Issue in Solemn Warning, This 25 day of March, 1971

To friends, relatives, enemies, wives, sweethearts of this Recon Marine Very soon I will once again be in your midst, de-Americanized, demoralized
and dehydrated, but once more ready to take his place as a human being, to enjoy in life, liberty and a somewhat delayed pursuit of happiness.
 In making your joyous preparations to welcome him back into respectable society, you must make allowances for the crude environment in which
he has suffered for the past months. In a word he may be somewhat asiaticized, suffering from Viet- Cong- It is, or perhaps from too much
Viet Nam Beer. Therefore show no alarm if he prefers to squat rather than sit on a chair. He may strut around in sandals and towel, slyly offer
 to sell cigarettes to the postman, eye a food suspiciously as though he thought you were trying to poison him. Don’t be surprised if he
answers all questions with, “I hate the place,” “Number One,” “Number Ten,” “Sorry about that,” or “It don’t mean nothing.” Please be
 tolerant when he tries to buy everything at ½ price, accuses the grocer of being a thief, and refuses to enter any establishment that doesn’t
have a steel mesh screen over the doors and windows. Any of the following sights should be avoided since they can produce an advanced
state of shock. People dancing, children with toy Grenades, and round-eyed women. In a relatively short time his profanity will decrease
enough to permit him to associate with mixed groups and soon he will be speaking a recognizable form of English. For a while he may complain
about sleeping on a spring mattress and at first may refuse to go to bed without a mosquito net. Make no flattering remarks about South
East Asia; avoid mentioning the benefits of overseas duty, the fun sound on Monsoon rain on the roof. Never ask him why the Jones boy
held a higher rank then he did and spent his time in the States, and above all don’t mention the term extend. The mere reference to any
of these subjects may trigger off a display of violence. For the first few months, until he is housebroken, are especially watchful, should be
he placed in the company of women, particularly one who is young, beautiful, and round eyed. His first reactions may be to go into a state of
shock. Take advantage of his momentary hesitation and get the young lady out of his reach. Keep in mind that beneath this tanned and rugged
Marine there beats a heart of Gold. Treasure this, for it is about all of value that he has left. Treat him with kindness, tolerance, and an occasional
 fifth of good whiskey. You will soon be able to rehabitate this hollow shell of a man you once knew and loved. By all means get the civvies out of
moth balls, fill the car with gas, the refrigerator with beer, get the women and children off the streets cause
the KID IS COMING HOME.

 

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