(letter from Paul to brother Rudy and wife Ann, written on Michigan State College stationary from Racine, Wisconsin to Passaic, New Jersey)
Dear Rudy & Ann,
Just writing a few lines to let you know that I'm still coming down to visit you. I plan on leaving here next Monday, March 29, but I figure on spending a day in Angola, Indiana , on the way down.
Everything's fine here in Racine. Mother & Father are in good health, but as yet Pa isn't working.
I was over to the Valentine's yesterday & I gave them your address & told them to sent it to Lloyd so he could drop in & see you. His ship was sunk again & he lost all his belongings & his best friend was killed. Jake's still in Australia or thereabouts, but doesn't say if he's been in action or not.
Saw Pete White last night & he gets up for his physical next Saturday so it looks like they're really starting to take married guys. Have you been reclassified?
That's all for now, as I want to get this letter off tonight.
Best regards,
Paul
March 24, 1943
March 22, 1943
(from Vic to his parents, Peter and Emilie, written on Fort Sill stationairy from Fort Sill, Oklahoma to Racine, Wisconsin)
Monday evening,
Dear Folks,
I intended writing you a letter soon but have been busy the past week on field communications. We out most of the time but are fortunate in having n
o nite classes this month except for the slow-speed radio operators. I passed the minimum code speed required and am exempt from those nite sessions along with about half the students.
Is Paul home at this time? You never did tell me whether he was just coming home for a visit between semesters or intended leaving school.
Over the week-end I visited the city of Chickasha which is about 55 miles northeast towards Oklahoma City. Met Dave Altman there where he's assigned an Army hospital there. Don't know whether you know him as he's from Milw. Bill Fiala and Ray Reed should be acquainted with him. He's a veteran of the Abraham Lincoln Brigade. I ate two meals with his mess hall and Sun. afternoon we spent horse-back ridind which finds me rather stiff today. His hospital base is most unusual in that though being fully staffed it has no patients. They're awaiting overseas casualties.
Received Johnny Rodes address from him and note Johnny is just about as close, being located just over the line in Texas. Perhaps we can all get to-gether some-time.
Has Vic Valenti been home on furlough recently. Imagine he is or has been up to Racine. Has Danny Sugar been inducted yet? How do Ray Reed and Pete White stand?
Hope you're in the best of health and that Pa is steadily employed. If Paul is home at this time, kindly have him send a long letter immediately.
Your son,
Vic
Had a nice letter from Symmes to-day and they say Dick is now at Chanute Field, Rantoul, Ill. learning teletype. They send you their best regards/ Bob Greubel wrote me and said he is resigning from Air Corps OCS at Miami 'cause the commission given is in administrative work (office work).
March 8, 1943
(letter from Paul to brother Rudy and wife Ann. Contains several press clippings and, apprently, one of the 'restricted' documents Vic had sent earlier, as illustrated.)
Dear Ann & Rudy,
Just a line & a few clippings to let you know I'm still here. From now on I'm expecting to get a call from the Army any time. Most probably it won't come until after March 20th, so I'll have a few days before I go, as this term ends on the 20th.
If, by the 20th, I haven't been called I might pay you a visit. I sure would like to spend a few days down there. Is Ann working yet? I suppose your both busy as a can be.
There's not much new here, but I'' write you the first thing when I'm sure what's going to happen.
Your brother,
Paul
P.S. - Victor must think your planning on getting into the radio section of the Army or something by all the clippings and skedules he sends.
March 5, 1943
(letter from Vic to brother Paul, written on Camp Roberts stationary, but likely sent from Fort Sill. Illustration shows field radio test.)
Dear Paul,
Seems you're thater slow in replying. didn't you mention the time lapse between letters from New Jersey? Getting so you write about as frequently as them.
Having an exam on the new C.W. and voice proceedure in msg. form including fire-control code. Been studying so much lately for various tests and seemingly memorizing so damn much theorty that I can't see any point in burning up the bean. Especially when I'm startled to learn too much stress was put on formula and such, only to sadly learn the writ is on theoretical mental application.
On Wed's radio theory exam I made a little over 80. Should've been more alert though and made 95 and up, and thereby been excused from study hall for the coming week. Can't say how I'll do tomorrow. About a month ago I miserably flunked a wire exam. Just came out of the hospital tho in time for that one. Miss all the theory and practical work in telephones, switchboards, various circuits, splices and laying methods.
Just learned of my grade and imagine anotyher U will mean my dismissal. That's how the recent flunk-outs came about. Two Indian fellows from my barrack (one a Pawnee and the other an Apache) were shipped back to their units last Sat. A fellow in our group from Roberts was called into the C.O.'s office and told he'd be next unless he picked up.
Our chief radio theory instructor, Major Gibson, is a former Professor of Radio Engineering at Purdue University. It's no wonder he's so well acquainted with the subject. 'Cause he and the other instructors are so adept in that field, they expect us to become so in a few short weeks. The Major is busy on new artillery radio tactics and books, I understand, in his spare time.
During the first part of the week, we underwent a terrific change in temperature. Suddenly it dropped down to zero and a light snow-fall developed. After three days of this freak cold spell, it broke with rain falling during the first part of this morng. Now it's gone down to freezing and one never knows what's in the future. Should go back to normal soon, which at this season in Oklahoma compares to Wis.'s September.
Wrote to Ray Campbell recently. What'd he have to say last he wrote you? Has Bob Greubel written you from Florida recently?
Folks sent me some cookies the other day but they were pretty well busted up upon arrival here. The food is very bad here in case I've never mentioned it to you. It doesn't even favorably compare with that dished out in the C.C.C. That's not much of a compliment but it's a fact. Mess at Roberts was a vertible paradise as compared to the unfit trash given out here. Every single item is more or less rationed, and for the most part, actually should be labeled unfit for human consumption.
When we're allowed that rare treat, coffee, it's so damned dilluted it has little coloring. Did you know, or can you believe, we're regularly feated to goat meat?!? Believe the class majority practically subsit on candy-bars purchased at the P.X., and they're even rationed along with cigerettes and gum to three packs per soldier.
Report to the hospital every morning at the Physiotheraphy Clinic for hot liquid treatment that's supposed to aid nervous system in my hand.
Couple of us plan to do on weekend pass commending to-morrow afternoon for a good tear. Hope the damn B.C. decides to issue us passes!
Hope you're getting along OK in school. Let me know how you're doing.
Regards from you brother,
Vic
February 26, 1943
(letter from Vic to brother Paul, written from Ft. Sill on station log radio operator paper, hand printed in telegraph operator script as illustrated)
Dear Paul,
Thanks for the letter. I received it to-day and heard from the folks yesterday. Neither Ed, Rose, Gloria, Rudy nor Ann have written of recent date. Did you know Git is staying with Ed? They last mentioned Ed is head of the grievance committee of the Fairlawn plant. Being a vice-president of the local I guess he's kept busy.
Yuts wrote the other day and from his letter I gather (his version of course) East Lansing is a rather dead burg. Couldn't you show him anything to his interest?
Am printing these line on rad. oper. stationary as you can gather, and again am doing it during nite class. We've so damned much homework and reading that most of the boys have become so discouraged as to give up all pretense of even studying. Quite a few appear for the first role-call and then take off and head either for the P.X., Rec Hall, Theatre, or town. To our surprise, the nite instructor pulled a fast one the other nite by having a role-call at dismissal (2130). Absentee names were submitted the 1st Sgt. and same were given one weeks' KP or table-waiter. Boys've found means of avoiding such happenings since. 
We're damned deep in radio at this writing that I doubt if it's possible to return to normal life again. You mentioned you would it touch - well how the hell do you think I find it? Having had no prepatory practical or theoretical work in this field and little algebra, you can well imagine the utter confusion amongst the class. Were you able to get the scope of our course from recent schedules I've forwarded you? Will enclose another these pages and also clipping from Racine J-T.
My foreman, ass't foreman, and various officials of the J.I. Case Co. have written me of late due one letter on my part concerning situations. Discretely mentioned bonus and wage increase (retroactive) yet they apparently fully understood and in replying covered everything but that. However, Mother has cashed my bonus check and I should receive that other check.
At Roberts majority of army rad oper come out slow speed (under 25 w.p.m) and I only made 17 by graduation. Here the proceedure is so different I can't pass the 14 tape (table and field tests). My tranmitting has picked up somewhat of late, but seems they discourage knocking it out fast when you're not up to where they think you should be in receiving.
Dropped a brief line to Ray Campbell the other day. Have you heard his way? Had card from Bob G from Floria but he said he's so damned rushed he didn't have time to take a crap. Sounds familiar. Waiting for more word from Phil M.
Leonard Hoey (Bob's brother) writes me off and on from upstate N.Y. where he's taking some Navy course, but Bob doesn't write. Lenny said the folks had a Xmas teleram from him but didn't mention whereabouts. Never hear from Jake V. or Bob M.
Bunch I was with at Roberts, that is the largest group assigned on div., are getting or are on 15 day furloughs at this writing. Several of them keep me posted from East Garrison (Tactical Unit) and believe they're going across come April.
Can make O.C.S. but have no iniative in that line at this time. Reason - I wish to remain somewhat balanced mentally. that bug-house turns out products for us to associate with here at the F.A.S. and I definitely do not wish to fall into their category.
Wishing you the best of health and luck,
Vic
(written on side of letter)
In writing Bill Fiala, definitely remind him to write me! That guy is really getting lazy. Ray Reed syas he has to keep pushing him for results and Tony Schifano has the same story to tell. How much ambition did he show while you were home for the holidays?
Believe you should be qualified for O.C.S. material. If at all possible endeavor to get into Signal Corps. If that's possible work towards the Ft. Monmouth, N.J. school. That set up is ideal and very instructive. Would try it myself but it's so damnaged hard to get out of the F.A. once they spend so much time training personell in their tactics. Don't go into Infantry as it's a rugged deal and I doubt if you can stand it.
Have hopes of getting into a newly-formed or just being equipped mechanized armored division. Trouble is we're assigned from here and completion and can't apply for transfer until we arrive at designated station. Am going to pester my unknown btry. commander for a furlough at that time too. Now believe I shouldn't take the fourth month here (radio technicians course). By the way, yesterday a big bunch was flunked out.
Question: Exactly what do you mean you continually refer to "the mill"?
February 19, 1943
(letter from Paul to brother Rudy and wife Ann, from 543 Evergreen Ave, East Lansing, Michigan to 189 Dayton Ave., Passaic, N.J. wrriten on Michigan State letterhead. Includes class schedule from Ft. Sill that Vic had sent the previous week illustrated below.)
Friday
Dear Rudy & Ann,
Thanks for your recent letter and excuse my long delay in answering it. Seems like I don't have much time to write and then when I did get time I had a sprained right wrist and coud't write very well left-handed. I had a splint on it for four days the last being Thursday. It's fine now so I can start writing again.
I hope you get to be shop committee man (if you aren't already). And would Ann please write in your next letter & tell what she's doing now that's she's working.
Today was really the first day of Spring here ( I hope). It was the first full day of sunshine in months and the snow melted by the carload.
George Conrad was up here the week-end before last. He's starting at the Ford plant in Dearborn where he's learning to be Aviation Machinist Mate & gunnery on a side jot. 
I just noticed in your letter that you want to know what I'd like to have the Sunday Worker sent out. Yes, I'd very much like to see it. I'll notify you if I have any change of address, meanwhile it's on the front of the envelope.
Best regards,Paul
P.S. - I bought myself another second hand radio. It's practically impossible to even get used ones.
P.P.S - I almost forgot to enclose some clippings from Vic, some of which will give you a pretty good idea of what he's doing.
February 13, 1943
(letter from Vic to brother Paul, written on U.S. Army stationary, written from Ft. Sill, Oklahoma. On second page is a drawing illustrated reading "IN MEMORY OF THOSE WHO TRIED AND DIED ECC-FAS FT. SILL")
Saturday afternoon
Dear Paul,
I just recieved your letter and thought I'd answer promptly. Didn't I mail you a reply the other day other than a postcard?
To-day we wound up the week with a three hour exam that I flunked according to acceptable solutions. Have only gotten only one corrected exam returned, and that was the 2 hr. communications one in which I made S. There's only three given grades and they are SEX (Excellent solution), S (Satisfactory) and U (Unsatisfactory). The latter grades are common class marks. Seems about 80% barely gives the pupil an S.
Did Yuts get to see you last week-end as he planned? Are you near the end of your finances? Ruts and Ed both mentioned writing you and the folks after I'd pressed them. Do they write regularly?
Am enclosing some clippings the folks just sent down and a clipping from Life. Also some weekly schedules.
Did I tell you I'd received a long letter from Phil Mascaretti this week? He's on an island in the south-west Pacific below the equator where the spoken language is French. In the clipping taken from the J-T you just forwarded there's a letter from a loui at the same location. 
Haven't seen "Moon and Six-Pence" but did see "In Which We Serve" which is an outstanding sea warfare film. Beinging this week we're shceduled to have additional classes - 1830 to 2130. This will go on for at least the first month in advanced practical and theoretical radio work. Having had no physics and little algebra I'm going to some time!
Think I could manage to make OCS but as that a continuation of this nightmare I'd intend staying within the commissioned level. Drop a line!
Your brother, Vic
Forward any or all of clippings to Rudy and Ed.
February 7, 1943
(letter from Vic to J.I. Case in Racine, written on the back of employee bonus notice illustrated here. Part of a letter sent to Vic's parents, written on United States Army letterhead.)
Enlisted Specialist Specialist School
Class #30 - Section A - Bldg. t 379
Fort Sill, Oklahoma.
Case Pay-roll Dept.
Dear Sirs:
I understand a check has been issued me in the form of a bonus for the year 1942. Undoubtedly it's not cashable at this late date because of date of issue so would you please re-issue a duplicate and make same payable to my parents, Mr. & Mrs. Peter A. Petersen, 1950 W. Prospect St., Racine, or make this statement acceptable terms for cashing of one issued in my name?
I was recently transferred here from Calif, and then confined to the hospital here so that my parents weren't fully aware of my address until my release of recent date.
Appreciably,
PFC. Victor Petersen
A.S.N. - 36262157
--------------------
Sunday evening,
Dear Folks,
Yesterday I recieved the two letters you kept refering to. Seems they never quite caught up to me. Majority of my mail layed around in the school area until the day I was released from the hospital. Then it was forwared up there and I had to await it here.
On the reverse side of the letter concerning the bonus check issued me by the J.I. Case Co you will find a note properly addressed. Bring it to the Payroll Dept. located on the north-east corner of State St. and Douglas Ave. I believe Mr. Larson of Harriet St. is head there and can arrange it.
I was surprised that you hadn't included the check in the letter that might have indorsed it and had you add your signature and cash it in Racine.
It's very hard to cash any check, draft, or money order in the army and statement from one's battery commander is usually required. The red-tape method of banks is discouraging.
Please use the amount of the check that exceeds $30.00 and bank the remainder ($30.00) in my account at the Farmers and Merchants Bank on State St. You'll find my bank book in the contents of the C.C.C. trunk I asked you forward me.
Make sure you use the book I've an account in as one of them is closed.
Paul has written several times recently and Ed and Rudy both wrote the past week but haven't forwarded the watch as yet. Must close now and get to work on our home-work.
Your son,
Victor
January 16, 1943
(from Paul to brother Rudy and wife Ann, typed on pre-stamped blank postcard from Michigan State College)
Sunday evening,
Dear Folks,
Thought I'd drop you a line to let you know that I got out of the hospital last Wednesday and I'm feeling fine. Hope everything's ok with you. By now Ann must be well-situated in her new job as a machinest. How does the shop compare with the school, Ann?
There's about three feet of snow up here. We had 15 inches Friday night alone. Suppose you've got a little down there, too.
How are you getting along in setting up an administration in the union now that you've won the initial victory, Rudy. What position did you and Ed get? Looked like I'll have to sign off, 'cause the card's slipping.
Best regards,
Paul
January 15, 1943
(letter from Vic to brother Paul, written on Camp Roberts stationary)
01071920
Dear Paul,
I thought I'd let you know I'm still here. Guese we won't leave 'til Tuesday morning now, thot it's entirely possible our shipping orders are again changed.
Note the new building number on the forwarding address. We were moved into this 1st platoon that the rookies might be quartered in our old 3rd plt. barracks.
Mailed you several magazines yesterday in place of some official technicaly dope. The stuff was restricted but obsolete. Still my old plt. sgt. said it wasn't adviseable so I forwarded some comparitively authorative liturature. Perhaps its not new to you. Let me know!
If you wish send them on to Bill Fiala when you've thoroughly absorbed all items that might interest you. Am sure it should attract Bill and possibly Karl Greubel so kindly ask Bill to pass them on in that direction. Incidently, neither magazine is publicly circulated (at least not widely) so tell them to forget where they came from. Tho they're several months old and seemingly harmless I might catch hell.
We bodily carry much detailed information on radio and techniques in the form of book and phamplets, but nothing is thought of it; but we're responsible for it.
Sorry I couldn't send you intended stuff. Will find other things to send you later on.
Please tell Ann & Rudy and Rose and Ed to write the folks more frequently.
Best regards from your brother,
Vic
January 12, 1943
(letter from Emelie and Peter to Rudy and Ann, sent from Racine, Wisconsin to Passaic, New Jersey)
Dear Ann & Rudy!
Thanks for you letters the pache came Christmas day and the stockins for Christmas. I hope Paul write and thanks for his shirt, he left here a week ago Monday and last Satyrday we got a letter telling he was in the Hospital widt a cold, he cauft all the time he was home, but still was driving taxi, he earned 60$$ so that part wasnt bad, we hope he is out by now.
George Conrad was home the last couple of days Paul was here, he went back yesterday. from the Paper I so Ralph Balzer and wife was home over Christmas, Jimmy Beaker and wife I meet in the bus, but I dont think thy were here many days. Jimmy is in Virgina I think he is getting fat in the face.
Elinors Husband from Wilwauke is drafted and left a week ago Danny Luger is going soon, Ray Reed think he is going to, I hear Howard DeFaut is in the Merchant Marene left last week
We received those Pictures from Vic thanks for then, the Baby looks big, I you working Ann I wish you would drop us a line, how did you like the Pillowcase?
It is going to better you now the C.I.O. is in. We recieved a Check from Case Co for 56$$ for Victor we are holding it to se if he want the money.
Love Mother
Dear Rudy & Ann:
Thanks for the 2 letters one of Dec 23rd and of Dec 31st also thanks for birthday card. We would like to know what painting you got, and if you like it was it damaged?
Yesterday we mailed Ed and Victor and Paul, but Victor is going to Fort Sill, Okla, so you better wait to you get a correct address, from Victor before Writing.
I have not worked this year yet, the building trade is slack, but the factories are going good. We now had Snow and the grounds for over a month, and the Wisconsin weather is fairly cold.
William Mulberg is very sick and in St. Marys hospital, Neils Wistergaard has been working on his own house adding Bedroom and celler for the last 2 months so he will have a sell house when finished.
We heard Henry Larsen was in town around Christmas but have not seen anything of him, does he visit you down there?
Thanks for that Christmas shirt, I'm going to use it next Sunday when visiting Wistergaards. We had a Birthday party here a week ago,m Wistergaards, Elausens, Mrs Sorensen and Wm Lind where here. Thats all I can think up, at the present.
Best regarsds from Father
January 10, 1942
(letter from Vic to brother Paul, written on Camp Roberts stationary)
01052110
Dear Paul,
Are you caught up on your school work yet? Guess the holidays put you behind some, eh? Imagine you must be due for some exams soon. How're you coming at school and what subjects are you carrying and intend taking?
You shouldn't have taken that cab-driving job in Racine. It's too damn strenous in that the long hrs. you work. What could you make at it? How'd you spend New Years'? Guess you weren't around with Yuts over the holidays, but did you get around much with Bill Fiala and who else? Did you Bob Greubel?
Saw our shipping orders yesterday. We travel via Pullman 1st class to Ft. Sill and are supposed to arrive there on the 16th. However, it doesn't specify when we leave here. May not be 'til next week. T0-day we were moved to less-crowded 1st platoon and to-night a bunch of rookies moved into our old quarters. Eight of us are to attend the Ft. Sill Radio part of the Communications school there. I understand the course lasts a good 13 additional wks, but tho the work is strenuous the ratings are good. On our shipping orders we're all listed as P.F.C.'s so we've started already.
The rest of our graduating class left in two bunches last wk. One group only went across the road (East Garrison) into tactical outfits, but the others haven't been heard from.
I may send you some technical magazines that should greatly interest you so keep your mouth shut and keep them out of sight.
Your brother,
Vic.
January 9, 1942
(letter from Paul to brother Rudy and his wife, Ann. Written on Michigan State stationary)
Saturday Evening
Dear Folks.
It's long overdue that I write you but here it is. Before I forget, thanks for the shirt & ties that you gave me for Christmas.
Rudy, you were a little off when you said I must have a lot of time when I was home in Racine. I drove a cab for the Yellow Cab Co. most of the time I was in Racine. I started before 7:00 in the morning and didn't finish until almost 6:00 at night but it was fairly easy work. The weather was treacherous most of the time, which certainly didn't help.
I caught a cold while home and last Wed. after I got back here I came over to the college hospital & after the Doctor took my temperature he said I'd better stay in bed for a few days. He said it was probably touch of flue. So here I am back at the hospital. I don't feel bad, though so I should be out shortly.
When I was home I went to a party for John Rhode (that's Eleanor Nelson's husband) as he was going to the army. Also went to a party affair at Harmony Hall in Milwaukee, New Year's Eve. Had a great time at both.
I was glad to hear that the CIO won out in the election. By now I imagine Ann's working in a shop, eh? How are you doing Ann? Let's hear all about it.
Rudy, have you heard anything new from your draft board? Let's hear what you did over the holidays.
I'll have to sign off as this pen is getting more unruly with every word.
Best regards,
Paul
December 23, 1942
(letter written from Emilie to her son Rudy and wife Ann from Racine to Passaic)
Dear Ann & Rudy!
I have been waiting for Paul to write you, but he dont seem to have time, yesterday he went down to get a job driving taxi so now he sure dont have time, last Sunday him and Bill Fialo went down to Great Lakes to visit Georg Conrad, Paul came home last Wedsday, and Thursday morning Papa went up to Madison the Union up there called for 10 Painters thy are Painting a Airport up there, we got a card from Papa, he dont know if he is coming home for Christmas as they have to work Saturday, but he is coming for New year,
by the way, remember Paper with a Birthday card, it is his Birthday Ja 2, today we got a telegram from Jack Valentine it said "Love and best Wishes for Christmas and the New Year to all at home. All Well" Jacob Valentine Jr.
I dont know why he should send us a telegram but am glad to recieved it, I ment it must included you to. hop you get those cookies I sent a week ago. We hope to hear from you or Ed about those Paintins we send.
Best wishes for a god Christmas a dna happy New Year to both of you and to Ann Family. I cant remember ther ad otherwise I would have sent a card to them.
Love Mother
December 11, 1942
(from Vic to his parents, written from Camp Roberts, California to Racine Wisconsin)
Friday evening,
Dear Folks,
Thanks for your letter. Couldn't reply soon as I was out on maneuvers and didn't get in camp until last nite. Imagine Paul'll be home so I'll add some data later that might interest him.
Next week-end I'm eligible for a 48 hr. pass and may go down Glendale and visit Ralph Balzer and wife. Have been away from here on 36 hr. passes the past three consecutive week-ends. Have been down the coast to Santa Barbara and inland beyond Bakersfield and Fresno. This is really an immense state and has many climates and physical variations.
As I've oft mentioned, we graduate the 26th but may not be shipped immediately. Most of the recent graduates were assigned A.P.O. addresses so we stand a might good chance to travel abroad soon. Incidentally, look for big developments in all the war theatres come spring. Have good idea this'll be Hitler's last season. The Japs'll go on tho for a while but the navy will stop them.
Our first instructor, Staff Sgt. Lewandowski, informed me I'm slated for Ft. Sill Specialist School. Guess it'll be in the non-commissioned officers radio school. Perhaps the plans may be changed but not if I can help it. Passed O.T.C. exam but our group never was up before Regimental Inquiry Board where definite candidate appointments are made.
At Hunter-Liggett I operated a SCR-284 radio set from a vehicular mount on the truck (a 1/2 ton Doge weapon carrier) I was driver of. Set it up on a mountain top (McBride Hill) to be used as Observation Post No. 1. I observed 37 m.m., 105 m.m, + 155 m.m. fire and sent the data on to the Fire Direction Center which one of our boys operated at the battery. I never enjoyed a trip more and the mountain scenery was swell. You can't imagine what terrific fire-power our artillery has. They simulated every kind a fire-mission.
Mother I'd appreciate any home cooking in the line of cookies or cakes you send out but I guess it's getting on so much to-wards Xmas I'll rush you too much. Then too, you're rationed all the ingredients so I don't think it practical. Whenever a fellow in the barracks recieves such a package we all share in it and you can't imagine how much such delicacies we've already gorged ourselves on. 
Am sending out most of my Xmas cards to-night as my week-end schedule is pretty well take up. Tom-morrow I drive for a captain in a jeep. He arranged troop movements so I may go to neighboring towns, I hope.
Karl Greubel tells me the gas scarcity has become a big problem and civilian travel is practically null. Does it seem very dead in Racine? Said he was going to visit his brother in camp. Perhaps Paul can go along over the holidays.
It was quite cold up in the mountains but didnt snow while we were there. The acute penetrating nite and early morning frost bothered us somewhat and water readily froze, but I'd actually enjoyed a good snow-fall. We bivouced in a scenic valley surrounded by steep rock ridges and pinnacles. Some sierra pine was noticeable but most of the trees, schrubbery and vegation was strange to me. At the western end of our vally bivouc flowed the Nacimeinto River between huge cuts. Trout could be clearly seen in the icy waters but we never had time to fish them. A group of WAAC's and WVAD's were encamped downstream from us and evenings they put on some corny skits. They're the laughing stock of the service and even the Col.'s & Gen.'s go t a big kick from their helplessness and silly antics.
Driving in the reservation is a difficult feat but I didn't break anyone's neck or car springs, quit. Radio operators command some attention by the brass-hats I've observed and I like the job more and more. We were actually lauded with compliments by several majors and colonels - imagine! Must've been an unusally sloppy radio detail accompanying the 52nd Bn F.A. on their last outing. We weren't so very hot but the officer personnel certainly thought so. Incidentally, we go back out there next week unless plans are altered at the last minute, per usual.
Regards, Vic
Many thanks for paying my last income tax installment. Boy! I can feel a heavy knock for this year ('42)'cause my income was fair, along with army pay (taxable) and the fierce rates!
November 22,1942
(letter from Paul to his brother Rudy and wife Ann. Typed on Michigan State stationary from East Lansing, Michigan to Passaic, New Jersey)
Dear Rudy & Ann,
Thanks for your letter and card. No, as yet I haven't heard from Rose or Ed. Haven't heard from Vic for quite a while either, for that matter.
Rudy, your a little off the beam when you say there must be more girls at college now. The ratio is 2 to 1 up here with girls in the minority. This year the male freshman class was the biggest in the history of the college.
I was in the hospital with a cold a few days the week before last but I'm over it now. You know how these hospitals are, they want to keep you there for a week for little or no reason. By the way, it's the college hosp. I'm refering to and no charge is made for anything except surgery, which of course I didn't have.
The second front really seems to have started, and it should start being effective on the eastern front in a few weeks.
I got a a letter from George Conrad the other day, he's in the Navy in training at Great Lakes. I don't think there a guy my age that I know who's left in Racine, now.
Ho, ho, I see Ann's going to be the grease-monkey in your family. I'll bet she'll be making more dough than you when she gets working at it a while. How do you like it anyway, Ann? Suppose it's a little different than any kind of work that you did before.
The temperature is about 10 above today, so winter is really here. It seems like you feel the cold more up here than in Racine. Especially early in the morning. You know Micigan's on Eastern War Time, so when I get up at seven it's really dark out and it doesn't get light to about 8:45.
I didn't do to well in my mid-terms, since I got two D's, although one was by mistake as it should have been C. What I don't like about State are the exams...we really have to do a lot of cramming to get through them. Also the place is to spread out.
Are any of you going anyplace for Christmas? I mean Ed or Rose, too. I thought maybe some one was coming out to Racine. I get off from Dec. 15th to January 5th. so I'll have a lot of time and not much to do. I'm going home first, then I don't know what. There's been a lotta rumors about the campus that all reserves are going to get called right after Christmas, and I think it's very likely and only fair, as college students shouldn't get any special privileges. The Marine reserve is already being called up, so the Army and Navy will probably follow suit. If that happens I would like to come down and visit you before going in. Of course it's hard telling what notice we'll get before hand.
As yet, I haven't met any Racine students at State and I don't think there are any besides me, although there are a lot from other parts of Wisconsin. I haven't been home yet this term, but as I said before I'll be going pretty soon for Christmas vacation. We only have Thanksgiving day off so there's not much change of going any where then. But our Christmas vacation starts early on this account as it usually doesn't start until the 18th.
That's all for now.
Best regards,
Paul
November 19, 1942
Letter from Vic to younger brother Paul, written on Camp Roberts, California stationary. The photo was taken on November 15th at Camp Roberts, of Vic (on left) with George Kosup and Frank Snyder from Oshkosh, Wisconsin.
Dear Paul,
Thanks for your letter. Very sorry to hear you were laid up. Perhaps you'd better take it easy for a while. That is, lay off running around nites, if that's what it is. I know here we seldom get a "break" and if we stay out late we miss out on sleep and come unprepared for classes. Last two weeks we've been on procedure signs and signals. These are numerous short abbreviations and groups used in code procedure and mean a lot as you probably know. They're absolutely necessary and we're memorizing them. Examples:
__
VA - End of communication
__
IMI - Repeat back
__
IMI - Repeat all after ____
ZMA - I have msg. for ____
ZGQ - I am entering net.
Understand we take the field again next week but it's with all radio equipment. Tuesday nite it poured again and our bedding got soaked. Had calisthenics this morning in another down-pour.
Many fellows are flunking out and others are being transferred. I applied for the newly-formed paratroop artillery unit but was turned down 'cause my eyesight doesn't come up to 20-40 without specs. Would be operator dropped from plane along with 75 mm dissected. Outfit is ready to fire in 8 minutes.
Getting plenty of "home-work". To-nite I have to solve 2 procedure problems which are quite lengthy and complicated.
Made marksman, missing sharpshooter by 2 points in final rifle qualification. 
Big USO show featuring Hollywood stars (Betty Grable, Bette Davis, comedians, etc) at Sport Arena to-nite but I'm too damn busy to go.
We're very enthusiastic over war news these days and can't quite keep up with times to suit us. Graduate Xmas and hope to get into tactical out-fit ready for shipment. Never know where you're goin' tho 'til you get there. Everything's a "military secret". This phrase is well known here.
Am enclosing several photos. Unless you wish to keep some, please forward them home to the folks. Kindly send out any recent ones you care to.
There's such a thing as "overworking" yourself so take it easy.
Remember don't concentrate too much on your studies and don't over-exert yourself in recreation.
Only one picture I can say was worth mentioning since I've been here - "Flying Tigers". See it? Last issues of Life have been damn good - notice them? Answer via air-mail!
Your brother,
Vic
