18 July 1970

18 July 1970
Saturday

I have before me my R&R orders.  The only thing they are lacking is my C.O.’s signature.  I hope to get this taken care of tomorrow.

I’m in the hospital right now, so I’m not getting around to freely! Ha.  Right now they think I might have malaria.  Back to the beginning.

The day after I sprained my ankle, I began running a high fever and having cold chills and a bad headache.  After two days of that, I went to the doctor (yesterday) and he couldn’t find out what was causing it.  So he sent me over to the U.S. Army’s 27th Surgical Hospital here at Chu Lai, and they immediately admitted me as a FUO (fever unknown origin).  For the first 24 hours they took blood samples every FOUR hours - and you know how I am about needles.

Well, my fever is staying down now, I have virtually no cold chills, and my headache is gone.  In fact I feel well enough to leave.  But, the doctor is to stubborn.  He wants to watch me some more.  So I’m about to spend my second night here.  At least the blood tests have stopped (unless my temp gets out of hand again).  The ward is air conditioned and is kept quite cool as practically everyone in here has malaria and are running high fevers.

This should not effect my R&R.  Even if I do have malaria, it can be cured in 5 - 10 days easy. 

They are taking my temperature right now.

Someone from the squadron should be over tonight to bring my mail, and I’ll have them see that the R&R orders get mailed off right away.

Well my temp was 100.2.  It’s really frustrating that we don’t know what’s causing it.  There are so many types of fever over here, and new ones turn up all the time.  I hope this isn’t one!  Ha.

Photo - Officers shower/toilet facility.

16 July 1970

Thursday
16 July 1970

I didn’t write anything last night because I was really feeling bad from my ankle which I badly sprained while playing handball.

I got two cans of cookies today!

I can’t think of a thing to write!  I haven’t flown for two days, and haven’t done anything else that matters.

I still haven’t got my R&R orders.  They are sent down from Group, and aren’t ready yet.

I got a check today for $1000.  I’m going to open a checking account at the American Express Bank we have here at Chu Lai.  As much as I hate that company, that’ll be the best way to have the money for R&R.


Photos - Udorn, Thailand

13 July 1970

Monday
13 July 1970

My R&R is approved!!  I’ll be arriving in Hawaii about noon on 1 August.  I don’t have the orders yet, but I’ll be getting them in a few days.  I’ll send off the hotel reservation request tomorrow.

All signs indicate that I will return to Hawaii sometime in late September where I’ll finish my 12 months.

I’ve already drawn $1,000 for R&R.  I still have $75.00 on the books, and that’s through the 15th of this month.  So I can probably save $600 by the time I leave Vietnam.

Today was another typical day.  I flew one mission today and we bombed some enemy bunkers.  I guess about 80% of our targets are bunkers.  You’d think that sooner or later we would destroy all those bunkers.

Photos from Udorn, Thailand

12 July 1970

Sunday
12 July 1970

Just a note tonight because I’m so tired I’m just going to collapse into bed.

I flew two hops today, the second one was also a four plane fly over during the change of command ceremony.  Every one who saw it said it was just great.  Of the eight people in the four planes, six  were lieutenants and two were captains.  Usually the Majors and Lt. Cols fly these fly overs.  So we were all very proud it was so good.

I still don’t have my orders for R&R.  But they should be here in the next 3 or 4 days.

Photos taken in Udorn, Thailand

11 July 1970

Saturday
11 July 1970

I have the duty tonight, and have been playing cards for the past four plus hours!

Tomorrow we’re having a change of command ceremony.  Our present CO., whom I’ve liked more than any CO I’ve ever had, is going to Wing Headquarters, and our present XO, (A Major) is going to become the CO.  He is my assigned pilot, so I get to fly more than any other RIO, because  he flies every day. 

I’m scheduled to fly two missions tomorrow.  I only flew once today, but didn’t mind.

I’ve learned to play Pinochle, a very interesting game.  It’s not a difficult game, but is sort of fun.  I guess I’ve learned how to play every kind of card game there is - except poker - since I’ve been over here.  What a great accomplishment!

I got cookies today, and they are already gone!  I shared them with the guys on the hot pad tonight.  The cookies were a little dry because they took so long getting here - but VERY good all the same!!

My present roommate, Eric Rooth, is leaving for the world tomorrow.  So he started celebrating last night by getting very drunk.  He brought some of his drunk buddies to our room where they proceeded to make a shambles of the place.  You just wouldn’t believe how wild people get when they are going home.  Eric kicked a hole in the wall, someone else threw a glass against the wall, Eric threw one of his cameras on the floor and stomped it into pieces.  Then they decided to try to turn over the wall lockers.  Fortunately they didn’t succeed.  Then they threw beer on everyone, then began a sword duel with some Thai swords Eric has.  After this they tried sticking the swords in the wall, and ruined one of the swords.  During all the shuffle, several of the guys cut themselves, so Eric wrote his personal call sign, “Hawk”, on the wall in blood, in large bold letters.

I can’t decide if I should try to clean up the room after he leaves tomorrow, or just move out!  Ha.

Photos taken in Udorn, Thailand

7 July 1970

Tuesday
7 July 1970

Today has been a typical day on the hot pad.  Long - boring - but still got two hops.  Of course I didn’t do anything else all day.

The movie tonight is one I’ve already seen (over here) and is not worth seeing again - I’ll spend the evening reading, I guess.

Haven’t played handball today, but am to tired for that now.

Can hardly wait for R&R.  Although I’ve waited 9 months - I’m very impatient now!  Ha.  It’s only a little over 3 weeks away!

I enjoyed my three day trip to Thailand, and saw a few sights of interest.  I took a number of pictures of a Buddhist monastery and church - hope they turn out good.  I bought that watch my brother wanted. He should have received it by now.  He can consider it a gift from me, for all the help that he has given you guys.   I can’t seem to spell my words very well tonight.  I’m a bit tired, but didn’t realize that tired.

We are not flying any missions in Cambodia, so you won’t need to worry about me getting shot down there.  About 99 percent of our missions are flown right here in I corps.  I got the letter without the stamp but didn’t have to pay any for it.  Thanks for the pictures.  They are very good and I see that everyone is looking well.

I now have National Defense medal, Vietnamese Service Medal, Vietnamese Campaign Medal, Combat Action Ribbon, (no medal)   and nine Air Medals.

Photos take in Udorn, Thailand

6 July 1970

Monday
6 July 1970

John Haynes has just given me some booklets about R&R. 

I flew two missions today, and am to be on the hot pad all day tomorrow.

We’re having a “party” right now in my room.  My roommate popped some popcorn, and someone else brought some tuna, and sodas, so we’re enjoying ourselves (sort of).  Of course I’m having trouble writing this.

I am very anxious to get my orders for R&R.

Photos taken in Udorn, Thailand