It’s extremely hard to say who you love more, it’s impossible. Each one has a class and you’re at the top of the list. Since your older and more experienced than I you’ll probably be able to understand what I mean even though I’m only explaining it crudely.
I’ve seen some things happen here lately that have moved me so much that I’ve changed my whole outlook on life. I’ll be the same in some actions I guess but inside I’ll be changed. I feel different now after seeing some horrible things and I’ll never forget them. It makes you glad you’re just existing. I can’t say what I mean but some of the things you see here can really change a man or turn a boy into a man.
Any combat G.I. that comes here doesn’t leave the same. I don’t mean the cooks, clerks or special service workers but the fighting man. I doubt if anybody realizes what combat is really like.
I thought I knew until a few days ago when I started facing harsh realities and forgetting T.V. and movie interpretations. I never had much respect for G.I’s even after I was in for awhile but since I’ve seen what his real job is, I have more respect for him than any man on earth. To shoot + kill somebody, turn your head and walk away isn’t hard, its watching him die that’s hard, harder than you could imagine and even harder when its one of your own men.
I’ve said enough about it. Don’t ask any questions. When I come home if I feel like talking about it I will - but otherwise don’t ask. It may sound dramatic and I’ll tell you it is. It's just something you don’t feel like discussing and can’t begin to write about.
Well Mom, I’ll sign off and start a letter to the Blitzers. Be carefull driving.
George Robinson
U.S. Army, 1966
In this February 14, 1966, letter, George writes his mother about how the war has left an unforgettable and permanent impression upon him, changing him forever.
Courtesy of Robert Santos
