Where they had a tube in me so I could eat. Well I can eat all right all by myself

I don't know what my left hand is like because it is all bandaged up and I can't see what all is wrong with it. But it sure looks funny. But the doctor said it will be all right also. So I will be as good as new before I know it. I got my Purple Heart. It really looks nice but I would rather not have gotten one the hard way.

I never hurt so much in my whole life. It hurt so bad at the time that I wanted to die. But now it don't feel too bad anymore. It still hurts only when I laugh. So I never laugh. The doctor might send me to Japan unless he changes his mind. I was hoping maybe they will send me back to the states. I will just have to keep hoping and praying that they do send me back home.

I hope you get this letter before your birthday because I'm going to wish you a very Happy Birthday. I am sorry I can't give you anything but I am sending you all my love which you need.

Maybe you can write to me. My address is on the envelope so maybe I will still be here yet.

Well, honey, I'm getting tired right now so goodbye for now. Love, Jim

P. S. I love you and Happy Birthday and don't worry about me because they are taking real good care of me.

Camp Zama Japan July 4, 1967 Hi Honey,

Well it's been sixteen days ago since I got shot and I am doing real well. They have been moving me around the last couple of days. They flew me to the Philippines where I stayed one night. Then I took a jet to the air base in Japan and stayed there over night. Then I went on a helicopter and flew to Camp Zama Japan where I am at right now in an Army Hospital.

I got a couple of broken bones in my left hand but I guess it will be all right. It's just a matter of time. My chest wounds are just about all healed up. I am sure a lucky man to be still alive today.