December 17th, 1943

(Letter from Vic to brother Rudy and wife Ann, written from the South Pacific to Passaic, New Jersey. In the bottom left corner of the envelope is the writing "Censored by (no name). Above that is a stamp "Passed by U.S. Army Examiner 25603". Picture is of Torokina Airstrip at Bougaineville, Solomon Island - where Vic was stationed with the 135th Field Artillery Battalion of the 37th Army Divison.)

Dear Ann and Rudy,

Many thanks for your package which I received yesterday. Have you received my other letter? If I neglected to mention what little we're able to say perhaps you'd best read the one I mailed Ed and Rose yesterday.

Whenever you have any recent novels or non-fictions books and magazines that you've no further use for, please forward them on to me. I'm reading the newspapers you wrapped some of the articles in that package this afternoons. Seems we never have enough reading material. That knife and stone will have many uses and the gum will be readily consumed. After short exposure to this climate chewing gum has some peculiar tendencies. Its surface become very oily and sticky, and when chewed it disentegrates to a sugary, lumpy solution and shortly is intirely disolved. Chocolates and caramels come to us in a rather sticky condition, but after cooling underground in the dampness and shade are in fair shape.

Yes that article I mentioned in that letter to Ed was by a veteran commander dated November 12, I believe. I recall refering to its test (the first Paragraph or so) but've forgotten what the discussion was as to merits. Don't belive I have your letter of Nov. 30th on hand anymore. Concerning the election clippings you'd enclosed, I'm happy about the gains registered and the editorial comment.

Ruts, are you informed as to the political set-up in Wis.? I thought Loomis (Prog.) was elected and now I seem to recall and article that mentioned Goodland as filling the guberanatorial capacity. Wasn't he the old Reb. from Racine who was Lt.-Gov. under Heil? How'd he ever sneak into office anyway? Are the Hague boys still in office in Jersey? What's their platform as regards the war effort? Which political party holds sway in the Paterson area? Is the Parlamee racy syndicate still operating in Jersey?

Haven't heard from the folks in a long time. However, they did send me two letters of J-T clippings but neglected to enclose written messages. Had one letter from Paul since he started University of Calif. Ed and Rose haven't written in a long time, but I did receive a package from them several days ago. Perhaps all of you have several letters enroute.

Hear from quite a few home town fellows in the service and from some Army buddies I was with back in the States. Heard from someone in Racine that Alice and Donny Shugar were divorced. Say, did Ran DeFaut enter the merchant marine? Have you seen him recently and do you have his address? Imagine he went in as a radio operator. Is Howie sailing salt water again and do you ever see him and Hank Larsen? Please write soon.

Best regards to you all,
Vic