Text kindly translated from the Vietnamese by Mr. Toan Nguyen.
Quang Tri, 10 August 1974
Dear Hong,
This afternoon at the field I received your letter informing me that you passed the exam. Wow, I am so happy, everything I wished for came true as I wished.
Dear, I should ask for leave permission from my Commander to come home to celebrate your success, but the war pressure is so high. Moreover, my unit is a reserve unit, so anywhere in the field where there's heavy fire, the shadow of the Rangers will be there. So I hope Hong, you understand that it's the soldier's life in the field and please don't get mad with me.
I let you know, with Mr. Khoa and Thuan, I just celebrated your victory with a small party with a case of beer.
[Page 2]
Mama gave me about 5000d when I left home, plus a couple thousand from Ngoc - the money he asked me to use to buy souvenirs, but I used it all to pay for the party to treat my friends and I plan to pay him back on my pay period.
Here, Khoa and Thuan, my friends, we all applauded you, Hong. I am so happy. Hong, you made me proud and excited because I have a good sister who studies hard to earn her success. Hong, if you send me a telegraph message about your success, I hope I can ask for permission for a leave. A leave is very difficult to ask for in the field, but it is all right, I don't get mad with you any more Hong.
Well, why did I get angry with you, Hong on the day I visited you? You just misunderstood me…
[Page 3]
Hong, please don't be mad with me. I always love you. I treat you as my blood sister at home, so I hope you don't get any wrong ideas about me.
Ah… how about the family condition of the couple Ngoc and Nguyet? I really don't know much about that.
On 20 August 1973, Ngoc will visit me in the field and my family sent a message to me from the home base. Nguyet failed the exam. It is so terrible for her, but the exam doesn't really matter to Ngoc. He could fail or pass - it doesn't make a big difference in his life. Because he is a member of a deceased soldier's family, the military school just needs a certificate. Just saying sorry for my sister….
[Page 4]
Ngoc will register in the class at Vinh Long because the Saigon classes are full. If he gets into the Vinh Long class, the government will cover all his school expenses such as housing and meals if he lives in the school dorm.
Well, some lines to you, and let me have some lines to your parent, Hong. I wish your parent and your whole family good health, happiness and wealth and that you will be happy enjoying your education.
- All Rights Reserved.
