Captain Snyder's Letter to Family and Friends of NEWPORT NEWS - 24 March 1968
Messages Received While Supporting Our Forces at the DMZ

From: Commanding General Task Force X-RAY

"Your support of the First MARINES while engaged in driving the enemy from his stronghold on HILL42 to the Southeast of the city of Hue, wa both timely and highly effective.  The enemy defended this position from well fortified, dug in, machine gun postions. Your fires were instrumental in the success of the ground forces intaking this position from the enemy."

From: Naval Gunfire Liaison Officer

"Your stay has been outstanding.  Your shooting was professional and accurate.  You will never be forgotten.  Smooth sailing.  Hurry back.  The DMZ is much the worse for wear.  The Great THUNDER has Spoken."

From: Naval Gunfire Liaison Officer THIRD MARINES

"They came in the night
It was a hell of a fight
The grids are there
and your guns can bear
My eyes were closed
at the moment they chose
but it wasn't a blunder
we could count on GREAT THUNDER!!"