November 15, 1943

(Letter from Vic to his parents, Emilie and Peter in Racine, Wisconsin. In bottom left corner of envelope, stamp reads "Passed by U.S. Army Examiner 25603" and it's signed L.A. Krazenbule(sp?) 2nd Lt FA. The photo shows the members of the 135 Field Artillery Radio Unit at Bougaineville. It had likely landed with the 37th Infantry Division after the November 1st invasion. The are, front row - left to right, Benjamin M.B. Louie/Sacramento Califorina; Paul C. Amadio/ Struthers Ohio; Wilbur J. Baxter/Springfield, Ohio; Robert 'Doc' Hart/Toledo, Ohio; Bill Feinberg/ Brockton, Mass. Back Row - left to right - Ross H. Spencer/Youngstown, Ohio; Thomas E. Amadio/Stuthers, Ohio; Thomas W. Nesselroad/Dallas Center, Iowa; Don R. Howard/Toledo Ohio; Verne Russell Englehart/Toledo, Ohio)

Dear Folks,

Many thanks for your package containing the fruit cake, nuts and Rye crisp. We get some of the latter in certain canned rations so please don't enclose them in any more packages.

It arrived two days ago and my tent mates were more than willing to help dig in and finish it off. We all share our gifts more or less, and sincerely appreciate such luxurious edibles. Wonder when those packages containing malted milk tablets, etc., will arrive. Probably in the near future depending upon mailing date.

Guess it sounds somewhat as tho we're not eating regularly. Well, don't get the idea it's anywhere near that bad 'cause at present we have chow three times daily. However, powdered this and dehyrated that have a tendency to lose one's taste somewhat. I'm OK and in good health so don't worry about me.

How are you at home and what word do you get from Paul? Elmer Balzer wrote again and said his wife was sending me a gift. That's very considerate of her. Have receive any other packages aside from yours as yet. Please thank the Gulbankians for theirs on the way.

Best regards from you son,
Victor