(This is the last letter Vic ever wrote. It was never mailed and it's unknown who was the intended recipient. After the war, Vic received his High School Diploma and returned to work at the Case farm equipment company. In the early 1950's he moved to Los Angeles and worked for the Bendix automotive company. He got married twice, but had no children. He died at his home in North Hollywood in early 2002 at the age of 83. This letter was found on his writing table. Photo shows Vic - on left, with his friend Ben Louie squatting, and two other soldiers posing in the Philippines in 1945. Ben Louie died in Sacramento shortly after Vic. This letter completes Vic's Army Trunk.)
Wed.
Hello!
Many thanks for writing. I've been in poor physical health for a long time and was hospitalized in ER of Kaiser Permanente, Panama City again last week for 2 1/2 or three days. Friends from Heatherdale here rushed me up there and also returned to get me upon notification.
I've sent out no holiday cards this year and have many that I must respond to (especially Europe - Denmark, England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland - to their beautiful cards, msgs., and photos.) During the past year I've been hospitalized at least 3 times and also spent last years' big holiday period inside Kaiser.
Thurs. or Fri. - Dec. 29?
It's now a week later (since I began this) and still haven't finished reading all the holiday cards and letters I've been getting - let along begun answering. Tho I sent Ben Louie a letter and some old snapshots (many from WWII) a week or so before I entered the hospital - haven't had a reply. Other guys from our old outfit have sent me cards & letters but no one has mentioned Ben - hope he's OK and still around.
You could swap (exchange) stuff from me with George Conrad. Do you see him?
Inside a letter and card I rec'd at Kaiser hosp/ was this match cover from our UAW union local secretary/treasurer who made quick holiday trip to his home in Iowa.
Wishing you both all the very best.
Love,
Vic
December, 2001
December 30, 1945
(Letter from Vic in Racine, Wisconsin to younger brother Paul in Berkeley, California. Photos show Vic's discharge paper, and letter of thanks from President Truman.)
Sunday morning,
Dear Paul,
I suppose you've been wondering why you haven't received any written word from me. Well, to begin with I intended writing from Camp Anza, Calif. soon after sending the telegram and Jap propaganda books. We were alerted for shipment momentarily so I didn't try to write just then.
However, train delays held us up 'til noon of the 14th Dec. Believe I mentioned in the telegram we'd landed on the twelfth. North of the Hawaiian group the skipper of the "Sea Corpora" was notified to change his course and dock at San Pedro, Los Angeles P.E. If we'd followed the original schedule and put in at 'Frisco I'd have easily seen you. Perhaps I might even have spent the Xmas holidays there because of lack of transportation facilities.
Anyhow, the reason I didn't want you to come down to Camp Anza is because it must be five hundred miles south of you up in the isolated foot-hills of the San Bernadino Mts., and we might've left for Wis. anytime.
Our train for McCoy with guys from Wis., Upper Michigan and Minnesota finally arrived there early Tuesday morning, the eighteenth after numerous delays. They certainly have a busy schedule for seperatees and we hardly stopped for breath during our two day stay there.
About 11:am Thursday the twentieth Dec. we got the final discharge ceremony and our discharge papers. We were given $50 cash of our mustering out pay and a check which included the other fifty of the first hundred (we get the other two hundred bucks in two monthly payments) plus 5c a mile rail fare to our home towns plus back pay plus all soldiers deposits we were accredited with.
I then caught the noon Hiawatha into Milw. but missed the North Shore to Racine and had to wait for the next one. Anyhow, I got home around 5:30 p.m. that same day. I went out a few times the first few days. Several days back I came down with malaria and've been home since. I had one helluva job getting quinine here in town.
Perhaps to-morrow I'll go up to the Wood Veterans Hospital in Milw. for an exam 'cause I still have something like a jungle-rot on my back. At McCoy I filed claims for that & malaria.
Paul, I'm short some negatives and wonder if you have any of mine out there. If so, will you please send them to me? I'll write again soon.
Your brother,
Vic
P.S. - Did you receive the cookies &tennis shoes that mother sent? Thanks for the books and Xmas card. How's the weather out there? In southern Cal. it was damn chilly & we all froze there moreso than out here.
November 23, 1945
(Letter from Vic in the Philippines to younger brother Paul in Berkeley, California. Photos show picture of SS Sea Corporal arriving in Los Angeles, and part of front page of "Rock and Roll", an onboard newsheet.)
Friday Afternoon,
Dear Paul,
Well, we're still here on Luzon at this writing but've just finished tearing down our tents and turning in our cots and mosquito bars. This evening we're leaving Camp La Croix by large trucks and travellinng over to Tarlac. There we'll board a train and proceed to the port of San Fernando up on Lingayen Gulf. We'll then board ship sometime to-morrow and the S.S. Sea Corporal is due to hit the states before the 15th of December.
We'll go to Camp Stoneman and may be restricted to same until we head for our separation centers. I'll do my best to get a pass and look you up. I'm scheduled to do go Camp McCoy, Wis. and that's definite. If any hitches develop I won'
t see Xmas at home.
I'm enclosing some articles from the Army newspaper, Daily Pacifican. Please send them on to Ruts and remind him that they might be good re-print material for PM. Believe that paper publishes good articles. Not all of them would be classified, naturally.
Best Regards.
Your brother, Vic
P.S. - No, Max Mueckler is not over here. Believe I told you that he went home back in March on T.D. (furlough). That was just after I'd seen him when I was in the hospital. Anyhow, while home the point system was announced and he was almost immediately discharged. He is now in some sort of soda water manufacturing & distributing business. Believe he sunk all his saving into same along with one or more other guys & is trying to make a go of it on an independent basis.
In his last letter he mentioning having talked to Mike Principe. Don't know whether Mike is out of the Marine Corp yet. Know Bob Hoey was home but don't know whether he's been discharged either. Karl G. quait their shop some time ago and was working in Dept. 27 (boiler works( where the 155 mm shells are made at Case. However, he said he'd quit that place too now that the war was over but didn't say what he intended doing. Bob was home on furlough but I can't say whether he was discharged.
Hope to be seeing you soon!
November 16, 1945
(Letter from Vic in the Philippines to younger brother Paul in Berkeley, California. Photo is of a Philippine volcano.)
Friday morning,
Dear Paul,
Finally obtained several air-mail envelopes. Don't believe the letter I sent you via free mail will arrive for almost a month. Thought perhaps you might not have received same before I hit the West coast.
Today our ship is due in at San Fernando up on the Lingayen Gulf. It's the fast transport "Sea Corporal", and should dock in 'Frisco about 3eighteen days after getting under way from these parts. A good percent of the division will be aboard this ship - parts of the 145 INF., 148 INF., 135 F.A., 136 F.A., 112 MED. BN, M.P. CO, plus the division commander, MAJ. GEN. Brightler. Our battery will load on sometime between tomorrow and Monday. Come Monday the 19th Nov. the Sea Corporal will pull out.
The entire division will have embarked on a number of ships over a period of one week or possibly slightly more. We're not sailing in a convoy. Last nite most of the 148 INF. REG'T. and the 140 F.A. BN. loaded aboard their ship, the Dutch "Veldereden", which will saidl shortly thus being the advance vessel.
They have group lists of the personnel going to the various seperation centers throughout the United States which are being flown home so that train schedules will be all completed when we hit 'Frisco. We're to go to Camp Stoneman, and won't be there more than 48 hrs.
I can't get any satisfaction over on this side as regards being promised a pass from Stoneman to look you up. Our brass won't commit themselves, and it's rumored that we'll be confined to Stoneman during our brief stay there.
I'm tentatively scheduled to be on the train-load of us 37th fellows going to Ft. Sheridan. They tried to send me to Camp McCoy where practically all Wis., upper Michigan, & Minnesota personnel will go. They claim Sheridan is overcrowded and handles only Michigan (proper) & Chicago area men. Finally convinced our B.C. that it'd be cheaper to send me to Sheridan because it's so damn close to home, but I may yet wind up at McCoy.
Here's a copy of a letter of appreciation from Gen. Devers that was handed out to all the old vets. Sent it on home to the folks. Haven't seen my letter re-printed in the Mail Bag column of the Daily Pacifican as yet.
Best Regards! Your brother,
Vic
Last nite I was up to the "Grass Shack" and saw the U.S.O. troupe put on the show "Hello Chicago" featuring five good-looking Am. Gals and a very good M.C. comedian. Several nites ago we saw the riotous film "Duffy's Tavern."
November 15, 1945
(Letter from Vic in the Philippines to younger brother Paul in Berkeley, California. Photo shows review of American soldiers in Rizal Stadium, Manila.)
Tuesday afternoon,
Dear Paul,
Thanks for your recent letter dated thirty-first October bearing your new address. Meant to reply via air mail yesterday but I've been unable to purchase or borrow any air-mail envelopes. Our mail clerk said that even the div. A.P.O. hasn't had any in stock for some time now.
Just received a line from Yuts dated 29th Oct. He said he'd been alerted for shipment the next day and that he would probably wind up with the Fleet Air Wing I in China. That's bad considering the unpopular support our War, Navy, and State Departments have been giving to the Chinese Nationalists, French Colonials, and Dutch and British Imperialists. These Asiatic people are certainly going to hate us for our present actions here in the Far East.
I'm now in "B" battery because we've all been transferred around according to the number of points we have. We're leaving within a few days and I should certainly be at sea within a week.
Am enclosing a number of articles from the Army newspaper here in the Pacific, Daily Pacifican, that I thought might interest you. Perhaps you'd care to pass same on to Ruts or Ed. I'm replying to the vicious letter sent in by one T/SGT. Carl W. McGuire from HQ of this division. Perhaps I won't be here on the island when they get around to publish my line. If I see it I'll forward same on to you. This newspaper has been publishing a number of good articles. I previously sent Rudy several copies.
Undoubtedly this letter will take many days to reach you because it'll travel by slow ship. Incidentally, Yuts said he'd recently received a letter of yours dated in July that you'd sent under regular 3 cent postage. I've had that happen quite often in the past. Also received long-overdue letter that were incorrectly addressed or lacked my A.P.O. number.
May not get to see you on the West coast. It depends entirely on the situation at Angel Island or Camp Stoneman (to whichever we go to after disembarking). They won't promise me a pass on the West coast at this time. I should be in the States by the tenth of Dec. Don't reply!
Your brother,
Vic
October 31st, 1945
(Letter from Vic in the Philippines to younger brother Paul in Berkeley, California. Photo shows GIs and Filipinos dockside at Manila pier.)
Wednesday, Evening
Dear Paul,
For all I know you may've moved by this date, but I presume you left a forwarding address.
Here're ten pics that Yuts sent down. Also note the other two which I don't think you've seen.
I just got back from Manila late this afternoon. Left on a two pass Monday. Was sick there the first day & nite. Stayed at the Manila leave center (for G.I.s). It rained all last nite and part of this morning down there.
Yuts has a new address but I imagine he's written to you recently. He said Ted Kraynik visited him.
Still no definite word on when we're leaving. Rumors vary from the fifteenth to the twenty-ninth Nov. Gen Krieber (DIV. ARTY.) spoke to the men of the division yesterday & said it'd be this coming month.
Just a reminder - don't answer this letter.
Did I tell you that Nick Julian went hom on that over 38 yrs (or was it 35?) deal? At least he headed for a casual camp and I presume he's made the boat by now.
Now that Vernon Bown is in Frisco I presume you must get together quite frequently.
We saw that Ernie Pyle film "Story of G.I. Joe" last Sunday nite. Last nite in Manila I saw "Hotel Berlin", but didn't think it was so hot. Some time ago we saw "Woman in the Window" (Edw. G. Robinson). Forgot to mention seeing "Our Wines Have Tender Grapes" which I liked. Perhaps these are old films in the States, eh?
Our mail doesn't amount to much these days. Wrote to Reader's Scope and In Fact to send my future copies to Racine. Heard from Phil M. who's in Yokahama, but expects to ship out for the U.S. very soon.
Vest Regards, Your brother
Vic
October 18, 1945
(Letter from Vic in the Philippines to younger brother Paul in Berkeley, California. Photo shows letter of appreciation sent from Commanding General Jacob Devers in Washington.)
Thursday evening,
Dear Paul,
Even tho I asked you to discontinue writing me I rather expected to still receive a few rather late letters from you. Without mail time certainly passes slowly. Anyhow, don't bother to write at this late date. Still don't know when we're leaving.
I'm enclosing several articles from the Field Artillery Journal that you probably haven't read as yet. Perhaps Ruts'd like to read same. Let me know what you think of same. Remember the stuff is mostly concerned with arty. and is naturally written from such an angle.
Read that copy of "Life" on the U.A.W. They certainly played up Ruether and gave him credit for work actually accomplished by the more progressive leadership elements - namely, Addes and Frankensteen. The stinkers (Time and Newsweek) haven't been giving Pres. Truman much credit of late and have begun a smear campaign against labor in conjunction with the press.
We haven't been able to keep up with most of the news recently because our Special Service radio sets have all been turned in, and the div. daily newsheet hardly even is seen around nowadays.
Our present battery commander is a southerner, and one of the most stubborn, moronic jerks we've had the misfortune to have run or attempt to run the battery. He'd make an A-1 scab and at discussion classes gives anti-labor spiels. Another fellow & myself usually put him in his place, tho.
Vic
October 15, 1945
(Letter from Vic in the Philippines to younger brother Paul in Berkeley, California. Photo shows war damaged pier in Manila.)
Monday evening,
Dear Paul,
Yes, I'm still here at Camp La Croix. According to rumour our sailing date has been changed to something like the first of November. Personally, I'll discount the whole works, and only when I'm aboard ship will I actually believe we're at last headed for home.
Yesterday I was in Manila on pass. Went over to Nick Julian's unit and learned he'd departed the day before upon very short notice. Understand he went to the 29th Replacement Depot prior to embarkation for the States. He's getting out on that over 35 yrs. and 2 yrs. service deal.
Incidentally, here in the div. we've quite a few guys who're eligible for same and many other men with high-points (80,85,90 & 95) but they're getting screwed in that they'll have to wait and go home with the div. The GHQ, Service Command, and other base and rear echelon units get all the breaks.
Not that Nick doesn't deserve it 'cause he's not in such good shape. In N.G. he had a spinal injury lifting something heavy and said x-rays showed one of his vertebrae to be broken. However, even tho he's a medic in a hospital detachment they never did much for him.
While in Manila I began to feel quite bad shortly after noon. Because there's practically no place to sit down in town for even a short break without parting with a fair part of a month's pay, I went into one of the very few remaining theatres. That is, I first sweated out a two-block-long ticket line.
Upon entering the theatre proper I stood for nearly an hr. awaiting a seat. When I finally parked my rear I was in poor condition and felt so damn punk that I sat there thru 2 1/2 shows resting.
A G.I. next to me said his gang were driving back up to Angeles so I decided to ride along for 25 miles and then get off where the two main hi-ways split. Could've waited until 11:PM 'til my truck headed back but I couldn't stand the misery of waiting around so I took off about 7:30. In all it took three rides to get into camp which is a good 65 miles. Checked into the aid station, had temp. taken, got quinine, and hit the sack about 10:30.
Well today's blood smear came back positive on the malarial check, but it didn't surprise me 'cause I knew all along what it was. After five knock-downs from the stuff I should damn well know all the symptoms. Anyhow, I'm on quarters now getting plenty of quinine which kinda knocks one out.
Our generator is on the blink hence no lights for the battery to-nite. Am writing by candlelight and'll retire early 'cause I've a head-ache and think the fever is coming back. Believe the div. doesn't want to evacuated anyone for hospitalization unless in an emergency because we're so close to shipping out, and they probably figure a guy'd rather lay around on quarters than leave the outfit and take the chance of missing the boat with the rest of the guys. Well, so far this recurrent attack has been damn mild as compared to my last when we were making the push up north last July.
Just got word that we're to be issued "Eisenhower" blouses and overcoats to-night so I'll have to get in the formation in a short while. Bet the fits and material will be as sloppy as ever. Recently we received a set of O.D.s which were crummy as hell and general misfits. We've more clothes now than we need, but they continue issuing stuff probably thinking we'll all die of influenza, pneumonia, etc. the first day in a cool climate. That gag is that we've only one back to stuff it into and we carry that around with us. Boy! you should try to lift mine up as it's loaded now.
The line is still very long and I certainly don't want to stand around sweating it out. Maybe I'll wait till morning to draw my woolens. These new guys we received are seemingly all chow-hounds and "come-firsts" 'cause every time I see a formation awaiting something the majority in line and always the head of same will be composed of these new guys. Guess we've been over too long to get excited about anything the Army does or gives out.
Say, Paul, I still haven't come to any definite conclusions regarding post-war plans. Some fellows here are positively going to school, but either they've already had some such or else they were just out of high school and may've been planning to enter some college when they entered service. Practically all of them haven't held a steady job in civilian life and don't believe they'll have much of a chance to get one for several years.
I only completed on of my three A.F.I. correspondence courses and don't think I can finish the whole thing up to credit the necessary credits before becoming a civilian. As things are now, I'll be the only son at home and think I should stick around for awhile at least. Do you plan to remain in Calif. indefinitely? Do you have any job in view out there for the future? Say, don't answer now but let me know later. I'll write again later this wk.
Your brother,
Vic.
P.S. - I'm enclosing three old prints that I want you to send on. Just got them from another fellow in the section when we traded some pics.
October 13, 1945
(Letter from Vic in the Philippines to younger brother Paul in Berkeley, California. Photo shows Vic's friend Ben Louie and another soldier posing with three friends.)
Saturday afternoon,
Dear Paul,
It's past chow time now and if the brass intended falling us out for detail they would've called formation by now. Looks like we may actually get an afternoon off. Pulled guard last nite and then stood their chicken____ inspection this A.M.
Signed up for to-morrow's one-day Manila pass deal, but so did practically everyone else so'll have to wait 'til morning for final results. Would like to pick up some good souvenirs down there, but my pesos aren't too many this far on in the month. Maybe I'll get over to see Nick Julian and possibly even Floyd Hiller. Nick's one happy-go-lucky guy. He should be shipping out for the States this month 'cause he's over 35 yrs. We still might go back to-gether.
Did I mention having phoned Phil Mascaretti a while back? Reached his outfit thru long-distance via numerous Army exchanges and was told that his unit had shipped out. The operator wouldn't (probably for security reasons) commit himself as to probably destination, but I think it's Japan. Well, here're those addresses which I'd like re-prints from those negatives mailed: addresses follow.
Hope you sent copies to the folks, Ruts, & Ed. Guess this business get mighty damn tiresome, eh what?
Last night we received a few more new men who've enough points to go home. They're from the 86th "Black Hawk" Div. and were in Europe for a while but saw little combat. They seem to dislike the tropics even from what little they've seen. The Philippines (especially Luzon) are comparitively OK as tropical islands come. They told me about the European areas they saw and it really sounded like a good deal as far as conditions are during war-times.
I have almost a half-dozen of your previous letters which I intend answering fully within a very few days - so standby, no?
Your brots,
Vic
Enclosed are five recent pics. Kind send them on to Ed or Ruts in your next letter to them and please ask that they send same on home.
October 11, 1945
(Letter from Vic in the Philippines to younger brother Paul in Berkeley, California. Photo shows picture of formal surrender ceremonies at Tuguegaro, September 10, 1945.)
Thurs. Eve,
Hello again, Paul,
Christ! I'm really passong on some head-aches to you in the form of all these damn photographic requests. I realize somewhat what it's like 'cause while in Manila I had to have a matter of 63 reprints made up for our section.
Forgot to thank you in the previous letter I just knocked out for your two letters of the 30th Setp. containing the pics and clippings. You certainly went into detail in that letter and covered a lot of ground. Those're the type I really enjoy receiving, but know it's quite a lot to expect when the other correspondent (me, in this case) hasn't been on the ball lately and insists on continuously asking questions, putting in your innumerable time-consuming requests and actually giving out with little dope on things in general.
Well after you've been over in these parts for around 28 months morale does tend to drop and correspondence to putter out. I have one helluva time of late to knock out decent replies what with the war kaput, state-side return a vague dream and being in the old Army rut. Some alibi, huh?
Here're four color prints that Bob just enclosed in a letter of Karl's. They're really swell, eh what? I'm gonna pick up a good camera job-ee when I've been home a while and try my luck with a a pack 'o' color film. K.G. has quit Case's, and he says Bob is home on furlough and expects a discharge along about Xmas time. Perhaps they've given out with more dope to you, no?
Jake is is attending U.W. and taking up Wild Life Management. That's a good deal & he'll make it, but I think it requires a heap of credits. Actually received a fairly long line from Bill F. to-day but he won't commit himself as regards the exact date of his marriage to Irene. According to he and K.G., Racine is still the same old Racine with no changes.
Imagine the folks wrote and requested that you cease writing me. That's right. Don't answer any of these letters 'cause we're scheduled to embark during this month (Oct.) - exactly when we don't know.
Here it comes - better duck! The enclosed six prints'll also require preservation. They're of the surrender ceremones up at Tuguegaroa by our div. Will you send copies of the four negs to Ed, Ruts, the folks, Yuts, Phil, Ted, and Sid Goldberg? All their addresses will follow in the near future in a long letter.
Your brother,
Vic
October 11, 1945
(Letter from Vic in the Philippines to younger brother Paul in Berkeley, California. Photos show two American officers.)
Camp La Croix, Cabanatuan, Nueva Ecija, Luzon, P.I.
Thursday,
Dear Paul,
Intended writing you earlier this week but got a two day pass to Manila and just pulled in last evening. Saw a few Racineans, namely Nick Julian, Joe Anzalone, and Floyd Hillier. Got around some with Nick, drank his beer, and generally had a fairly good time.
Nick told me that on Monday nite Izzy Shapiro (Ensign or Lt., J.G.) is in Manila harbor aboard an A.P.A.) and that they'd gotten to-gether. Izzy was supposed to've come around again while I was there after he'd driven up to Lingayen Gulf area for mail or something.
"Big Tom" Dominich is working in some Army Hosp. just out of Manila, but didn't show up as expected while I was around. Recall me mentioning one Marv Yoccum about four or five months back? Well, Hiller said he'd gone up to Japan and then headed home along with high-pointers in the 43rd DIV.
Did I tell you that Phil Mascaretti was located comparatively close by and that I was trying to get over and look him up? Well, in his last letter he stated his outfit'd been alerted for shipment to Japan. I called his unit long-distance thru many Army exchanges and learned they'd pulled out presumably for Japan.
Yesterday most of our guys with less than 60 points were shipped out to various outfits. We received a large bunch of higher point guys from other artillery units around the island. When I pulled in last nite I was confronted by countless strange faces and many newly erected tents. I still feel lost along with the other old fellows and amidst our own outfit!
Our division is being brought up to a point where it'll be way over-strength with high pointers from various bastard outfits. These guys are mostly from 155 Long Tom, 8 inch and 240 outfits, and have much less overseas time than us and practically no combat, but they have the points due to dependents and state-side service. Guess out HQ. BTRY. received about 6 privates in this group and countless S/SGT.s, T/3s, Tech SGT.s, T/2s, and M/SGT.s. These fellows even wear stripes on their denims.
Am enclosing a bunch of prints and six negatives. The positives I got from a pal in our section and are Manila-made. These prints will probably face out in a few months and I'd like to have them for a while so would you please have them 'dipped' in a preservative (whatever that dope is they use) and then sent on home by way of Ruts or Ed? I promised to send copies from the 6 negs to: Peter Anderson, 194 Illinois Rd., Lake Forest, Ill. and Peter Breclaw, c/o Walter O'Polka, 9 Highland Ave., Wells Mich.
Would you please oblige by doing same and also Ruts and Ed (plus Phil M., Geo. Conrad, & Ted Kraznik only if you have to bother with this detail.)
Regards,
Vic
October 1, 1945
(Letter from Vic in the Philippines to younger brother Paul in Berkeley, California. Photo shows Vic's 'dog tags' that he wore around his neck.)
Camp La Crois, Cabanatuan, Nueva Ecija, Luzon, P.I.
Monday
Dear Paul,
Well I hope a reply to my previous letter is already underway. Keep writing during this month 'cause we're not embarking until the fifteenth November so any mail post marked not later than about the 30 Oct. should reach me before we shove off.
Say, we may not land on the west coast. It's possible that the ships we pull out on pass thru the Panama Canal and then dock at an east coast port. Nothing is really definite at this date or at least we haven't yet received reliable & definite info.
I'm enclosing five pics that you not've seen. Do you have any more late snap-shots of you and Gene? Have you been doing much cycling lately. Taken any interesting sight-seeing trips?
Say, I've often thought of your present & former addresses. Are you located near the tunnel thru which the main hi-way from the Bay area to Pittsburg, Antioch, Stockton passes? I've walked all thru that section of Berkeley. Isn't there a dam alongside the hi-way just west of the tunnel? Guess you're back at school now - how is it?
Best regards,
Vic
September 30, 1945
(Letter from Vic in the Philippines to younger brother Paul in Berkeley, California. Photo shows truck loaded with GIs moving out.)
Camp La Croix, Cabanatuan, Nueva Ecija, Luzon, P.I.
Sunday Evening
Dear Paul,
Presume you've already received the letter in which I requested that you cease writing me 'cause we were expecting to embark for the States at an early date. Well as the situation now stands, we're scheduled to leave somewhat later - 15th November to be exact. That's as it is as of now and anything in this Army is always subject to change.
Therefore you can continue writing me until about the last of October, and I should receive all mail before leaving this theatre. I hope!
You've probably noticed the change in our location. This is the old 43rd Div. rest area, and we moved into it over a two week period. Our bn. drove down in two seperate convoys last Monday. It was a long, tiresome and dangerous trip. Several vehicles cracked up in mountain passes, but the casualties weren't too severe. I was atop a heavily loaded 6X6 in the first echelon, and we really high balled it in an beat the others. It was about a three-hundred mile displacement.
Tomorrow we go on another new training schedule which calls for more calesthenics, foot-drill, etc. We're supposed to have the afternoons off, but that phases has been slightly over-used commencing back on the 'canal in '43. The div. expects to begin an educational campaign, but classes haven't been announced yet. They asked us what subjects we'd like to participate in some time back.
I was on a pass to Cabanatuan last nite with two other fellow from my section and it unfortunately turned into quite a bender. Could've gone down to Manila to-day but'll go later in the week. Cabanatuan has electricity and some of the joins are fairly modern. It's the provincial capitol, and also houses the notorious PW camp where the Nips held Americans.
Thanks for the pic of your girl-friend. Seems Gene is quite intelligent and interesting. Do you see each other at College? Any change in the situation since you last wrote? I'd appreciate any more pics of you both.
Still haven't any definite post war plans cause I'd like to make some final judgement back in civilian life. Received a letter from our uncle Ebert from Denmark.
Here're three occupation notes that Ted K. sent. Will write again soon.
Your brother,
Vic
September 19, 1945
(Letter from Vic in the Philippines to younger brother Paul in Berkeley, California. Photo shows Vic's friend Ben Louie in front of Church ruin.)
Cagayan Valley, N. Luzon, P.I.
Wednesday evening,
Dear Paul,
Still haven't received that expected letter from you. It might possibly arrive to-morrow - hope so because after that our division post office will be closed for an indefinite period. After 9 a.m. to-morrow, Thursday, Sept. 20, we can no longer mail anything until further notice, and we probably won't be receiving our mail and packages for quite a spell.
I hope you won't write me after receiving this 'cause the mail situation may become snafu. That is, don't use this old address unless I write otherwise at some future date.
This coming week-end we're moving down south many miles to our new temporary div. area near Cabanatuan (place where the Nips used to keep Am. PWs).
We passed thru Cabanatuan in convoy enroute from Manila to Balate Pass last May, but I can't picture the location selected for us. There we'll probably be seperated - some fellows'll go into occupational forces while others will go home for discharge. I hope to be in the latter group. Just when we'll go aboard ship is not definitely known though rumors place it as the 1st and 15th Oct.
It's planned to send the high-point men home in a group to represent this div., and parades thru out Ohio are scheduled for us during Nov. This is part of publicity scheme of Gen. Beightler, div. comm. & Ohio Rep. politician & petty grafter.
Please tell Ed & Ruts not to write me any longer at this address.
Am enclosing a copy of probably the last issue of our div. newsheet.
Best Regards,
Your brother,
Vic
To-day we got rid of the last of our equipment (all signal, engineer, QM, Ordnance, ETC leaving only personal stuff). Sent same up to Aparri where it's supposed to be shipped to Japan for use of the combat-less 86th INF. DIV. as regulation issue.
September 14, 1945
(Letter from Vic in the Philippines to younger brother Paul in Berkeley, California. Photos show Vic posing with Ben Louie - squatting - and two other soldiers.)
Cagayan Valley, N. Luzon, P.I. - Friday evening,
Dear Paul,
Well I still can't supply you with any addition information as concerns my possible date of discharge. Nor do I know when I'll embark from these parts for the States. So many rumors circulate amongst us daily that it's difficult to recognize fact from fancy at times, and none of this is an aid to morale.
Hope you haven't sent me any Xmas packages 'cause it's just possible that I may be gone before such could arrive at this address. Just continue to write as often as possible & I'll be satisfied. Say, did you ever see the action film 'San Pietro'. Don't recall whether I mentioned same to you in recent letters. It's about the battle in and around that town in Italy and was filmed back in late '43. The film is really a true picture of what it's like. There's an introduction by Gen. Mark Clark which is good and the main commentary is very good.
Two days ago, I received a letter from Phil M. who's now here on Luzon so we may get to-gether after all.
Regards,
Vic
September 13, 1945
(V-mail from Vic in the Philippines to younger brother Paul in Berkeley, California. Top photo shows view of in Cagayan Valley in early September. Second photo Japanese officers leaving Ceremony.)
Cagayan Valley, N. Luzon, P.I. - Thurs. evening,
Dear Paul,
Since I last wrote you many rumors have been circulating throughout the division regarding our possible embarkation for the States. From some fairly reliable & high sources it's been stated that all personnel with over 60 points would embark to-gether in the near future to represent the division. Ohio wants this div. to come home as a unit & put on a big parade in Colombus. Their politicians have already made big plans for some gala affairs.
To-day Ohio isn't very well represented in the div. 'cause it's composed a very, very few originals now with the vast majority being former residents of every state in the union. 
Certain brass hereabouts including the div. commander, ass't. div. commander and div. art. commander plus their Ohio politico counter parts have been exerting strong pressure on the command over here and the War Dept. to have this div. sent home as a unit in the very near future.
Well, it's just possible that they may accomplish same but I doubt it. Still, things are shaping up so that I'll be home sooner than I'd originally expected.
Your brother,
Vic
September 9, 1945
(Letter from Vic in the Philippines to older brother Rudy and wife Ann in Passaic, New Jersey. Top photos shows Surrender Ceremony at Battalion Theatre in Cagayan Valley. Bottom photo was taken in Bougainville.)
Dear Ann and Rudy,
It's a very quiet Sunday afternoon here and I've been listening to radio programs until I just picked up the pen. This morning we received the enclosed special supplement edition of our div. daily newsheet concerning the surrender of Nip forces hereabouts last Wednesday morning which took place at our division theatre. Believe I previously mentioned having witness same 'cause I was in the area on a dental appointment when it was announced and all personnel were invited to attend.
A fellow in my section took some pretty good shots of the proceedings and I hope to get copies of same. If Ed or Paul care to see this souvenir please forward it to them but kindly request that it be then sent on home to the folks.
Also note an old negative from Bougie that you may not have a print of.
I'd like to thank you again for all those re-prints that you've made and forwarded. Haven't received the last batch taken at the swimming pool on grounds we occupied during a rest in Rosario Heights, Manila, between campaigns last May. However, I don't think you sent them immediately after the last ones so maybe I shouldn't be expecting them for a few more days.
Last nite we saw the comedy "Affairs of Susan" which everyone enjoyed, and also were shown the best combat film we've ever seen entitled "San Pietro". This document has a good introduction by Gen. Mark Clark and an excellent commentary and records the fighting for San Pietro and surrounding terrain on the Italian front late in 1943. Did you see it? Don't miss it 'cause it's really a truely representative film of an actual battle. Write soon.
Best Regards,
Vic
September 7, 1945
(V-mail sent as letter from Vic in the Philippines to younger brother Paul in Berkeley, California. Photo shows Japanese officers on their way to Cagayan Valley Surrender Ceremony September 5.)
Friday afternoon,
Dear Paul,
Well, I rather expected a letter from you for the past several days. You aren't writing very regularly of late. Please write whenever you have time and don't hesitate to give a few details on any subject you care to discuss. Censorship of personal mail was abolished here throughout the division yesterday. From now on we can write about practically anything.
To-day our highest point men departed. They went to Appari, a port up north of here and'll embark on ships with all the old-timers from our div. and attached units. 
We're so isolated up here that it's much closer and more convenient to have transport handled at that town than going the 350 miles down to Manila over bad roads. The last remaining Ohio N.G. men as well as the original vets who were with the division. when they sailed from Frisco back in May of '42 left in that bunch.
Only on or possibly two of the remaining groups will be ahead of me. The fellows in the 85 to 93 bunch should leave within a few days. There aren't too many fellows in the 65 to 85 group so I may make it within a few months on my 69.
Our liaison section was turned in for the bronze star cluster for work back in the Orieng Pass fracas. However, we won't get same because the brass here instead gave bronze stars to kitchen, S-1, and S-3 personnel 'cause they were all either N.G. men or royal brown-nosers. Ever since I've been in this outfit the men who take the most personal risks get the worst deal. In other words this outfit (and div. for that matter) has always been run by & for Ohio politicians. More later.
Your brother,
Vic
September 4, 1945
(Letter from Vic in the Philippines to younger brother Paul in Berkeley, California. Photo shows group of Japanese soldiers who have surrendered.)
Tuesday evening,
Dear Paul,
Well, I presume you're wondering why the sudden increase in number of letters from me. I've caught up on all of my correspondence fortunately, and have some spare time on my hands. Later this evening I'll circulate around the battery looking for some worthwhile reading material.
Had a tough day yesterday spreading gravel around the area and stood guard last nite. On my last trick I helped the baker make soughnuts. To-day I did quite a bit of bunk fatigue and wasn't clipped for any detail. To-day we went on a training schedule of sorts. This calls for early reveille, calesthenics, orientation lectures and what-not.
Did you hear these parts mentioned over the radio in regards to the surrender of Nips? Heard part of a newscast earlier to-nite and they mentioned a nearby town where the Nips-ve been congregating and processed. The first delegation of them who came in several weeks ago said they thought 2,000 of their men will be accounted for in our div. sector, but some estimates run higher 'cause it's argued that some Nip remnants haven't had communications with other parties for many weeks. Such be the case, some Japs may stroll the hills for a time yet.
Paul, since you began studying radio back at Tri-State have you constructed any sets? Imagine some of that practical stuff is required. If you built a receiver how did it work? The post-war commercial sets should be a great improvement over the older models. Trouble is, a good set with several bands and phonograph rig runs into the bucks. Say, what do you think of future plans for the use of radar and television?
I've been thinking of hunting back home and would like to get a Savage 99 .300 cal. for deer and possibly an over-and-under .410 that's handle the 3 inch shells. Am not certain such a gun is in production but read that such a .410 will be popular and am enthused about it. Read a good brief on the use of rifled slugs for shot-guns and found they've a fair degree of accuracy. Up to a hundred yards it's easy to hit a buck with these power houses that weight 415 gr. and have a velocity of 1,400 odd foot seconds.
Remember when we were up at Ray's folks place in Nov. of '41? Bob Hoey & I both took a few practice shots with slugs at a good distance and found my auto more accurate than his pump. Remember the buck that strolled past him while we sat in the car in disgust after no luck? Do you ever figure on hunting in Cal.?
Last nite we had the pic, "Valley of Decision", (Greer Garson-Gregory Peck) at our bn. theatre. I thought it was good tho it skipped plenty of material on the union and didn't follow the novel thru exactly. That was the first mentionable movie we'd had in many weeks. For the most part, they're grade b-pcs and they're old at that. Saw the above mentioned film between tricks on guard, and it rained buckets during most of the show.
Do you own a bike? Don't recall you stating definitely whether you did and thought perhaps you rent one when going out cycling. Yes, there's certainly much worth-while scenery to enjoy out there, and you could go on innumberable sightseeing trips and still have plenty more places to visit. Did you ever get over to Sequoia or Yosemite? I got around some on hitch-hiking trips while stationed at Camp Roberts and enjoyed the State. Will sign off now.
Your brother,
Vic
September 3, 1945
(Letter from Vic in the Philippines to younger brother Paul in Berkeley, California. Photo show a couple of soldiers working on a tent barracks.)
Monday morning,
Dear Paul,
Having a break on our detail now between truck-loads of sand so I'm taking this opportunity to drop a few more lines your way. We're still building up this area even tho we probably won't remain here long. Expect to move down south somewhere within a hundred miles of Manila. Rumors have us occupying many different areas, but we know we'll never again get a set-up in the metropolitan area as we did after both the Lingayen-Manila and Mt. Pabawagan (Mariquina-Wawa dam area) campaigns. Can't tell when I'll ever embark for the States, but it probably won't be for six months at the rate of available shipping in these parts.
Imagine this letter'll arrive with the one I dropped you last nite. am enclosing three items herein that might interest you. Don't recall whether I sent you one of these ten sen notes that Yuts send down from the Okinawa theatre. Here're a few Tagalog expressions and their English equivalents. Also please note the propaganda leaflet that our planes dropped up in the Baggao area (Cagayan Valley) last June announcing the fall of Nazi Germany & telling the Nips they were by-passed and isolated & might as well surrender before their homeland is utterly destroyed.
Just heard a newscast announcing Gen. Yamashita surrender in Baguio yesterday instead of to-day as originally scheduled. Some Nip admiral came in down south & also turned in his forces. As yet we have still to see the mass of Nips within our division sector come in. They're up in the Sierra Madre mountain range and're in poor physical condition for the most part. Daily some of them pass near our out-posts & wave, shout, & smile. We're not allowed to shoot except in defense. Those Nips'll thrive in out stockades 'cause the facilities & chow provided represent such a vast improvement over the conditions they've been existing under.
Well, I also heard the 1st Cav. div. landed in Japan as occupation troops. Guess the 11th Airborne div. will also be in on that deal. We came pretty close to it, but were transferred into another command from the 8th Army just at the right time. When we hit the beach at Langayen last Jan. we came in as part of the 14th Corps, 6th Army. That was our old Corps from the Solomons, but that Army formerly ran all troops in the New Guinea theatre. In May at Pabawagan we were attached to the 1st Corps (that is, our combat team).
Yes, I did receive my specs some time back. They came thru in perfect shape after some delay. Would appreciate receiving those pics of you and your gal. Write soon & often.
Your brother,
Vic
September 2, 1945
(Letter from Vic in the Philippines to younger brother Paul in Berkeley, California. Photos show Vic posing in front of destroyed Japanese aircraft.)
Cagayan Valley, N. Luzon, P.I.
Sunday evening,
Dear Paul,
Many thanks for your three letters containing all those reprints as I'd previously requested. No I won't want any enlargements. These are very satisfactory. However, I hope that you sent copies to both Rudy and Ed as well as a set to the folks along with the negatives.
Today Ben. Mun Bing Louis, another fellow and I drove around some and took some pics. In several we had Nip planes for the background. Am sending the film in to the Army photo Service to-nite. Hope you've taken a few snap-shots recently and'll be sending me copies in the near future. 
Say you promised me a few of your girl-friend some time back. Please give me a few details about her. Sounds like you're going steady with her. Is she a student at Cal.?
Sorry to disappoint you but I won't be coming home for a long time. You mentioned having rented an apartment in anticipation of my arrival. Hell, I don't think I'll make it back stateside during the next six months. Only way one is fairly certain of getting prompt passage back that way is to sign an enlistment in the Regular Army and go home on a 90 day furlough. Such a character will either be a brass-hat with a racket or some island-happy lad. Most enlisted men want no part of this set-up.
Won't commit myself as regards college. Personally, I can't quite see it 'cause what I'd like to take up requires altogether too many back ground subjects and credits. Jake V. hasn't written to me in ages and I know nothing of his post-war plans. Regards. Write soon!
Your brother,
Vic
(You haven't told me if you received the 40 buck money order.)
August 26, 1945
(Letter from Vic in the Philippines to older brother Rudy and wife Ann in Passaic, New Jersey. Top photo is of Filipino family in front of a house. Bottom photo shows soldiers posing with civilians.)
Cagayan Valley,
N. Luzon, P.I.
Dear Ann and Rudy,
It's Sunday afternoon here with time on my hands. Most of the fellows are indulging in the increasingly popular pastime of snoozing or just plain old cat-naping. We don't call it siesta as the local inhabitant smight but by the Army term "bunk-fatigue".
Since the surrender we've had little do do. Imagine less duties will be performed when and if units are disbanded. Imagine there'll be a certain amount of stevadoring or its equivalent. Back on the 'canal in '43 we caught plenty of that at New Georgia and more of the same just prior to embarking from Bougie. Boy, those were some details? Worst was working down in the sweltering holds loading or unloading heavy ammo.
Yes, there are units in the Army known as Port Battalions and those're also their duties, but it seems they can't do all the work. Anyhow, on our amphibious operations we've always been called upon to help load and unload supplies in our convoy. In addition to that it's not been infrequently that we've been called upon to furnish working parties to unload rations from cargo vessels onto barges and assist in transporting same.
Ruts, those copies of the Sunday P.M. certainly are long enroute. Just got another June issue. Don't believe they even all came thru. Has the Army been known to hold up on any publications? Or is it the postal dep't? Been reading that article about Philippine politics by Alexander Uhl and find his info to be OK. Wherever he gets it it's certainly straight. 
Have you known about the Huk Bal-Hob (spelling?) and their program. Soon after landing in Lingayan I picked up all kinds of reports about their activities and from all I've heard the balance is by far in their favor. they certainly eliminated collaborators that fell into their hands, and fought the Nips in some of the largest-scale and bloodiest battles with the Nips during the enemy occupations. Their operations closely resembled those of progressive partisans and they fought and're still fighting reactionaries here in the islands.
Can't tell exactly how the elections will turn out but believe the more progressive elevements should come into power. The strife is becoming more acute and politics concerns most Filipinos. That is, they're more ocncious of events to-day than they were in pre-war days. I've some good friends down in Manila (Filipino civilians) and now that we're corresponding regularly I've noted their social attitides are more advanced than they led me to believe when we used to talk over one thing and another.
Incidentally, I've sent some good reading material in the form of books and literature to several and they really appreciate it. Incidentally, Am. publications are not available to the civilian population on the commercial market - only material they get to read aside from their limited newspapers are currently popular Am. magazines that've ben presented to them by G.I.s or discarded by soldiers.
This limited supply has brought on such a demand that you can now find black-market book dealers 50 centavos (25 cents at official rates) per hr. to read such mags as Time, Life, etc. The cost of such as mag or a new novel is astounding. Don't recall exactly but I learned mags in Manila were being sold for five or ten pesos ($2.50 to $5.00) a book would bring from five to fifty pesos depending on demand. It's been estimated by some sources that our dollar is only worth seven cents in goods over here.
Well, that goes for the Manila metropolitan areas and certain other areas near big Army centers but not up here as yet. Our wants aren't many, and little is to be bought so prices haven't run away completely in these parts to date.
Youo asked if I'd had malaria previous - yes, about five times in all. Great majority of us've had it. Don't think it effects us noticeably in a temperate zone tho. Write soon & regularly!
Best Regards,
Vic
August 19, 1945
(Letter from Vic in the Philippines to younger brother Paul in Berkeley, California. Photo shows solider playing violin.)
Dear Paul,
Received your last two letters dated 24th July and 3rd August respectively almost a week ago, but have previously mailed you a brief reply accompanying those pics that several friends sent some time back.
No, I don't have any requests for books or film at the present time. However, I'd appreciate a sub to George Seldes' "In Fact", the highly enlightening weekly newsletter. If you're not in position to arrange this due to lack of that L.I. address please ask Rudy to arrange same at the earliest possible date. Will you let me know how you make out?
According to last nites' news broadcast, the Army will discharge around 1 1/2 million troops of the estimated million eight hundred thousand troops over here in the Pacific during the next ten months. Thus, I hope to make the States for good sometime during the next six to ten months. If they give priority to combat troops (which I doubt) I might even make it in 4 or 6 months. You must remember that from experience most of us over here are outright pessimists insofar as the Army's concerned. Everything the War Dept does that says will effect us we say is either impossible or improbable.
Was intending having Mother purchase you a birthday present but it's too late how hence I'm enclosing 40 bucks that you might get yourself something useful.
Your brother,
Vic
August 16, 1945
(Letter from Vic in the Philippines to younger brother Paul in Berkeley, California. Photo shows Japanese prisoners in 'civies disguise hustled along by Filipino civilians and turned into us'. Bottom photo is of Manila swimming pool.)
Cagayan Valley, N. Luzon, P.I.
Thursday morning,
Dear Paul,
It's still quite early in the day and very comfortable. Have been back to the battery for two days now. Came in off liaison with a bad cold and some infected insect bites. Slept in a cot for two nites now and really rested.
Saw my first movie last nite in a very long time. Yesterday we had roast chicken but due to my cold I didn't even enjoy the taste. Drew my back beer rations which amounted to 42 bottles. Still have most of it 'cause I can't taste the stuff either.
Yesterday Pres. Truman declared the war over but there was no wild celebrating hereabouts. There was we understand much excitement down in Manila but the fellows took it comparitively calmly in these parts. Last nite we heard the cities of the U.S. madly carousing over the radio. Strange that we shouldn't get half as excited as most civilians are.
Large numbers of Nips are expected to come in from the hills now. Those taken several days back knew about the peace rumors and atomic bomb. I'd say they're only about 12 hrs. behind us on the news. Evidentally they have better radio communications than we give them credit for having. Several wks. ago they were bloodily contesting our every advance in this remote sector of northern Luzon. Our last mission was to drive up a rugged mountainous river gorge into a hidden valley and disperse remnants of once strong Jap formations. After this was completely we pushed the remainders on East up into the wild Sierre Madre mountains near the coast. Guest I can tell this now that the war's over. Incidentally, all censorship should cease very soon as it did in Europe almost immediately after V-E days. 
Am enclosing eight pics that friends have recently sent. Thanks for those re-prints. have you received and gotten prints of any of those negs I sent of us swimming? Please write soon.
Best regards,
Your brother,
Vic
July 28, 1945
(Letter from Vic in the Philippines to younger brother Paul in Berkeley, California. The photo shows signs of army censorship, two small holes that removed the number of the battalion.)
Saturday morning,
Cagayan Valley,
N. Luzon, P.I.
Dear Paul,
You most certainly haven't been very prompt to reply of late. Are your studies taking up most of your time? How're you doing at the university? Do you have a fair job on the side now?
The heat has been terrific in these parts lately. Quite often it looks like a terrific storm is brewing and then nothing develops. Once we were even forwarned of a typhoon or hurricane that never struck here or effected us. However, bad weather is long-overdue, and it's just possible that the sky will drop out for weeks at a time commencing most anytime. I'd welcome such would it bring relief from this torrid weather even tho it'd mean wet clothes, bedding, equipments even dozers and weasels.
Do you correspond with either of the Greubels or Bill Fiala? If so, how's about asking them to drop me a line? The folks said they met Ray Reed in Racine, and that when Rudy & Ann were recently home Ruts met Wally Puchinsky. Guess Pooch might've been discharged if his health is OK.
Did I tell you that we're more or less out of combat and in a tempory rest area? The inf. bn. hq our arty. liaison section is attached to has arranged tents in a flat area and we're actually sleeping on bunks and using mosquito bars. Have films every other nite but we're still sweating out that oft-promised beer and PX ration supply. Guess the rear area base commandos down Manila way and points enroute are relieving us of these simple but cherished luxuries so as to lighten the strained supply and transport problem.
Only the brass are permitted to go after and consume the only legit liquor available here in the P.I.s, Mano;a Tanduay Distillery "Old Special" Whisky (65%). G.I.s that crave a slug or drunk now and then purchase native booze of questionable sources. Some of these brands are terrific! Most of it tastes terrible and can be harmfull.
Forgot to mention that they're still Nips out in the bush but mostly confined to isolated pockets. Patroling and ambushes constitute most activities at present but the war's not completely over here yet. Did you receive that last batch of negs and can you get enlarged re-prints made?
Your brother,
Vic
Am enclosing two old Nip occupation currency notes that might interest you 'case you haven't seen same. One's from N.E.I. and the other F. Indo-China.
July 22, 1945
(Letter from Vic in the Philippines to younger brother Paul in Berkeley, California. Photo shows soldiers in Manila swimming pool. Bottom photo is of Stan Valandia, a Souix soldier from North Dakota.)
Cagayan Valley, N. Luzon, P.I.
Sunday morning,
Dear Paul,
Well. it's a rather cool morning and we've actually relatively little to do for once hence the correspondence. Why haven't you been writing more frequently? Please drop a line whenever you can find time. What do your studies consist of now? Are you working part-time? If so, where and what're you making?
Am enclosing seven (7) negatives that we took just before leaving the Manila area two months or so ago. Most of them were taken out at the swimming pool on grounds that our outfit rented. Those were the days. Didn't get much of it tho 'cause we were pulled out once to go back into combat for over a month, but then returned to that general area for a little over a week. After that we came up here and we've been in action since.
Could you possibly have eight or ten prints made of each and forward the pics to me? I promised the gang copies of same. Some of them have already gone home or either rotation or points and several others are waiting for the call. Also you'd best send a copy to the folks, and also Ed and Ruts. Send the negatives on home. Believe you could have fair enlargements made from those negatives 'cause they're pretty fair. Will you kindly ask the photo developer to clean the negs and make enlargement of about three inches by four and one-half (3"x4 1/2")?
Has Ray completed his furlough yet and is he stationed on the west coast temporarily awaiting re-assignment. Do you see much of him? Did he go up north while in Wis.? Do you know if he tried his hand at a little fishing or poaching? Come to think of it, I guess venison isn't very good eating at this time of the year.
Say, there are quite a few Philippine mallards hereabouts but I haven't bagged any yet. Numerous wild turtle doves also - got a few of those and also wild chickens with the carbine. One fellow here in this inf. bn. hq. picked up a perfect 12 gauge double parker from a Nip but can't get shells for same. If he does, we're going out pot-hunting. Nips seem to like shot-guns and usually carry Jap buck-shot loads as anti-personnel weapons. All the pieces I've seen were Am. made and probably confiscated them from Filipinos. The Nips sometimes put on bayonet attachments and mount a wicket blade on same. They sure can improvise but usually it's a fizzle - especially their improvized mines and booby traps.
Speaking of guns, what was the condition of my Rem auto when last you seen it and how's the shell supply? Do you do any shooting out there? 
We're still in combat and I've had about enough. Had some close calls during the past two weeks or so. Once it was a bomb during an air strike and more recently it was heavy Nip mortar and machine gun fire - but altogether too damn close. Also some other rather mildly exciting incidents but nothing harmful developed. Sure hope we get a break and go into a rest area - better still I'd like to get back Stateside or at least go down Manila way. Please Write!
Your brother,
Vic
June 23, 1945
(Letter from Vic in the Philippines to older brother Rudy and wife Ann in Passaic, New Jersey. Photo shows truck loaded with soldiers. The bottom photo appears to be a smoldering volcano.)
Cagayan Valley, Luzon
Saturday
Dear Ann and Rudy,
Received your letter dated the first about a week ago. That first batch of prints also arrived. Don't send any film over 'cause I've still five roles on hand to be exposed whenever I get an opportunity and camera. Did you receive those other negatives and did you make prints of same?
As I may've told you or Paul may've informed your our division is making the big drive down the Cagayan Valley along National Highway #5 up here in northern Luzon. We've come a long distance - I'd say it's almost comparable to the U.S. drives across Normandy and most of France last year. We've knocked out numerous Nip tanks and captured most of their transport plus much of their supplies.
You wouldn't believe the large numbers of Koreans and Formosan laborers along with Nips that we've captured. Naturally the former two peoples are more than happy to be captured. 
Of course the opposition has been spotty for the most part, but in the mountainous passes we come thru they really raise hell until they're cleared out. Sometimes out in the plains here it's almost like chasing rabbits down. They retreat by night and we pursue by day. Since they have no airforce what-so ever they're getting plenty of straffing and dive bomber strikes which more than demoralize them. Whenever they decide to slug it out our artillery and armed force knock hell out of them so that they're becoming more and more disorganized.
We're allowed to mention this because the division censorship regulations have eased up considerably. Only souvenirs I've been seeking are a Nip saber and nambu automatic pistol, but haven't had any satisfaction as yet but I mufted several opportunities.
At present I'm in an Army Field Hospital recuperating from malaria which you needed mention to the folks.
Am enclosing a Nip or Taiwan bill plus a superior privates insignia which I wished you'd forward Paul to have sent home.
Regards,
Vic
Incidentally, since I have no more stationery on hand would you mind letting Rose and Ed read these lines?
June 21, 1945
(V-mail from Vic in Philippines to brother Paul in Berkeley, California. Photos shows front and back of a 'surrender pass' air dropped on Japanese units.)
Cagayen Valley, Luzo, P.I.
Dear Paul,
Thanks for your recent letters. Did you send pics to the persons I listed in a recent letter? To whom did you forward copies? Are you still having difficulty getting reprints made? Done send any film until I request same cause I have five roles on hand.
Heard Kodak was coming out with a new post-war camera featuring an improved plastic lense giving 40 or 60 percent better clarity. When I get home I'm going to get a good camera and try out some of this Kodachrome.
At present I'm in a Field Hospital recovering from another malaria attack. Getting some needed treatment of my feet which are still somewhat jungle-rot infected. You don't have to tell the folks of my illness. I'll just write and say I'm hospitalized.
Our division is still making considerable gains down this valley & I don't think we'll be hitting any more mountain passes which the Nips always strongly contend.
We'll soon reach the northern end of the island and thus complete this campaign and possibly get a rest. Hope you're feeling health and your eyes have improved. Still haven't received any new specs.
Regards,
Vic
June 14, 1945
(Letter from Vic in Philippines to brother Paul in Berkeley. California. Photo shows U.S. military column moving on Luzon road. Bottom photo appears to be photo of soldiers in the European theatre, possibly photo sent to Vic from his friend, Ran De Faut, who served there.)
Luzon, P.I.
Dear Paul,
Haven't time to write more than a brief line to-day. We're making terrific gains these days and are continuously pushing ahead. We're now allowed to say that we're on the National Highway #5 pushing down the Cagayan Valley in Northern Luzon.
The Nips are becoming more and more disorganized and're being hunted down and eliminated like rabbits by everyone. Our arty. bn. has been right up there and each day we bag some Nips by small arms fire. Now and then some Nips'll band to-gether with a few m-m guns and put up a little fire fight.
Received two packages from you containing "Life In A Putty Factory", "Candide", "People On Our Side", etc. Many thanks for same. 
Here's a pic and three Russian bills that Ran sent me. Kindly forward same on to Ed & Rudy & ask them to send them on home.
Your brother,
Vic
June 13, 1945
(Telegram from Vic in the Philippines to his mother, Emily, in Racine Wisconsin)
MY LOVE AND GREETINGS ON MOTHERS DAY WISH I COULD BE WITH YOU. REGARDS TO EVERYONE. VICTOR PETERSEN.
May 28, 1945
(Letter from Vic in the Philippines to younger brother Paul in Berkeley, California. Photo shows medics treating an injured civilian.)
Monday evening,
Dear Paul,
Well, herein you'll find four negatives that I'd previously mentioned I'd be forwarding you. Would appreciate that you get quite a few copies made and mail a set or whatever you please to various persons 'cause it'd take so much longer for same to arrive were you mail prints to me. However, I'll get rid of the prints if you wish. Would like a set sent home and some to Ann and Rudy, Ed and Rose, Bill Fiala, Karl Greubel, Ran De Faut, Akabe Gulbankian, Ray Reed, Phil Mascaretti, George Conrad, Ted Kraynik, Jake Valentine, Elmer Balzer and Sid Goldberg.
If you don't have the new addresses of any of these persons or correspond with them please let me know and best you sent me prints. Actually I've promised to send so many pics that I finally decided I might as well do it all at one time even tho the shots aren't very good. Have plenty of film on hand at this time so don't send me any. Hope the stuff doesn't get ruined before I get around to using same.
So Yuts is finally enroute overseas, eh? Do you correspond with him regularly? Where is Dick Symmes now? Do you hear from Ray R, Karl G, or Jake Valentine?
You should have plenty to tell about the S.F. Conference. Understand that you intended sitting in on a few sessions were any open to the public. Was there any noticeable atmosphere in the Bay area? Do you think any noteworthy steps have been accomplished. Understand that at this writing they're just underway. Leastwise, I haven't heard any reports of same for a while now.
We're still in a rest area but that can change overnite in these parts cause there's still too damn many Nips around. Certainly hope that sometime in the future our division gets a real break. By that I mean we really deserve a good, long rest in a fair bivouc area and receive sufficient replacements to fill our ranks.
Now, I won't get home under the so-called demobilization plan (only rate 69 points) and doubt if a furlough will come thru before the duration plus.
Your brother,
Vic
May 13, 1945
(Letter from Vic in Philippines to brother Paul in Berkeley. California. Photo taken from vehicle moving on Luzon road.)
Sunday afternoon,
Dear Paul,
Didn't intend writing you for several days but just got these two negatives back and would like some re-prints made as soon as possible hence this brief line. Can you have five or six prints made of each and send all but one copy to me?
Please send a set home. The negatives may have to be cleaned and I suggest you have them intensified or something 'cause they're nothing as is.
We may go into a rest are and be re-organized. In my opinion we need replacements badly and deserve at least six months non combatant duty.
Don't expect me home on furlough for months to come. If this de-mobilization is actually inaugurated some guys may get a long-deserved break. Would certainly like to hit the States at least by hunting season but think it improbably. Understand the rotation (if ever it was such) plan may be completely dis-continued. Please write soon!
Best regards,
Vic
