Feb 17 11:30am
Larry

I moved from Long Binh to Bearcat about 4 days ago. Bearcat is headquarters for the 9th Division. I've been attached to "C" company 3rd battalion, 60th brigade of the 9th. Apparently I'll be working down in the Delta. If my feet don't rot off and float away it should be a pretty good station. I'll be attached to or working with the Navy and the riverine forces, patrolling the inland rivers. There must be thousands of miles of such rivers and streamlets.

So far there has been little to do indicate that this is a combat zone. When the artillery goes off the buildings tremble quit a bit but when you get used to it it seems commonplace. The first night it went off, I was almost on the ground before I realized it was not hostile. The biggest problem is cleanliness. McKechnie, a good friend, and I had the first shower we've been able to get since we've been here. We shared a shower head which dripped about one quart of water a minute. It's pretty hot here, in spite of the fact that it's winter time and there's quite a problem with water.

I leave here Sunday, tomorrow, for my final unit. Between now and then we'll be on an ambush patrol. I don't expect any trouble and neither does anyone else, the patrol is mainly practice. But last night the patrol, not mine, was hit by small arms. Nobody was hurt and it's the first time in a couple months. Whether there's a fight or not, that fact will make it interesting. I've got to go now or I'll never get it mailed. You can use the address on the letter.

Bob