In this episode of Dearest Suzie, Popi writes on a rare day off, reflecting on a grueling two-day operation that left over 200 Viet Cong reported dead. It’s May 15, 1965, and though the battle is over, the war lingers—in photographs, memories, and a souvenir rifle he brings back from the field. Popi casually mentions photographing the aftermath and recovering a weapon used against them. Beneath his steady tone, the emotional weight of what he’s seen and done begins to surface. He also shares small victories—like nearly two weeks without smoking—and thoughtful updates about family gifts, food rations, and his hopes of sending Charlie the dog home soon.

This letter prompts a deeper reflection on two powerful artifacts from Popi’s service: a graphic black-and-white battlefield photograph and the Soviet-made Mosin-Nagant rifle he brought home as a war souvenir. Today’s commentary explores both—the photo’s haunting presence in the family archive and the rifle’s Cold War legacy. Used by the VC and NVA, the Mosin-Nagant reminds us how older, simple weapons remained lethally effective in the hands of guerrilla fighters.

What’s Covered:

• Popi’s May 15 letter, written on a rare break after a high-casualty operation
• The story behind a graphic battlefield photo Popi took and kept private
• A deep dive into the Mosin-Nagant rifle: its origins, its use in Vietnam, and how Popi came to bring one home
• A reflection on the emotional and historical weight of war relics and memories

📷 Featured Photo: A friend of Popi’s stands at a range holding a Mosin-Nagant rifle with a fixed bayonet. It may be the same rifle Popi brought back, now nickel-plated and preserved as part of his legacy.

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