May 12, 1971: Return to Biên Hòa, Letters in Hand
Send us a text It’s May 12, 1971, and Dick has just returned to Biên Hòa Air Base after completing jungle survival school in the Philippines. This letter marks a moment of transition: he’s no longer in training, but he hasn’t yet flown any Pedro rescue missions. For now, he’s back on base—and finally receiving Sarah’s letters, numbered 10 through 13. He calls himself “the travelest son of a bitch on the earth,” jokes about becoming a “warrior” in his freshly altered jungle fatigues, and off...
It’s May 12, 1971, and Dick has just returned to Biên Hòa Air Base after completing jungle survival school in the Philippines. This letter marks a moment of transition: he’s no longer in training, but he hasn’t yet flown any Pedro rescue missions. For now, he’s back on base—and finally receiving Sarah’s letters, numbered 10 through 13.
He calls himself “the travelest son of a bitch on the earth,” jokes about becoming a “warrior” in his freshly altered jungle fatigues, and offers sweet, practical advice about checking their bills back home. But tucked into the humor and logistics is something tender: he’s starting to feel close to her again, now that her words are in his hands.
He also tries to decode something she’s written—“133”—a message scribbled on the back of a card that he doesn’t yet understand. It might mean “I love you,” or something even more personal.
This is a letter about coming home in small ways, even while still far away.
The Allgoods: Vietnam Through the Eyes of Love is a personal podcast project based on real letters exchanged between Capt. Richard Allgood and Capt. Sarah Allgood during the Vietnam War. Photos of the original letters, family snapshots, and behind-the-scenes commentary are available for supporters.
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