Arnold's Letter Home #8

August 20th, 1966

Hello Bob,

How's everything going with you and the fam? I don't like writing this type of letter, but I figure you will understand cause you were once in the service too. I have to tell someone to get it off my mind and I can't very well tell my parents. 

Last night 2 of my buddies got killed and 2 wounded and one cracked up. We were hit by mortar fire. I feel like I'm gonna crack too, I just don't know what to do. The medics will just say I'm scared. I am scared but that's not it, my mind is crazy cause of kids my age and younger dying for nothing. How can I get out of this, I pray, but every day my mind just seems to be dizzy with crazy thoughts. I'm no coward, I've done everything everybody else has to help the battery. 

It's just people dying in front of me, I don't think I can take it too long. What can I do to get out? Jesus is keeping me alive but my mind is going. I can't write anymore cause I've got to help build a bunker. Don't let Ginny read this please. I hate to bother you but I don't know who else to ask. 

Write soon,

Arnold