had to free climb up the cliff and rappell down to get the pilot. It was really hard work, but I liked doing something good!

The zoomie was in pretty bad condition so Baker and I had to carry him back to the chopper. That was hard work too, my arms are still tired from carrying him. Once we got the pilot back to the chopper we got out of there and back to the firebase.

The guys are sure the LT will put in a request for a medal for me for getting the pilot down. That would be cool, but if I don’t get one it won’t bother me none.

I may not be able to write before Christmas so wish everyone Happy Holidays for me. I sure will miss everyone. Hope things are good with both of you and tell that little sister of mine that I miss her!

Love your son, Danny