October 21. 1943

(Letter from Vic to brother Rudy, written from the South Pacific to Passaic, New Jersey. In the right corner of the envelope is the writing "Censored by N Sullivan 2nd Lt, F.A.")

Thursday morning,

Overseas

Dear Ann and Rudy,

Several days ago I received three letters from you dated July 22, August 1 and September 13 respectively. It seems quite a few letters are arriving that were addressed to former addresses. Please write using the air-mail envelopes instead of v-mail.

Paul had written me and explained about Walters' mishap. I am sorry to hear he had an accident. How is he now?

Having mentioned what litter there is to tell from these parts, this letter'll be confined mostly to questions on my part.

Ruts, should you be called up what branch of service do you wish to enter? I understand they have specialy clothing issue and equipment in your case. I'd advise you to tell the inspecting medics that you can't stand extreme heat and try and stay away from the tropics. You'd be more than susceptible to the numerous skin rashes and diseases that are common hereabouts.

The navy is a swell outfit; in fact, I believe were the Army given their choice they'd mostly ask for it. However, though the Naval Construction Batallions are a very hard-working and vital outfit they're quite a different naval organization than the fleet units. The seabees are to the Navy what the engineers are to the army. Each has its compat counterpart, tho.

Much of the ballyhoo given the C.B.'s in the States should be forgotten in case you're interested. They're most ingenius and efficient over here and everywhere I imagine, but theirs' is a tough job in the strictly physical sense. Unless you have a definite trade such as machinist, motor mechanic, welder, etc. the breaks come the hard way.

The Army offers some good deals but the best are probably in the Air Corp. Why not investigate? For the best excitement and tough monotonous grinds the regular Navy and Coast Guard are at hand provided they don't pull a switch and land you in the C.B.'s

As a last resort there's the glamour boys (Sea-going bell-hops, Garrison dainties) or, as you in the States know them, the marines.

Whatever branch of service you get into do your best and gun for a trade or Specialist school or OCS.

Sincerely,

Vic