March 5, 1943

(letter from Vic to brother Paul, written on Camp Roberts stationary, but likely sent from Fort Sill. Illustration shows field radio test.)

Dear Paul,

Seems you're thater slow in replying. didn't you mention the time lapse between letters from New Jersey? Getting so you write about as frequently as them.

Having an exam on the new C.W. and voice proceedure in msg. form including fire-control code. Been studying so much lately for various tests and seemingly memorizing so damn much theorty that I can't see any point in burning up the bean. Especially when I'm startled to learn too much stress was put on formula and such, only to sadly learn the writ is on theoretical mental application.

On Wed's radio theory exam I made a little over 80. Should've been more alert though and made 95 and up, and thereby been excused from study hall for the coming week. Can't say how I'll do tomorrow. About a month ago I miserably flunked a wire exam. Just came out of the hospital tho in time for that one. Miss all the theory and practical work in telephones, switchboards, various circuits, splices and laying methods.

Just learned of my grade and imagine anotyher U will mean my dismissal. That's how the recent flunk-outs came about. Two Indian fellows from my barrack (one a Pawnee and the other an Apache) were shipped back to their units last Sat. A fellow in our group from Roberts was called into the C.O.'s office and told he'd be next unless he picked up.

Our chief radio theory instructor, Major Gibson, is a former Professor of Radio Engineering at Purdue University. It's no wonder he's so well acquainted with the subject. 'Cause he and the other instructors are so adept in that field, they expect us to become so in a few short weeks. The Major is busy on new artillery radio tactics and books, I understand, in his spare time.

During the first part of the week, we underwent a terrific change in temperature. Suddenly it dropped down to zero and a light snow-fall developed. After three days of this freak cold spell, it broke with rain falling during the first part of this morng. Now it's gone down to freezing and one never knows what's in the future. Should go back to normal soon, which at this season in Oklahoma compares to Wis.'s September.

Wrote to Ray Campbell recently. What'd he have to say last he wrote you? Has Bob Greubel written you from Florida recently?

Folks sent me some cookies the other day but they were pretty well busted up upon arrival here. The food is very bad here in case I've never mentioned it to you. It doesn't even favorably compare with that dished out in the C.C.C. That's not much of a compliment but it's a fact. Mess at Roberts was a vertible paradise as compared to the unfit trash given out here. Every single item is more or less rationed, and for the most part, actually should be labeled unfit for human consumption.

When we're allowed that rare treat, coffee, it's so damned dilluted it has little coloring. Did you know, or can you believe, we're regularly feated to goat meat?!? Believe the class majority practically subsit on candy-bars purchased at the P.X., and they're even rationed along with cigerettes and gum to three packs per soldier.

Report to the hospital every morning at the Physiotheraphy Clinic for hot liquid treatment that's supposed to aid nervous system in my hand.

Couple of us plan to do on weekend pass commending to-morrow afternoon for a good tear. Hope the damn B.C. decides to issue us passes!

Hope you're getting along OK in school. Let me know how you're doing.

Regards from you brother,
Vic