January 25th, 1944

(Letter from Vic to younger brother Paul, from Bougainville, to Berkeley, CA. Written on American Red Cross writing paper. The photo caption reads 'Harbor scene from Bougainville, looking out towards Parate Island. 1944.)

Dear Paul,

Thanks for writing. Didn't have your Berkeley address on hand and was anxiously awaiting word from you again. Your letter dated 25th Dec. arrived two days ago so you can realize the mail service isn't nearly as prompt as that grom Guadalcanal.

Incidently, we can now mention that we'd come back to that island from Roviana, New Georgia zone. Our present location is still officially secret, tho some U.S. newspapers have printed articles about our operations.

Heard from the folks recently, and also Rudy and one from Gloria G. They're all OK. You should write home to the folks more often, Paul. I guess they must be lonely. Had a letter from Yuts the other day and it appears we might meet up soon 'cause he seemed to be in these waters. I have a good hunch as to his location and hope he can get around further to look me up.

Haven't heard from Bill F. lately, but imagine he's in Racine now. Ray Reed hasn't replied since sailing out of Frisco, and Jake V. hasn't dropped another line 'cause he's probably busy in either the latest New Guinea or New Britain campaigns. Read where Nick Cariello was injured along with quite a few marines in the Gilbert I.

Howie, Ran, and Vernon were said to've joined the Marine Corps lately. People back home should be prepared for heavier war casualties as the war tempo progresses. They should certainly accept any sacrifices in goods to help troops abroad and our Allies.

Some politicians, quite a few in high circles, could easily be gotten along without. Have they taken sufficient measures to stamp out the black marketeers and other illegal profiteering?

I'm doing my best to get a fair collections of pictures over here, but am hampered by lack of a camera of my own, film, and other things. Can't get the prints home until the war is won. They confiscate most photos, leastwise those dealing with personnel or material, and personal negatives and prints aren't much good without decriptive background.

The climate is very severe on photographic materials so don't expect anything like a semi-professional view or scene.

I certainly hope you're doing OK at school and remain in good health. How'd you come to be acquainted with certain parties after such a relatively short time on the West Coast? Good to hear you're active and you getting around much in those parts?

I haven't yet received your book. Have read numerous mysteries, also some war books as "Guadalcanal Diary", "Into the Valley" "Battle of the Solomons" & "South-West Passage". I will try to write again soon; meanwhile please send letters as often as you can.

Your brother,
Vic