January 22, 1944

(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) Lt, F.A. Above that is a stamp "Passed by U.S. Army Examiner 25603". The Photo shows a soldier clearing brush in front of a camouflaged outpost on the Solomon Islands.)

Dear Ann and Rudy,

Thanks for your letter of 30th Dec. which I just received today. Guess the mail service isn't as prompt as it was a few months back, eh?

As regards your questions on censorship: the letters sent by service men overseas to people at home are censored at their source of mailing (in my case it's here at the battery) and about (?) ten percent are picked out and investigated by the base censorship offices either somewheres overseas or at U.S. ports; mail sent by people in the States to servicemen overseas is only subject to base censorship en route. How much of it is opened is unknown, but I believe it's a relatively small percentage. Haven't noticed any letters from home that were subjected to censorship but it's been done.

Where we forward negatives or prints home we must mark the envelope which then goes direct to the base censors after leaving here. Negatives are often liable to be confiscated and perhaps to be returned after the war. Photos not dealing with military equipment, and a thousand-and-one seemingly related subjects, will eventually reach the address indicated after being detained. Does that clear up the situation?

I wish to thank you for your thoughtfullness in sending film, flash-light, and cigerette lighter, etc. Haven't received them as yet but they'll be along. Incidentally some items have been long enroute but they should eventually arrive. Some Xmas packages still aren't here and I believe they were said to have some sort of priority. We always appreciate reading material and it really keeps in circulation.

In writing you the other day I asked that you sent your camera (or any camera). Perhaps it isn't necessary if you can't spare yours, haven't or cannot obtain another one, or will put you to any inconvenience. However, if the older (longest overseas service record) fellows should ever get to go home under the proposed (?) servicemen's relief (shifting) plan I can't guarantee to have a camera available for us. It's those fellows who are mostly fortunate enough to have one. There's a possibility I can purchase one should I ever get into civilized and populated parts in the Pacific.

The Gulbankians said Howie, Ran and Vernon joined the Marine Corps. Can't quite see that. Would've done better somewhere else.

Once heard from Bill F. They wanted him to go with them out to the West Coast for either war work or Merchant Marine Service. Ted Kraynik wasn't commissioned (he's in either the Navy or C.B.'s. I believe). Write soon and often!

Best regards,
Vic