March 6,1944

(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 caption reads 'Bougainville, Feb. 1944. Looking NE from Hill 700 Perimeter road near Big Rock towards Blue Ridge just before battle.')

Dear Rudy and Ann,

Many thanks for you birthday card, package, and letter. Had three other gift packages arrive with it last Sat. I'll take some pictures at the earliest opportunity with your film and have some developed and send you some prints. However, I can't guarantee when that'll be. At present we're quite busy.

Looks like the Congressional politicians are out to squelch the soldier vote. Of late Congress seems to me to be going plenty rotten. How do the people feel about the way they've killed or side-tracked the National Service bill and heavier taxation? Seems they're altogether too eager to pacify servicemen with that mustering-out pay. It seems a good thing but if they go any higher we'll just have so much more national debt accumulated when we get home.

It's a damn good thing the average citizen isn't playing politics - as-usual. Well, there might be changes made for the good, come election time. Certainly hope so.

Please don't send any packages or articles in the near future and kindly tell Ed and Rose of this. Not that I don't appreciate articles, but they're somewhat inconvenient at present and I've enough of everything on hand. Will write again soon.

Best regards,
Vic

P.S. - Something I've oft thought of discussing with you and Ed is the subject of Paul's schooling. The folks mentioned in one of their last letters to me that Paul had written as tho he intended leaving school and going to sea. Now the reason is quite apparent; he hasn't sufficient finances and feels he's imposing on the folks. They have been sending him money quite regularly the past winter I gather, so I began sending some recently.

Now how about you and Ed pitching in? Don't write and ask him if he needs anything, 'cause his modesty'll tend to deny it. So get to-gether and work something out. Please be prompt about it and let me know what action you've taken.

Didn't you know his compensation has been long held up and to my knowledge the Wis. Rehab won't kick thru on his tuition? The Vets Administration isn't making any more last I heard.

Remember, Paul was in the hospital in early Feb. (last time I heard from him) and he hasn't any too much resistance. You can imagine how he stand up under tough sea work.

Let's hear from you both about this matter in the very near future.

Sincerely,
Vic