February 7, 1943

(letter from Vic to J.I. Case in Racine, written on the back of employee bonus notice illustrated here. Part of a letter sent to Vic's parents, written on United States Army letterhead.)

Enlisted Specialist Specialist School
Class #30 - Section A - Bldg. t 379
Fort Sill, Oklahoma.

Case Pay-roll Dept.

Dear Sirs:

I understand a check has been issued me in the form of a bonus for the year 1942. Undoubtedly it's not cashable at this late date because of date of issue so would you please re-issue a duplicate and make same payable to my parents, Mr. & Mrs. Peter A. Petersen, 1950 W. Prospect St., Racine, or make this statement acceptable terms for cashing of one issued in my name?

I was recently transferred here from Calif, and then confined to the hospital here so that my parents weren't fully aware of my address until my release of recent date.

Appreciably,

PFC. Victor Petersen
A.S.N. - 36262157

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Sunday evening,

Dear Folks,

Yesterday I recieved the two letters you kept refering to. Seems they never quite caught up to me. Majority of my mail layed around in the school area until the day I was released from the hospital. Then it was forwared up there and I had to await it here.

On the reverse side of the letter concerning the bonus check issued me by the J.I. Case Co you will find a note properly addressed. Bring it to the Payroll Dept. located on the north-east corner of State St. and Douglas Ave. I believe Mr. Larson of Harriet St. is head there and can arrange it.
I was surprised that you hadn't included the check in the letter that might have indorsed it and had you add your signature and cash it in Racine.

It's very hard to cash any check, draft, or money order in the army and statement from one's battery commander is usually required. The red-tape method of banks is discouraging.
Please use the amount of the check that exceeds $30.00 and bank the remainder ($30.00) in my account at the Farmers and Merchants Bank on State St. You'll find my bank book in the contents of the C.C.C. trunk I asked you forward me.

Make sure you use the book I've an account in as one of them is closed.

Paul has written several times recently and Ed and Rudy both wrote the past week but haven't forwarded the watch as yet. Must close now and get to work on our home-work.

Your son,
Victor