Dear Bonnie,

Hey, you really got to me with that threat of not writing 'til you hear from me. I know it's no fun writing all the time and never getting a letter back. Bonnie, you'll never know haw much your letters mean to me. Without your letters and Lynda's, 1 would probably be going over the hill any day. Contrary to popular belief, we're not fighting for Mom's apple pie; it's more like for you gals and the freedom enjoyed by all.

We flew a mission today in defense of a small outpost jus,t north of Dong Ha. These small, marine positions were taking incoming artillery from across the DMZ in North Vietnam. We had to go as low as 200 to 400 feet above the ground to get below the clouds to find those artie positions firing on Con Thien and Gio Lihn. They fired thinking no fighter could get below those clouds to strike them, but one did. They must have been as surprised as could be to see a big F-4 fly at 150 feet and 500 to 550 knots (620 to 680 mph) below those clouds. They stopped firing as soon as we got over them. They shot at us a bit but no hits. At one time we were below the treetops looking for a hidden enemy. If we stopped a single round from being fired on our people, I'm sure we did a great deal of good.

Needless to say, there is more than just a little risk involved in flying a daily mission here, Bonnie. Let me try to give you an idea of what combat is all about. We face a number of threats on each mission: antiaircraft guns, surface-to-air missiles, and the danger of flying into the ground. Combat is exciting, challenging and terrifying all at the same time. During a mission the adrenalin fills your system with the energy you need, and your heart beats so rapidly you are sure it will burst. Your thoughts are totally focused on getting your bombs or rockets in there on the target - taking a hit in your aircraft from an enemy gun takes second place in your thoughts.

Facing daily missions over the heavily defended areas of North Vietnam is like facing a bully in the street everyday. It's like being the star pitcher in the last game of the World Series. It's like Charlie. Brown finally meeting that little red-haired girl. Fear? Yes, and then again, no. Afterward, thinking back on how close tragedy was - maybe then. But that quickly passes as you prepare for tomorrow's mission}. The thought of death? No, that's the least of our thoughts. What worries us is the thought of those at home who will be saddened by our loss on a combat sortie. But even the most hardened veteran never gets used to the loss of a friend in battle. At times I've become so depressed and filled with grief that no words could express my sorrow for the loss of a buddy. The war has hardened me in a number of way~, but likewise it has bred within me a burning bitterness toward the enemy and a ruthlessness which has probably accounted for my living this long. Needless to say, I was very lucky to escape from North Vietnam in November when I did. I was the only man recovered of 14 shot down from DaNang that month. I was within inches of being machine gunned to death and within minutes of capture, but my strongest feeling was for John Martin who went down with me and did not avoid those risks.

Bonnie, we're here fighting and dying for a freedom not yet found by these people. A freedom enjoyed by all of us in the U.S. and yet taken so lightly by us in our daily activities. Can you imagine Portland or Corvallis in enemy hands? With tanks in the streets firing on civilians and neighbors' homes. That's what these people live with here. And a pleasant, happier people you couldn't find, in spite of these miseries. A victory in Vietnam on the side of freedom will mean a better world for all of ils. It will mean another free-world country can live in freedom which will be guaranteed by their allies. I want much to bring that wish-and-a-prayer to a promise for these people. I want it enough to give up six more months of my life and possibly more for it. And there are many others here who feel the same way. It's not seeing the sadness, tears and dying of these people that makes me feel that way - it's seeing the smiles of thanks and nods of appreciation that turns a man's heart.

Well, that's a lot of pages on the war, which I always try to avoid writing about. Thanks for the cookies and nuts Bonnie they are a cause for a party in themselves. Sam [Graves] and I are recruiting people out in the halls to come join us in the joys of a package from home. (Mostly cause Sam & I are full

Hey, those ate sure good looking friends you've got there, but what about [your roommate] Ann? I guess you're not going to show me her picture, huh? She has to be one of your sweetest friends I'm sure she's one of mine. I'm going to get my third letter off to her this week for sure. (Better get the first & second off, too, tho.) I sure enjoy her cute cards. She tells me a lot of what goes on there, Bonnie, so better be careful! "BIG BROTHER IS WATCHING YOU!"

Speaking of big Bro, what do you hear from Don? I got a nice letter from him today (first one in 3 months, I'm sure), (Well, maybe 3 weeks). He's been pretty busy, tho. I've always said tho that if you're too busy to write to those close to your heart, you're too busy!! Guess I'm too busy.

Again BonBon, thanks for the cookies. I wish I could return just a 1/3rd or 1/5th of your letters. I lean on them heavily, but when every mission requires so much planning I just don't have the time to sit down very often and write. Because I don't write very often, Bonnie, certainly doesn't mean you're not in my thoughts. Love, Jim