July 14, 1944

(Letter from Vic in Bougainville to brother Rudy and wife Ann in Passaic New Jersey. The envelope has two stamps from separate Army censors. The photo shows a soldier reading, apparently at entrance to bamboo bunkhouse.)

Saturday evening,

Dear Ann and Rudy,

Thought I'd write you to-night as I have ample time. Had a very heavy rain late this afternoon that practically caused a flood. Well, it all helps to keep up the water level in the section's well. We rely on this water for showering and general washing whereas drinking water is brought in by trailer from up-stream towards the hills.

The bad weather to-day brought about the cancellation of the boxing matches. They were to've been held up at a large sports field that's the official island recreation center. Quite a few building are located there which includes the new PX, library, radio broadcasting "studios", arts center, etc. Yes, this place certainly has changed for the better since our arrival months ago.

Incidentally, yesterday we received our beer rations which amounted to a case per man. Well, I guess they figure we're finally qualified for a few luxuries. Hear that (section of letter ripped out, several words missing, possibly action of censors) will really be something. Had some practice operations but we naturally can't say whether we'll follow such form in coming operations. In case that we do, I believe it'll be really hot and I'm not referring to anything climatic. However it's easy to be mistaken - in which case I certainly hope I'm very much so.

We've innovated some entirely new tactics (I believe), but what they are I can't mention. Perhaps in six months or so we'll be able to describe them somewhat.

Am enclosing an old negative that you may want to have a copy of along with an article from Newsweek that I wish you'd keep for me. Kindly send the negative home when you're through with same. Are you going to send any prints this way that you may've taken recently?

Please remember to write as often as possible and kindly remind Rose, Git, and Ed to do likewise.

Best regards to you all,
Vic