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

March 6, 1944

(Letter from Vic to younger brother Paul, probably from Bougaineville in the Solomon Islands to Berkeley, CA. Photo is of Ben Louie in Bougaineville, from Sacramento, California, mentioned below.)

Dear Paul,

Many thanks for your recent package and letter. The package arrived Sat. & I received three others so I really hit the jack-pot. Believe this is some of your stationery, isn't it?

The knife is swell and the books promise some interesting reading. However, I don't want you to send me anything for quite a spell now 'cause I've everything I need and can handle for the present.

I sent you a 20 dollar P.T.A. so you should have the check by now. I certainly hope you're fully recuperated from your illness and are back at school. How are you set financially now, and exactly what kind of a degree are you interested in?

Did Dave Altman visit you? Are you getting around socially in the bay area? I understand it's been most disagreeably cold and damp in those parts of late. Best you watch your health, Paul.

A Chinese buddy, who I came over with has relatives in Frisco and Sacramento and gives me all the dope on those parts.

We're quite busy now as you may be hearing but I'm OK and in good health. Hope to hear from you soon.

Best regards from
Your brother,
Vic

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

February 8, 1944

(V-mail from Vic to younger brother Paul, probably from Bougaineville in the Solomon Islands to Berkeley, CA. The letter includes the addresses of Racine soldiers, T/5 Philip J. Mascaretti, Sgt. Jacob M. Valentine, PFC Robert H Hoey, M/Sgt. Elmer Balzer and George Conrad. Photo shows soldiers possibly working on radio equipment.)

Dear Paul,

Your letter of the eighteenth Jan. arrived yesterday. The mail service has most certainly improved. Still haven't any air-mail stationary so must dispense with this stuff.

Your letter bore the "Sanova Hotel" heading and my curiousity is aroused conserning it. The leaterhead was rather quaint - have you been there?

Didn't "Time" or "Newsweek" print an article about the development of that cyclatron? Doesn't seem to actually accompluish much aside from minutest futher breaking down of atoms.

Do they pay out out-right or is the equivalent deducted from your tuition? Are you acquainted with many people now? How many G.I.'s on the campus & how do regular students mix with them? Do you still get to see Ray Campbell's brother?

Here're a few addresses of former Racine fellows in service with the exception of Ray Reeds. Had him listed as shipping on transport and now Eva tells me he's on a destroyer. Will wait for him to write first.


Best regards,
Vic