Another letter from Jenny arrived, postmarked Friday, January 10th:
“I am really sick. Mickey and Larry are coming in a few hours to take me to their house in Porterville. I think I have the Hong Kong flu.”
This news scared me although I was somewhat relieved that she was being cared for by friends. It was a helpless feeling and complicated by her final exams coming up soon.
Later I talked with Doc Wayne about Jenny having the flu. He said, “It usually lasts from 2 to 5 days, and she has probably already recovered. If it was really serious, the Red Cross would have notified you by now.” I knew he was right, but it didn’t stop me from worrying.
The Hong Kong flu pandemic had swept through South Vietnam; however, most of the American servicemen who contracted it were in the cities of Saigon and Da Nang. Kilo Battery never had a case of the flu on Hill 65.
I am a retired restaurant manager. My wife Jenny and I have been married for 50 years, have three grown children and two teen grand kids.
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My Vietnam Experience 