June 23, 1945

(Letter from Vic in the Philippines to older brother Rudy and wife Ann in Passaic, New Jersey. Photo shows truck loaded with soldiers. The bottom photo appears to be a smoldering volcano.)
Cagayan Valley, Luzon
Saturday

Dear Ann and Rudy,

Received your letter dated the first about a week ago. That first batch of prints also arrived. Don't send any film over 'cause I've still five roles on hand to be exposed whenever I get an opportunity and camera. Did you receive those other negatives and did you make prints of same?

As I may've told you or Paul may've informed your our division is making the big drive down the Cagayan Valley along National Highway #5 up here in northern Luzon. We've come a long distance - I'd say it's almost comparable to the U.S. drives across Normandy and most of France last year. We've knocked out numerous Nip tanks and captured most of their transport plus much of their supplies.

You wouldn't believe the large numbers of Koreans and Formosan laborers along with Nips that we've captured. Naturally the former two peoples are more than happy to be captured.


Of course the opposition has been spotty for the most part, but in the mountainous passes we come thru they really raise hell until they're cleared out. Sometimes out in the plains here it's almost like chasing rabbits down. They retreat by night and we pursue by day. Since they have no airforce what-so ever they're getting plenty of straffing and dive bomber strikes which more than demoralize them. Whenever they decide to slug it out our artillery and armed force knock hell out of them so that they're becoming more and more disorganized.

We're allowed to mention this because the division censorship regulations have eased up considerably. Only souvenirs I've been seeking are a Nip saber and nambu automatic pistol, but haven't had any satisfaction as yet but I mufted several opportunities.

At present I'm in an Army Field Hospital recuperating from malaria which you needed mention to the folks.

Am enclosing a Nip or Taiwan bill plus a superior privates insignia which I wished you'd forward Paul to have sent home.

Regards,
Vic

Incidentally, since I have no more stationery on hand would you mind letting Rose and Ed read these lines?