February 27, 1944

(Letter from Vic to younger brother Paul, probably from Bougaineville in the Solomon Islands to Berkeley, CA. Photo is of soldiers washing up on Bougainville.)

Sunday morning,

Dear Paul,

Thanks for your letter of Feb. 14 and the package containing the books. Both arrived several days ago. Have a few hrs. off back here today and am doing some neglected laundry. Some of my fatigues and socks were standing uprights so you can imagine the shape of some of our belongings.

Must clean up my carbine now too 'cause it's awful damp up there. It's rained so heavily here of late as to partially cave in and fly my old hole. Have a bunk here under a pyrambler tent but use a jungle hammock in other parts of late.

Things are shaping up swell to my estimation and I'm doing OK. Hope you're in good health and've fully recovered from your hospitalization. Received recent letters from the folks, Rudy, the Hett's, and J. Valentine. Jakes writes from N.G. and sounds like he'll get home this year under the troop rotation plan. A bunch of us got the good conduct medal and should have campaign ribbons to wear afore we see the states. Will close now.

Best regards from your brother,
Vic

P.S. - Paul, did you have a visitor from Milw. recently? I wrote to an old friend, Dave Altman, who's in the medics and was at an embarkation point in the Frisco area telling him to look you up for a visit. He's quite an active guy and is a vet. Did you see him.

The folks mentioned you had some notion of leaving school for the sea. Don't blow your top! Stay where you are and get an education! Things shouldn't be too bad there so stick it out and get a diploma.

What exactly are you interested in and how many credits have you and in what lines? How many do they required to graduate in various professions. Let's have a long and solid line. Will write again when I have the opportunity.

Sincerely,
Vic