VIC'S ARMY TRUNK

December, 2001

2008-10-18T09:56:00.000-07:00

(This is the last letter Vic ever wrote. It was never mailed and it's unknown who was the intended recipient. After the war, Vic received his High School Diploma and returned to work at the Case farm equipment company. In the early 1950's he moved to Los Angeles and worked for the Bendix automotive company. He got married twice, but had no children. He died at his home in North Hollywood in early 2002 at the age of 83. This letter was found on his writing table. Photo shows Vic - on left, with his friend Ben Louie squatting, and two other soldiers posing in the Philippines in 1945. Ben Louie died in Sacramento shortly after Vic. This letter completes Vic's Army Trunk.)

Wed.

Hello!

Many thanks for writing. I've been in poor physical health for a long time and was hospitalized in ER of Kaiser Permanente, Panama City again last week for 2 1/2 or three days. Friends from Heatherdale here rushed me up there and also returned to get me upon notification.

I've sent out no holiday cards this year and have many that I must respond to (especially Europe - Denmark, England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland - to their beautiful cards, msgs., and photos.) During the past year I've been hospitalized at least 3 times and also spent last years' big holiday period inside Kaiser.

Thurs. or Fri. - Dec. 29?

It's now a week later (since I began this) and still haven't finished reading all the holiday cards and letters I've been getting - let along begun answering. Tho I sent Ben Louie a letter and some old snapshots (many from WWII) a week or so before I entered the hospital - haven't had a reply. Other guys from our old outfit have sent me cards & letters but no one has mentioned Ben - hope he's OK and still around.

You could swap (exchange) stuff from me with George Conrad. Do you see him?

Inside a letter and card I rec'd at Kaiser hosp/ was this match cover from our UAW union local secretary/treasurer who made quick holiday trip to his home in Iowa.

Wishing you both all the very best.

Love,
Vic

December 30, 1945

2008-10-17T07:09:00.000-07:00

(Letter from Vic in Racine, Wisconsin to younger brother Paul in Berkeley, California. Photos show Vic's discharge paper, and letter of thanks from President Truman.)

Sunday morning,

Dear Paul,

I suppose you've been wondering why you haven't received any written word from me. Well, to begin with I intended writing from Camp Anza, Calif. soon after sending the telegram and Jap propaganda books. We were alerted for shipment momentarily so I didn't try to write just then.

However, train delays held us up 'til noon of the 14th Dec. Believe I mentioned in the telegram we'd landed on the twelfth. North of the Hawaiian group the skipper of the "Sea Corpora" was notified to change his course and dock at San Pedro, Los Angeles P.E. If we'd followed the original schedule and put in at 'Frisco I'd have easily seen you. Perhaps I might even have spent the Xmas holidays there because of lack of transportation facilities.

Anyhow, the reason I didn't want you to come down to Camp Anza is because it must be five hundred miles south of you up in the isolated foot-hills of the San Bernadino Mts., and we might've left for Wis. anytime.

Our train for McCoy with guys from Wis., Upper Michigan and Minnesota finally arrived there early Tuesday morning, the eighteenth after numerous delays. They certainly have a busy schedule for seperatees and we hardly stopped for breath during our two day stay there.

About 11:am Thursday the twentieth Dec. we got the final discharge ceremony and our discharge papers. We were given $50 cash of our mustering out pay and a check which included the other fifty of the first hundred (we get the other two hundred bucks in two monthly payments) plus 5c a mile rail fare to our home towns plus back pay plus all soldiers deposits we were accredited with.

I then caught the noon Hiawatha into Milw. but missed the North Shore to Racine and had to wait for the next one. Anyhow, I got home around 5:30 p.m. that same day. I went out a few times the first few days. Several days back I came down with malaria and've been home since. I had one helluva job getting quinine here in town.

Perhaps to-morrow I'll go up to the Wood Veterans Hospital in Milw. for an exam 'cause I still have something like a jungle-rot on my back. At McCoy I filed claims for that & malaria.

Paul, I'm short some negatives and wonder if you have any of mine out there. If so, will you please send them to me? I'll write again soon.

Your brother,
Vic

P.S. - Did you receive the cookies &tennis shoes that mother sent? Thanks for the books and Xmas card. How's the weather out there? In southern Cal. it was damn chilly & we all froze there moreso than out here.

November 23, 1945

2008-10-17T06:59:00.000-07:00

(Letter from Vic in the Philippines to younger brother Paul in Berkeley, California. Photos show picture of SS Sea Corporal arriving in Los Angeles, and part of front page of "Rock and Roll", an onboard newsheet.)

Friday Afternoon,

Dear Paul,

Well, we're still here on Luzon at this writing but've just finished tearing down our tents and turning in our cots and mosquito bars. This evening we're leaving Camp La Croix by large trucks and travellinng over to Tarlac. There we'll board a train and proceed to the port of San Fernando up on Lingayen Gulf. We'll then board ship sometime to-morrow and the S.S. Sea Corporal is due to hit the states before the 15th of December.

We'll go to Camp Stoneman and may be restricted to same until we head for our separation centers. I'll do my best to get a pass and look you up. I'm scheduled to do go Camp McCoy, Wis. and that's definite. If any hitches develop I won'
t see Xmas at home.

I'm enclosing some articles from the Army newspaper, Daily Pacifican. Please send them on to Ruts and remind him that they might be good re-print material for PM. Believe that paper publishes good articles. Not all of them would be classified, naturally.

Best Regards.
Your brother, Vic

P.S. - No, Max Mueckler is not over here. Believe I told you that he went home back in March on T.D. (furlough). That was just after I'd seen him when I was in the hospital. Anyhow, while home the point system was announced and he was almost immediately discharged. He is now in some sort of soda water manufacturing & distributing business. Believe he sunk all his saving into same along with one or more other guys & is trying to make a go of it on an independent basis.

In his last letter he mentioning having talked to Mike Principe. Don't know whether Mike is out of the Marine Corp yet. Know Bob Hoey was home but don't know whether he's been discharged either. Karl G. quait their shop some time ago and was working in Dept. 27 (boiler works( where the 155 mm shells are made at Case. However, he said he'd quit that place too now that the war was over but didn't say what he intended doing. Bob was home on furlough but I can't say whether he was discharged.

Hope to be seeing you soon!

November 16, 1945

2008-10-16T07:49:00.000-07:00

(Letter from Vic in the Philippines to younger brother Paul in Berkeley, California. Photo is of a Philippine volcano.)

Friday morning,

Dear Paul,

Finally obtained several air-mail envelopes. Don't believe the letter I sent you via free mail will arrive for almost a month. Thought perhaps you might not have received same before I hit the West coast.

Today our ship is due in at San Fernando up on the Lingayen Gulf. It's the fast transport "Sea Corporal", and should dock in 'Frisco about 3eighteen days after getting under way from these parts. A good percent of the division will be aboard this ship - parts of the 145 INF., 148 INF., 135 F.A., 136 F.A., 112 MED. BN, M.P. CO, plus the division commander, MAJ. GEN. Brightler. Our battery will load on sometime between tomorrow and Monday. Come Monday the 19th Nov. the Sea Corporal will pull out.

The entire division will have embarked on a number of ships over a period of one week or possibly slightly more. We're not sailing in a convoy. Last nite most of the 148 INF. REG'T. and the 140 F.A. BN. loaded aboard their ship, the Dutch "Veldereden", which will saidl shortly thus being the advance vessel.

They have group lists of the personnel going to the various seperation centers throughout the United States which are being flown home so that train schedules will be all completed when we hit 'Frisco. We're to go to Camp Stoneman, and won't be there more than 48 hrs.

I can't get any satisfaction over on this side as regards being promised a pass from Stoneman to look you up. Our brass won't commit themselves, and it's rumored that we'll be confined to Stoneman during our brief stay there.

I'm tentatively scheduled to be on the train-load of us 37th fellows going to Ft. Sheridan. They tried to send me to Camp McCoy where practically all Wis., upper Michigan, & Minnesota personnel will go. They claim Sheridan is overcrowded and handles only Michigan (proper) & Chicago area men. Finally convinced our B.C. that it'd be cheaper to send me to Sheridan because it's so damn close to home, but I may yet wind up at McCoy.

Here's a copy of a letter of appreciation from Gen. Devers that was handed out to all the old vets. Sent it on home to the folks. Haven't seen my letter re-printed in the Mail Bag column of the Daily Pacifican as yet.

Best Regards! Your brother,
Vic

Last nite I was up to the "Grass Shack" and saw the U.S.O. troupe put on the show "Hello Chicago" featuring five good-looking Am. Gals and a very good M.C. comedian. Several nites ago we saw the riotous film "Duffy's Tavern."

November 15, 1945

2008-10-16T07:37:00.000-07:00

(Letter from Vic in the Philippines to younger brother Paul in Berkeley, California. Photo shows review of American soldiers in Rizal Stadium, Manila.)

Tuesday afternoon,

Dear Paul,

Thanks for your recent letter dated thirty-first October bearing your new address. Meant to reply via air mail yesterday but I've been unable to purchase or borrow any air-mail envelopes. Our mail clerk said that even the div. A.P.O. hasn't had any in stock for some time now.

Just received a line from Yuts dated 29th Oct. He said he'd been alerted for shipment the next day and that he would probably wind up with the Fleet Air Wing I in China. That's bad considering the unpopular support our War, Navy, and State Departments have been giving to the Chinese Nationalists, French Colonials, and Dutch and British Imperialists. These Asiatic people are certainly going to hate us for our present actions here in the Far East.

I'm now in "B" battery because we've all been transferred around according to the number of points we have. We're leaving within a few days and I should certainly be at sea within a week.

Am enclosing a number of articles from the Army newspaper here in the Pacific, Daily Pacifican, that I thought might interest you. Perhaps you'd care to pass same on to Ruts or Ed. I'm replying to the vicious letter sent in by one T/SGT. Carl W. McGuire from HQ of this division. Perhaps I won't be here on the island when they get around to publish my line. If I see it I'll forward same on to you. This newspaper has been publishing a number of good articles. I previously sent Rudy several copies.

Undoubtedly this letter will take many days to reach you because it'll travel by slow ship. Incidentally, Yuts said he'd recently received a letter of yours dated in July that you'd sent under regular 3 cent postage. I've had that happen quite often in the past. Also received long-overdue letter that were incorrectly addressed or lacked my A.P.O. number.

May not get to see you on the West coast. It depends entirely on the situation at Angel Island or Camp Stoneman (to whichever we go to after disembarking). They won't promise me a pass on the West coast at this time. I should be in the States by the tenth of Dec. Don't reply!

Your brother,
Vic

October 31st, 1945

2008-10-16T07:25:00.000-07:00

(Letter from Vic in the Philippines to younger brother Paul in Berkeley, California. Photo shows GIs and Filipinos dockside at Manila pier.)

Wednesday, Evening

Dear Paul,

For all I know you may've moved by this date, but I presume you left a forwarding address.

Here're ten pics that Yuts sent down. Also note the other two which I don't think you've seen.

I just got back from Manila late this afternoon. Left on a two pass Monday. Was sick there the first day & nite. Stayed at the Manila leave center (for G.I.s). It rained all last nite and part of this morning down there.

Yuts has a new address but I imagine he's written to you recently. He said Ted Kraynik visited him.

Still no definite word on when we're leaving. Rumors vary from the fifteenth to the twenty-ninth Nov. Gen Krieber (DIV. ARTY.) spoke to the men of the division yesterday & said it'd be this coming month.

Just a reminder - don't answer this letter.

Did I tell you that Nick Julian went hom on that over 38 yrs (or was it 35?) deal? At least he headed for a casual camp and I presume he's made the boat by now.

Now that Vernon Bown is in Frisco I presume you must get together quite frequently.

We saw that Ernie Pyle film "Story of G.I. Joe" last Sunday nite. Last nite in Manila I saw "Hotel Berlin", but didn't think it was so hot. Some time ago we saw "Woman in the Window" (Edw. G. Robinson). Forgot to mention seeing "Our Wines Have Tender Grapes" which I liked. Perhaps these are old films in the States, eh?

Our mail doesn't amount to much these days. Wrote to Reader's Scope and In Fact to send my future copies to Racine. Heard from Phil M. who's in Yokahama, but expects to ship out for the U.S. very soon.

Vest Regards, Your brother
Vic

October 18, 1945

2008-10-16T07:17:00.000-07:00

(Letter from Vic in the Philippines to younger brother Paul in Berkeley, California. Photo shows letter of appreciation sent from Commanding General Jacob Devers in Washington.)

Thursday evening,

Dear Paul,

Even tho I asked you to discontinue writing me I rather expected to still receive a few rather late letters from you. Without mail time certainly passes slowly. Anyhow, don't bother to write at this late date. Still don't know when we're leaving.

I'm enclosing several articles from the Field Artillery Journal that you probably haven't read as yet. Perhaps Ruts'd like to read same. Let me know what you think of same. Remember the stuff is mostly concerned with arty. and is naturally written from such an angle.

Read that copy of "Life" on the U.A.W. They certainly played up Ruether and gave him credit for work actually accomplished by the more progressive leadership elements - namely, Addes and Frankensteen. The stinkers (Time and Newsweek) haven't been giving Pres. Truman much credit of late and have begun a smear campaign against labor in conjunction with the press.

We haven't been able to keep up with most of the news recently because our Special Service radio sets have all been turned in, and the div. daily newsheet hardly even is seen around nowadays.

Our present battery commander is a southerner, and one of the most stubborn, moronic jerks we've had the misfortune to have run or attempt to run the battery. He'd make an A-1 scab and at discussion classes gives anti-labor spiels. Another fellow & myself usually put him in his place, tho.

Vic

October 15, 1945

2008-10-15T07:23:00.000-07:00

(Letter from Vic in the Philippines to younger brother Paul in Berkeley, California. Photo shows war damaged pier in Manila.)

Monday evening,

Dear Paul,

Yes, I'm still here at Camp La Croix. According to rumour our sailing date has been changed to something like the first of November. Personally, I'll discount the whole works, and only when I'm aboard ship will I actually believe we're at last headed for home.

Yesterday I was in Manila on pass. Went over to Nick Julian's unit and learned he'd departed the day before upon very short notice. Understand he went to the 29th Replacement Depot prior to embarkation for the States. He's getting out on that over 35 yrs. and 2 yrs. service deal.

Incidentally, here in the div. we've quite a few guys who're eligible for same and many other men with high-points (80,85,90 & 95) but they're getting screwed in that they'll have to wait and go home with the div. The GHQ, Service Command, and other base and rear echelon units get all the breaks.

Not that Nick doesn't deserve it 'cause he's not in such good shape. In N.G. he had a spinal injury lifting something heavy and said x-rays showed one of his vertebrae to be broken. However, even tho he's a medic in a hospital detachment they never did much for him.

While in Manila I began to feel quite bad shortly after noon. Because there's practically no place to sit down in town for even a short break without parting with a fair part of a month's pay, I went into one of the very few remaining theatres. That is, I first sweated out a two-block-long ticket line.

Upon entering the theatre proper I stood for nearly an hr. awaiting a seat. When I finally parked my rear I was in poor condition and felt so damn punk that I sat there thru 2 1/2 shows resting.

A G.I. next to me said his gang were driving back up to Angeles so I decided to ride along for 25 miles and then get off where the two main hi-ways split. Could've waited until 11:PM 'til my truck headed back but I couldn't stand the misery of waiting around so I took off about 7:30. In all it took three rides to get into camp which is a good 65 miles. Checked into the aid station, had temp. taken, got quinine, and hit the sack about 10:30.

Well today's blood smear came back positive on the malarial check, but it didn't surprise me 'cause I knew all along what it was. After five knock-downs from the stuff I should damn well know all the symptoms. Anyhow, I'm on quarters now getting plenty of quinine which kinda knocks one out.

Our generator is on the blink hence no lights for the battery to-nite. Am writing by candlelight and'll retire early 'cause I've a head-ache and think the fever is coming back. Believe the div. doesn't want to evacuated anyone for hospitalization unless in an emergency because we're so close to shipping out, and they probably figure a guy'd rather lay around on quarters than leave the outfit and take the chance of missing the boat with the rest of the guys. Well, so far this recurrent attack has been damn mild as compared to my last when we were making the push up north last July.

Just got word that we're to be issued "Eisenhower" blouses and overcoats to-night so I'll have to get in the formation in a short while. Bet the fits and material will be as sloppy as ever. Recently we received a set of O.D.s which were crummy as hell and general misfits. We've more clothes now than we need, but they continue issuing stuff probably thinking we'll all die of influenza, pneumonia, etc. the first day in a cool climate. That gag is that we've only one back to stuff it into and we carry that around with us. Boy! you should try to lift mine up as it's loaded now.

The line is still very long and I certainly don't want to stand around sweating it out. Maybe I'll wait till morning to draw my woolens. These new guys we received are seemingly all chow-hounds and "come-firsts" 'cause every time I see a formation awaiting something the majority in line and always the head of same will be composed of these new guys. Guess we've been over too long to get excited about anything the Army does or gives out.

Say, Paul, I still haven't come to any definite conclusions regarding post-war plans. Some fellows here are positively going to school, but either they've already had some such or else they were just out of high school and may've been planning to enter some college when they entered service. Practically all of them haven't held a steady job in civilian life and don't believe they'll have much of a chance to get one for several years.

I only completed on of my three A.F.I. correspondence courses and don't think I can finish the whole thing up to credit the necessary credits before becoming a civilian. As things are now, I'll be the only son at home and think I should stick around for awhile at least. Do you plan to remain in Calif. indefinitely? Do you have any job in view out there for the future? Say, don't answer now but let me know later. I'll write again later this wk.

Your brother,
Vic.

P.S. - I'm enclosing three old prints that I want you to send on. Just got them from another fellow in the section when we traded some pics.

October 13, 1945

2008-10-14T07:26:00.000-07:00

(Letter from Vic in the Philippines to younger brother Paul in Berkeley, California. Photo shows Vic's friend Ben Louie and another soldier posing with three friends.)

Saturday afternoon,

Dear Paul,

It's past chow time now and if the brass intended falling us out for detail they would've called formation by now. Looks like we may actually get an afternoon off. Pulled guard last nite and then stood their chicken____ inspection this A.M.

Signed up for to-morrow's one-day Manila pass deal, but so did practically everyone else so'll have to wait 'til morning for final results. Would like to pick up some good souvenirs down there, but my pesos aren't too many this far on in the month. Maybe I'll get over to see Nick Julian and possibly even Floyd Hiller. Nick's one happy-go-lucky guy. He should be shipping out for the States this month 'cause he's over 35 yrs. We still might go back to-gether.

Did I mention having phoned Phil Mascaretti a while back? Reached his outfit thru long-distance via numerous Army exchanges and was told that his unit had shipped out. The operator wouldn't (probably for security reasons) commit himself as to probably destination, but I think it's Japan. Well, here're those addresses which I'd like re-prints from those negatives mailed: addresses follow.

Hope you sent copies to the folks, Ruts, & Ed. Guess this business get mighty damn tiresome, eh what?

Last night we received a few more new men who've enough points to go home. They're from the 86th "Black Hawk" Div. and were in Europe for a while but saw little combat. They seem to dislike the tropics even from what little they've seen. The Philippines (especially Luzon) are comparitively OK as tropical islands come. They told me about the European areas they saw and it really sounded like a good deal as far as conditions are during war-times.

I have almost a half-dozen of your previous letters which I intend answering fully within a very few days - so standby, no?

Your brots,
Vic

Enclosed are five recent pics. Kind send them on to Ed or Ruts in your next letter to them and please ask that they send same on home.

October 11, 1945

2008-10-14T07:16:00.002-07:00

(Letter from Vic in the Philippines to younger brother Paul in Berkeley, California. Photo shows picture of formal surrender ceremonies at Tuguegaro, September 10, 1945.)

Thurs. Eve,

Hello again, Paul,

Christ! I'm really passong on some head-aches to you in the form of all these damn photographic requests. I realize somewhat what it's like 'cause while in Manila I had to have a matter of 63 reprints made up for our section.

Forgot to thank you in the previous letter I just knocked out for your two letters of the 30th Setp. containing the pics and clippings. You certainly went into detail in that letter and covered a lot of ground. Those're the type I really enjoy receiving, but know it's quite a lot to expect when the other correspondent (me, in this case) hasn't been on the ball lately and insists on continuously asking questions, putting in your innumerable time-consuming requests and actually giving out with little dope on things in general.

Well after you've been over in these parts for around 28 months morale does tend to drop and correspondence to putter out. I have one helluva time of late to knock out decent replies what with the war kaput, state-side return a vague dream and being in the old Army rut. Some alibi, huh?

Here're four color prints that Bob just enclosed in a letter of Karl's. They're really swell, eh what? I'm gonna pick up a good camera job-ee when I've been home a while and try my luck with a a pack 'o' color film. K.G. has quit Case's, and he says Bob is home on furlough and expects a discharge along about Xmas time. Perhaps they've given out with more dope to you, no?

Jake is is attending U.W. and taking up Wild Life Management. That's a good deal & he'll make it, but I think it requires a heap of credits. Actually received a fairly long line from Bill F. to-day but he won't commit himself as regards the exact date of his marriage to Irene. According to he and K.G., Racine is still the same old Racine with no changes.

Imagine the folks wrote and requested that you cease writing me. That's right. Don't answer any of these letters 'cause we're scheduled to embark during this month (Oct.) - exactly when we don't know.

Here it comes - better duck! The enclosed six prints'll also require preservation. They're of the surrender ceremones up at Tuguegaroa by our div. Will you send copies of the four negs to Ed, Ruts, the folks, Yuts, Phil, Ted, and Sid Goldberg? All their addresses will follow in the near future in a long letter.

Your brother,
Vic

October 11, 1945

2008-10-14T07:16:00.001-07:00

(Letter from Vic in the Philippines to younger brother Paul in Berkeley, California. Photos show two American officers.)

Camp La Croix, Cabanatuan, Nueva Ecija, Luzon, P.I.

Thursday,

Dear Paul,

Intended writing you earlier this week but got a two day pass to Manila and just pulled in last evening. Saw a few Racineans, namely Nick Julian, Joe Anzalone, and Floyd Hillier. Got around some with Nick, drank his beer, and generally had a fairly good time.

Nick told me that on Monday nite Izzy Shapiro (Ensign or Lt., J.G.) is in Manila harbor aboard an A.P.A.) and that they'd gotten to-gether. Izzy was supposed to've come around again while I was there after he'd driven up to Lingayen Gulf area for mail or something.

"Big Tom" Dominich is working in some Army Hosp. just out of Manila, but didn't show up as expected while I was around. Recall me mentioning one Marv Yoccum about four or five months back? Well, Hiller said he'd gone up to Japan and then headed home along with high-pointers in the 43rd DIV.

Did I tell you that Phil Mascaretti was located comparatively close by and that I was trying to get over and look him up? Well, in his last letter he stated his outfit'd been alerted for shipment to Japan. I called his unit long-distance thru many Army exchanges and learned they'd pulled out presumably for Japan.

Yesterday most of our guys with less than 60 points were shipped out to various outfits. We received a large bunch of higher point guys from other artillery units around the island. When I pulled in last nite I was confronted by countless strange faces and many newly erected tents. I still feel lost along with the other old fellows and amidst our own outfit!

Our division is being brought up to a point where it'll be way over-strength with high pointers from various bastard outfits. These guys are mostly from 155 Long Tom, 8 inch and 240 outfits, and have much less overseas time than us and practically no combat, but they have the points due to dependents and state-side service. Guess out HQ. BTRY. received about 6 privates in this group and countless S/SGT.s, T/3s, Tech SGT.s, T/2s, and M/SGT.s. These fellows even wear stripes on their denims.

Am enclosing a bunch of prints and six negatives. The positives I got from a pal in our section and are Manila-made. These prints will probably face out in a few months and I'd like to have them for a while so would you please have them 'dipped' in a preservative (whatever that dope is they use) and then sent on home by way of Ruts or Ed? I promised to send copies from the 6 negs to: Peter Anderson, 194 Illinois Rd., Lake Forest, Ill. and Peter Breclaw, c/o Walter O'Polka, 9 Highland Ave., Wells Mich.

Would you please oblige by doing same and also Ruts and Ed (plus Phil M., Geo. Conrad, & Ted Kraznik only if you have to bother with this detail.)

Regards,
Vic

October 1, 1945

2008-10-14T07:15:00.001-07:00

(Letter from Vic in the Philippines to younger brother Paul in Berkeley, California. Photo shows Vic's 'dog tags' that he wore around his neck.)

Camp La Crois, Cabanatuan, Nueva Ecija, Luzon, P.I.

Monday

Dear Paul,

Well I hope a reply to my previous letter is already underway. Keep writing during this month 'cause we're not embarking until the fifteenth November so any mail post marked not later than about the 30 Oct. should reach me before we shove off.

Say, we may not land on the west coast. It's possible that the ships we pull out on pass thru the Panama Canal and then dock at an east coast port. Nothing is really definite at this date or at least we haven't yet received reliable & definite info.

I'm enclosing five pics that you not've seen. Do you have any more late snap-shots of you and Gene? Have you been doing much cycling lately. Taken any interesting sight-seeing trips?

Say, I've often thought of your present & former addresses. Are you located near the tunnel thru which the main hi-way from the Bay area to Pittsburg, Antioch, Stockton passes? I've walked all thru that section of Berkeley. Isn't there a dam alongside the hi-way just west of the tunnel? Guess you're back at school now - how is it?

Best regards,
Vic

September 30, 1945

2008-10-14T07:04:00.000-07:00

(Letter from Vic in the Philippines to younger brother Paul in Berkeley, California. Photo shows truck loaded with GIs moving out.)

Camp La Croix, Cabanatuan, Nueva Ecija, Luzon, P.I.

Sunday Evening

Dear Paul,

Presume you've already received the letter in which I requested that you cease writing me 'cause we were expecting to embark for the States at an early date. Well as the situation now stands, we're scheduled to leave somewhat later - 15th November to be exact. That's as it is as of now and anything in this Army is always subject to change.

Therefore you can continue writing me until about the last of October, and I should receive all mail before leaving this theatre. I hope!

You've probably noticed the change in our location. This is the old 43rd Div. rest area, and we moved into it over a two week period. Our bn. drove down in two seperate convoys last Monday. It was a long, tiresome and dangerous trip. Several vehicles cracked up in mountain passes, but the casualties weren't too severe. I was atop a heavily loaded 6X6 in the first echelon, and we really high balled it in an beat the others. It was about a three-hundred mile displacement.

Tomorrow we go on another new training schedule which calls for more calesthenics, foot-drill, etc. We're supposed to have the afternoons off, but that phases has been slightly over-used commencing back on the 'canal in '43. The div. expects to begin an educational campaign, but classes haven't been announced yet. They asked us what subjects we'd like to participate in some time back.

I was on a pass to Cabanatuan last nite with two other fellow from my section and it unfortunately turned into quite a bender. Could've gone down to Manila to-day but'll go later in the week. Cabanatuan has electricity and some of the joins are fairly modern. It's the provincial capitol, and also houses the notorious PW camp where the Nips held Americans.

Thanks for the pic of your girl-friend. Seems Gene is quite intelligent and interesting. Do you see each other at College? Any change in the situation since you last wrote? I'd appreciate any more pics of you both.

Still haven't any definite post war plans cause I'd like to make some final judgement back in civilian life. Received a letter from our uncle Ebert from Denmark.

Here're three occupation notes that Ted K. sent. Will write again soon.

Your brother,
Vic

September 19, 1945

2008-06-23T20:37:00.000-07:00

(Letter from Vic in the Philippines to younger brother Paul in Berkeley, California. Photo shows Vic's friend Ben Louie in front of Church ruin.)

Cagayan Valley, N. Luzon, P.I.

Wednesday evening,

Dear Paul,

Still haven't received that expected letter from you. It might possibly arrive to-morrow - hope so because after that our division post office will be closed for an indefinite period. After 9 a.m. to-morrow, Thursday, Sept. 20, we can no longer mail anything until further notice, and we probably won't be receiving our mail and packages for quite a spell.

I hope you won't write me after receiving this 'cause the mail situation may become snafu. That is, don't use this old address unless I write otherwise at some future date.

This coming week-end we're moving down south many miles to our new temporary div. area near Cabanatuan (place where the Nips used to keep Am. PWs).

We passed thru Cabanatuan in convoy enroute from Manila to Balate Pass last May, but I can't picture the location selected for us. There we'll probably be seperated - some fellows'll go into occupational forces while others will go home for discharge. I hope to be in the latter group. Just when we'll go aboard ship is not definitely known though rumors place it as the 1st and 15th Oct.

It's planned to send the high-point men home in a group to represent this div., and parades thru out Ohio are scheduled for us during Nov. This is part of publicity scheme of Gen. Beightler, div. comm. & Ohio Rep. politician & petty grafter.

Please tell Ed & Ruts not to write me any longer at this address.

Am enclosing a copy of probably the last issue of our div. newsheet.

Best Regards,
Your brother,
Vic

To-day we got rid of the last of our equipment (all signal, engineer, QM, Ordnance, ETC leaving only personal stuff). Sent same up to Aparri where it's supposed to be shipped to Japan for use of the combat-less 86th INF. DIV. as regulation issue.

September 14, 1945

2008-06-15T08:24:00.000-07:00

(Letter from Vic in the Philippines to younger brother Paul in Berkeley, California. Photos show Vic posing with Ben Louie - squatting - and two other soldiers.)

Cagayan Valley, N. Luzon, P.I. - Friday evening,

Dear Paul,

Well I still can't supply you with any addition information as concerns my possible date of discharge. Nor do I know when I'll embark from these parts for the States. So many rumors circulate amongst us daily that it's difficult to recognize fact from fancy at times, and none of this is an aid to morale.

Hope you haven't sent me any Xmas packages 'cause it's just possible that I may be gone before such could arrive at this address. Just continue to write as often as possible & I'll be satisfied. Say, did you ever see the action film 'San Pietro'. Don't recall whether I mentioned same to you in recent letters. It's about the battle in and around that town in Italy and was filmed back in late '43. The film is really a true picture of what it's like. There's an introduction by Gen. Mark Clark which is good and the main commentary is very good.

Two days ago, I received a letter from Phil M. who's now here on Luzon so we may get to-gether after all.

Regards,
Vic

September 13, 1945

2008-06-15T08:17:00.000-07:00

(V-mail from Vic in the Philippines to younger brother Paul in Berkeley, California. Top photo shows view of in Cagayan Valley in early September. Second photo Japanese officers leaving Ceremony.)

Cagayan Valley, N. Luzon, P.I. - Thurs. evening,

Dear Paul,

Since I last wrote you many rumors have been circulating throughout the division regarding our possible embarkation for the States. From some fairly reliable & high sources it's been stated that all personnel with over 60 points would embark to-gether in the near future to represent the division. Ohio wants this div. to come home as a unit & put on a big parade in Colombus. Their politicians have already made big plans for some gala affairs.

To-day Ohio isn't very well represented in the div. 'cause it's composed a very, very few originals now with the vast majority being former residents of every state in the union.

Certain brass hereabouts including the div. commander, ass't. div. commander and div. art. commander plus their Ohio politico counter parts have been exerting strong pressure on the command over here and the War Dept. to have this div. sent home as a unit in the very near future.

Well, it's just possible that they may accomplish same but I doubt it. Still, things are shaping up so that I'll be home sooner than I'd originally expected.

Your brother,
Vic

September 9, 1945

2008-06-15T08:09:00.000-07:00

(Letter from Vic in the Philippines to older brother Rudy and wife Ann in Passaic, New Jersey. Top photos shows Surrender Ceremony at Battalion Theatre in Cagayan Valley. Bottom photo was taken in Bougainville.)

Dear Ann and Rudy,

It's a very quiet Sunday afternoon here and I've been listening to radio programs until I just picked up the pen. This morning we received the enclosed special supplement edition of our div. daily newsheet concerning the surrender of Nip forces hereabouts last Wednesday morning which took place at our division theatre. Believe I previously mentioned having witness same 'cause I was in the area on a dental appointment when it was announced and all personnel were invited to attend.

A fellow in my section took some pretty good shots of the proceedings and I hope to get copies of same. If Ed or Paul care to see this souvenir please forward it to them but kindly request that it be then sent on home to the folks.

Also note an old negative from Bougie that you may not have a print of.

I'd like to thank you again for all those re-prints that you've made and forwarded. Haven't received the last batch taken at the swimming pool on grounds we occupied during a rest in Rosario Heights, Manila, between campaigns last May. However, I don't think you sent them immediately after the last ones so maybe I shouldn't be expecting them for a few more days.

Last nite we saw the comedy "Affairs of Susan" which everyone enjoyed, and also were shown the best combat film we've ever seen entitled "San Pietro". This document has a good introduction by Gen. Mark Clark and an excellent commentary and records the fighting for San Pietro and surrounding terrain on the Italian front late in 1943. Did you see it? Don't miss it 'cause it's really a truely representative film of an actual battle. Write soon.

Best Regards,
Vic

September 7, 1945

2008-06-15T07:57:00.000-07:00

(V-mail sent as letter from Vic in the Philippines to younger brother Paul in Berkeley, California. Photo shows Japanese officers on their way to Cagayan Valley Surrender Ceremony September 5.)

Friday afternoon,

Dear Paul,

Well, I rather expected a letter from you for the past several days. You aren't writing very regularly of late. Please write whenever you have time and don't hesitate to give a few details on any subject you care to discuss. Censorship of personal mail was abolished here throughout the division yesterday. From now on we can write about practically anything.

To-day our highest point men departed. They went to Appari, a port up north of here and'll embark on ships with all the old-timers from our div. and attached units. We're so isolated up here that it's much closer and more convenient to have transport handled at that town than going the 350 miles down to Manila over bad roads. The last remaining Ohio N.G. men as well as the original vets who were with the division. when they sailed from Frisco back in May of '42 left in that bunch.

Only on or possibly two of the remaining groups will be ahead of me. The fellows in the 85 to 93 bunch should leave within a few days. There aren't too many fellows in the 65 to 85 group so I may make it within a few months on my 69.

Our liaison section was turned in for the bronze star cluster for work back in the Orieng Pass fracas. However, we won't get same because the brass here instead gave bronze stars to kitchen, S-1, and S-3 personnel 'cause they were all either N.G. men or royal brown-nosers. Ever since I've been in this outfit the men who take the most personal risks get the worst deal. In other words this outfit (and div. for that matter) has always been run by & for Ohio politicians. More later.

Your brother,
Vic

September 4, 1945

2008-06-15T07:43:00.000-07:00

(Letter from Vic in the Philippines to younger brother Paul in Berkeley, California. Photo shows group of Japanese soldiers who have surrendered.)

Tuesday evening,

Dear Paul,

Well, I presume you're wondering why the sudden increase in number of letters from me. I've caught up on all of my correspondence fortunately, and have some spare time on my hands. Later this evening I'll circulate around the battery looking for some worthwhile reading material.

Had a tough day yesterday spreading gravel around the area and stood guard last nite. On my last trick I helped the baker make soughnuts. To-day I did quite a bit of bunk fatigue and wasn't clipped for any detail. To-day we went on a training schedule of sorts. This calls for early reveille, calesthenics, orientation lectures and what-not.

Did you hear these parts mentioned over the radio in regards to the surrender of Nips? Heard part of a newscast earlier to-nite and they mentioned a nearby town where the Nips-ve been congregating and processed. The first delegation of them who came in several weeks ago said they thought 2,000 of their men will be accounted for in our div. sector, but some estimates run higher 'cause it's argued that some Nip remnants haven't had communications with other parties for many weeks. Such be the case, some Japs may stroll the hills for a time yet.

Paul, since you began studying radio back at Tri-State have you constructed any sets? Imagine some of that practical stuff is required. If you built a receiver how did it work? The post-war commercial sets should be a great improvement over the older models. Trouble is, a good set with several bands and phonograph rig runs into the bucks. Say, what do you think of future plans for the use of radar and television?

I've been thinking of hunting back home and would like to get a Savage 99 .300 cal. for deer and possibly an over-and-under .410 that's handle the 3 inch shells. Am not certain such a gun is in production but read that such a .410 will be popular and am enthused about it. Read a good brief on the use of rifled slugs for shot-guns and found they've a fair degree of accuracy. Up to a hundred yards it's easy to hit a buck with these power houses that weight 415 gr. and have a velocity of 1,400 odd foot seconds.

Remember when we were up at Ray's folks place in Nov. of '41? Bob Hoey & I both took a few practice shots with slugs at a good distance and found my auto more accurate than his pump. Remember the buck that strolled past him while we sat in the car in disgust after no luck? Do you ever figure on hunting in Cal.?

Last nite we had the pic, "Valley of Decision", (Greer Garson-Gregory Peck) at our bn. theatre. I thought it was good tho it skipped plenty of material on the union and didn't follow the novel thru exactly. That was the first mentionable movie we'd had in many weeks. For the most part, they're grade b-pcs and they're old at that. Saw the above mentioned film between tricks on guard, and it rained buckets during most of the show.

Do you own a bike? Don't recall you stating definitely whether you did and thought perhaps you rent one when going out cycling. Yes, there's certainly much worth-while scenery to enjoy out there, and you could go on innumberable sightseeing trips and still have plenty more places to visit. Did you ever get over to Sequoia or Yosemite? I got around some on hitch-hiking trips while stationed at Camp Roberts and enjoyed the State. Will sign off now.

Your brother,
Vic

September 3, 1945

2008-06-15T07:27:00.000-07:00

(Letter from Vic in the Philippines to younger brother Paul in Berkeley, California. Photo show a couple of soldiers working on a tent barracks.)

Monday morning,

Dear Paul,

Having a break on our detail now between truck-loads of sand so I'm taking this opportunity to drop a few more lines your way. We're still building up this area even tho we probably won't remain here long. Expect to move down south somewhere within a hundred miles of Manila. Rumors have us occupying many different areas, but we know we'll never again get a set-up in the metropolitan area as we did after both the Lingayen-Manila and Mt. Pabawagan (Mariquina-Wawa dam area) campaigns. Can't tell when I'll ever embark for the States, but it probably won't be for six months at the rate of available shipping in these parts.

Imagine this letter'll arrive with the one I dropped you last nite. am enclosing three items herein that might interest you. Don't recall whether I sent you one of these ten sen notes that Yuts send down from the Okinawa theatre. Here're a few Tagalog expressions and their English equivalents. Also please note the propaganda leaflet that our planes dropped up in the Baggao area (Cagayan Valley) last June announcing the fall of Nazi Germany & telling the Nips they were by-passed and isolated & might as well surrender before their homeland is utterly destroyed.

Just heard a newscast announcing Gen. Yamashita surrender in Baguio yesterday instead of to-day as originally scheduled. Some Nip admiral came in down south & also turned in his forces. As yet we have still to see the mass of Nips within our division sector come in. They're up in the Sierra Madre mountain range and're in poor physical condition for the most part. Daily some of them pass near our out-posts & wave, shout, & smile. We're not allowed to shoot except in defense. Those Nips'll thrive in out stockades 'cause the facilities & chow provided represent such a vast improvement over the conditions they've been existing under.

Well, I also heard the 1st Cav. div. landed in Japan as occupation troops. Guess the 11th Airborne div. will also be in on that deal. We came pretty close to it, but were transferred into another command from the 8th Army just at the right time. When we hit the beach at Langayen last Jan. we came in as part of the 14th Corps, 6th Army. That was our old Corps from the Solomons, but that Army formerly ran all troops in the New Guinea theatre. In May at Pabawagan we were attached to the 1st Corps (that is, our combat team).

Yes, I did receive my specs some time back. They came thru in perfect shape after some delay. Would appreciate receiving those pics of you and your gal. Write soon & often.

Your brother,
Vic

September 2, 1945

2008-06-07T20:03:00.000-07:00

(Letter from Vic in the Philippines to younger brother Paul in Berkeley, California. Photos show Vic posing in front of destroyed Japanese aircraft.)

Cagayan Valley, N. Luzon, P.I.

Sunday evening,

Dear Paul,

Many thanks for your three letters containing all those reprints as I'd previously requested. No I won't want any enlargements. These are very satisfactory. However, I hope that you sent copies to both Rudy and Ed as well as a set to the folks along with the negatives.

Today Ben. Mun Bing Louis, another fellow and I drove around some and took some pics. In several we had Nip planes for the background. Am sending the film in to the Army photo Service to-nite. Hope you've taken a few snap-shots recently and'll be sending me copies in the near future.

Say you promised me a few of your girl-friend some time back. Please give me a few details about her. Sounds like you're going steady with her. Is she a student at Cal.?

Sorry to disappoint you but I won't be coming home for a long time. You mentioned having rented an apartment in anticipation of my arrival. Hell, I don't think I'll make it back stateside during the next six months. Only way one is fairly certain of getting prompt passage back that way is to sign an enlistment in the Regular Army and go home on a 90 day furlough. Such a character will either be a brass-hat with a racket or some island-happy lad. Most enlisted men want no part of this set-up.

Won't commit myself as regards college. Personally, I can't quite see it 'cause what I'd like to take up requires altogether too many back ground subjects and credits. Jake V. hasn't written to me in ages and I know nothing of his post-war plans. Regards. Write soon!

Your brother,
Vic

(You haven't told me if you received the 40 buck money order.)

August 26, 1945

2008-06-07T19:44:00.000-07:00

(Letter from Vic in the Philippines to older brother Rudy and wife Ann in Passaic, New Jersey. Top photo is of Filipino family in front of a house. Bottom photo shows soldiers posing with civilians.)

Cagayan Valley,
N. Luzon, P.I.

Dear Ann and Rudy,

It's Sunday afternoon here with time on my hands. Most of the fellows are indulging in the increasingly popular pastime of snoozing or just plain old cat-naping. We don't call it siesta as the local inhabitant smight but by the Army term "bunk-fatigue".

Since the surrender we've had little do do. Imagine less duties will be performed when and if units are disbanded. Imagine there'll be a certain amount of stevadoring or its equivalent. Back on the 'canal in '43 we caught plenty of that at New Georgia and more of the same just prior to embarking from Bougie. Boy, those were some details? Worst was working down in the sweltering holds loading or unloading heavy ammo.

Yes, there are units in the Army known as Port Battalions and those're also their duties, but it seems they can't do all the work. Anyhow, on our amphibious operations we've always been called upon to help load and unload supplies in our convoy. In addition to that it's not been infrequently that we've been called upon to furnish working parties to unload rations from cargo vessels onto barges and assist in transporting same.

Ruts, those copies of the Sunday P.M. certainly are long enroute. Just got another June issue. Don't believe they even all came thru. Has the Army been known to hold up on any publications? Or is it the postal dep't? Been reading that article about Philippine politics by Alexander Uhl and find his info to be OK. Wherever he gets it it's certainly straight.

Have you known about the Huk Bal-Hob (spelling?) and their program. Soon after landing in Lingayan I picked up all kinds of reports about their activities and from all I've heard the balance is by far in their favor. they certainly eliminated collaborators that fell into their hands, and fought the Nips in some of the largest-scale and bloodiest battles with the Nips during the enemy occupations. Their operations closely resembled those of progressive partisans and they fought and're still fighting reactionaries here in the islands.

Can't tell exactly how the elections will turn out but believe the more progressive elevements should come into power. The strife is becoming more acute and politics concerns most Filipinos. That is, they're more ocncious of events to-day than they were in pre-war days. I've some good friends down in Manila (Filipino civilians) and now that we're corresponding regularly I've noted their social attitides are more advanced than they led me to believe when we used to talk over one thing and another.

Incidentally, I've sent some good reading material in the form of books and literature to several and they really appreciate it. Incidentally, Am. publications are not available to the civilian population on the commercial market - only material they get to read aside from their limited newspapers are currently popular Am. magazines that've ben presented to them by G.I.s or discarded by soldiers.

This limited supply has brought on such a demand that you can now find black-market book dealers 50 centavos (25 cents at official rates) per hr. to read such mags as Time, Life, etc. The cost of such as mag or a new novel is astounding. Don't recall exactly but I learned mags in Manila were being sold for five or ten pesos ($2.50 to $5.00) a book would bring from five to fifty pesos depending on demand. It's been estimated by some sources that our dollar is only worth seven cents in goods over here.

Well, that goes for the Manila metropolitan areas and certain other areas near big Army centers but not up here as yet. Our wants aren't many, and little is to be bought so prices haven't run away completely in these parts to date.

Youo asked if I'd had malaria previous - yes, about five times in all. Great majority of us've had it. Don't think it effects us noticeably in a temperate zone tho. Write soon & regularly!

Best Regards,
Vic

August 19, 1945

2008-06-07T19:37:00.000-07:00

(Letter from Vic in the Philippines to younger brother Paul in Berkeley, California. Photo shows solider playing violin.)

Dear Paul,

Received your last two letters dated 24th July and 3rd August respectively almost a week ago, but have previously mailed you a brief reply accompanying those pics that several friends sent some time back.

No, I don't have any requests for books or film at the present time. However, I'd appreciate a sub to George Seldes' "In Fact", the highly enlightening weekly newsletter. If you're not in position to arrange this due to lack of that L.I. address please ask Rudy to arrange same at the earliest possible date. Will you let me know how you make out?

According to last nites' news broadcast, the Army will discharge around 1 1/2 million troops of the estimated million eight hundred thousand troops over here in the Pacific during the next ten months. Thus, I hope to make the States for good sometime during the next six to ten months. If they give priority to combat troops (which I doubt) I might even make it in 4 or 6 months. You must remember that from experience most of us over here are outright pessimists insofar as the Army's concerned. Everything the War Dept does that says will effect us we say is either impossible or improbable.

Was intending having Mother purchase you a birthday present but it's too late how hence I'm enclosing 40 bucks that you might get yourself something useful.

Your brother,
Vic

August 16, 1945

2008-06-07T19:30:00.000-07:00

(Letter from Vic in the Philippines to younger brother Paul in Berkeley, California. Photo shows Japanese prisoners in 'civies disguise hustled along by Filipino civilians and turned into us'. Bottom photo is of Manila swimming pool.)

Cagayan Valley, N. Luzon, P.I.

Thursday morning,

Dear Paul,

It's still quite early in the day and very comfortable. Have been back to the battery for two days now. Came in off liaison with a bad cold and some infected insect bites. Slept in a cot for two nites now and really rested.

Saw my first movie last nite in a very long time. Yesterday we had roast chicken but due to my cold I didn't even enjoy the taste. Drew my back beer rations which amounted to 42 bottles. Still have most of it 'cause I can't taste the stuff either.

Yesterday Pres. Truman declared the war over but there was no wild celebrating hereabouts. There was we understand much excitement down in Manila but the fellows took it comparitively calmly in these parts. Last nite we heard the cities of the U.S. madly carousing over the radio. Strange that we shouldn't get half as excited as most civilians are.

Large numbers of Nips are expected to come in from the hills now. Those taken several days back knew about the peace rumors and atomic bomb. I'd say they're only about 12 hrs. behind us on the news. Evidentally they have better radio communications than we give them credit for having. Several wks. ago they were bloodily contesting our every advance in this remote sector of northern Luzon. Our last mission was to drive up a rugged mountainous river gorge into a hidden valley and disperse remnants of once strong Jap formations. After this was completely we pushed the remainders on East up into the wild Sierre Madre mountains near the coast. Guest I can tell this now that the war's over. Incidentally, all censorship should cease very soon as it did in Europe almost immediately after V-E days.

Am enclosing eight pics that friends have recently sent. Thanks for those re-prints. have you received and gotten prints of any of those negs I sent of us swimming? Please write soon.

Best regards,
Your brother,
Vic

July 28, 1945

2008-06-07T19:19:00.000-07:00

(Letter from Vic in the Philippines to younger brother Paul in Berkeley, California. The photo shows signs of army censorship, two small holes that removed the number of the battalion.)

Saturday morning,

Cagayan Valley,
N. Luzon, P.I.

Dear Paul,

You most certainly haven't been very prompt to reply of late. Are your studies taking up most of your time? How're you doing at the university? Do you have a fair job on the side now?

The heat has been terrific in these parts lately. Quite often it looks like a terrific storm is brewing and then nothing develops. Once we were even forwarned of a typhoon or hurricane that never struck here or effected us. However, bad weather is long-overdue, and it's just possible that the sky will drop out for weeks at a time commencing most anytime. I'd welcome such would it bring relief from this torrid weather even tho it'd mean wet clothes, bedding, equipments even dozers and weasels.

Do you correspond with either of the Greubels or Bill Fiala? If so, how's about asking them to drop me a line? The folks said they met Ray Reed in Racine, and that when Rudy & Ann were recently home Ruts met Wally Puchinsky. Guess Pooch might've been discharged if his health is OK.

Did I tell you that we're more or less out of combat and in a tempory rest area? The inf. bn. hq our arty. liaison section is attached to has arranged tents in a flat area and we're actually sleeping on bunks and using mosquito bars. Have films every other nite but we're still sweating out that oft-promised beer and PX ration supply. Guess the rear area base commandos down Manila way and points enroute are relieving us of these simple but cherished luxuries so as to lighten the strained supply and transport problem.

Only the brass are permitted to go after and consume the only legit liquor available here in the P.I.s, Mano;a Tanduay Distillery "Old Special" Whisky (65%). G.I.s that crave a slug or drunk now and then purchase native booze of questionable sources. Some of these brands are terrific! Most of it tastes terrible and can be harmfull.

Forgot to mention that they're still Nips out in the bush but mostly confined to isolated pockets. Patroling and ambushes constitute most activities at present but the war's not completely over here yet. Did you receive that last batch of negs and can you get enlarged re-prints made?

Your brother,
Vic

Am enclosing two old Nip occupation currency notes that might interest you 'case you haven't seen same. One's from N.E.I. and the other F. Indo-China.

July 22, 1945

2008-06-07T18:58:00.000-07:00

(Letter from Vic in the Philippines to younger brother Paul in Berkeley, California. Photo shows soldiers in Manila swimming pool. Bottom photo is of Stan Valandia, a Souix soldier from North Dakota.)

Cagayan Valley, N. Luzon, P.I.

Sunday morning,

Dear Paul,

Well. it's a rather cool morning and we've actually relatively little to do for once hence the correspondence. Why haven't you been writing more frequently? Please drop a line whenever you can find time. What do your studies consist of now? Are you working part-time? If so, where and what're you making?

Am enclosing seven (7) negatives that we took just before leaving the Manila area two months or so ago. Most of them were taken out at the swimming pool on grounds that our outfit rented. Those were the days. Didn't get much of it tho 'cause we were pulled out once to go back into combat for over a month, but then returned to that general area for a little over a week. After that we came up here and we've been in action since.

Could you possibly have eight or ten prints made of each and forward the pics to me? I promised the gang copies of same. Some of them have already gone home or either rotation or points and several others are waiting for the call. Also you'd best send a copy to the folks, and also Ed and Ruts. Send the negatives on home. Believe you could have fair enlargements made from those negatives 'cause they're pretty fair. Will you kindly ask the photo developer to clean the negs and make enlargement of about three inches by four and one-half (3"x4 1/2")?

Has Ray completed his furlough yet and is he stationed on the west coast temporarily awaiting re-assignment. Do you see much of him? Did he go up north while in Wis.? Do you know if he tried his hand at a little fishing or poaching? Come to think of it, I guess venison isn't very good eating at this time of the year.

Say, there are quite a few Philippine mallards hereabouts but I haven't bagged any yet. Numerous wild turtle doves also - got a few of those and also wild chickens with the carbine. One fellow here in this inf. bn. hq. picked up a perfect 12 gauge double parker from a Nip but can't get shells for same. If he does, we're going out pot-hunting. Nips seem to like shot-guns and usually carry Jap buck-shot loads as anti-personnel weapons. All the pieces I've seen were Am. made and probably confiscated them from Filipinos. The Nips sometimes put on bayonet attachments and mount a wicket blade on same. They sure can improvise but usually it's a fizzle - especially their improvized mines and booby traps.

Speaking of guns, what was the condition of my Rem auto when last you seen it and how's the shell supply? Do you do any shooting out there?

We're still in combat and I've had about enough. Had some close calls during the past two weeks or so. Once it was a bomb during an air strike and more recently it was heavy Nip mortar and machine gun fire - but altogether too damn close. Also some other rather mildly exciting incidents but nothing harmful developed. Sure hope we get a break and go into a rest area - better still I'd like to get back Stateside or at least go down Manila way. Please Write!

Your brother,
Vic

June 23, 1945

2008-06-07T18:29:00.000-07:00

(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?

June 21, 1945

2008-06-01T10:22:00.000-07:00

(V-mail from Vic in Philippines to brother Paul in Berkeley, California. Photos shows front and back of a 'surrender pass' air dropped on Japanese units.)

Cagayen Valley, Luzo, P.I.

Dear Paul,

Thanks for your recent letters. Did you send pics to the persons I listed in a recent letter? To whom did you forward copies? Are you still having difficulty getting reprints made? Done send any film until I request same cause I have five roles on hand.

Heard Kodak was coming out with a new post-war camera featuring an improved plastic lense giving 40 or 60 percent better clarity. When I get home I'm going to get a good camera and try out some of this Kodachrome.

At present I'm in a Field Hospital recovering from another malaria attack. Getting some needed treatment of my feet which are still somewhat jungle-rot infected. You don't have to tell the folks of my illness. I'll just write and say I'm hospitalized.

Our division is still making considerable gains down this valley & I don't think we'll be hitting any more mountain passes which the Nips always strongly contend.

We'll soon reach the northern end of the island and thus complete this campaign and possibly get a rest. Hope you're feeling health and your eyes have improved. Still haven't received any new specs.

Regards,
Vic

June 14, 1945

2008-06-01T10:12:00.000-07:00

(Letter from Vic in Philippines to brother Paul in Berkeley. California. Photo shows U.S. military column moving on Luzon road. Bottom photo appears to be photo of soldiers in the European theatre, possibly photo sent to Vic from his friend, Ran De Faut, who served there.)

Luzon, P.I.

Dear Paul,

Haven't time to write more than a brief line to-day. We're making terrific gains these days and are continuously pushing ahead. We're now allowed to say that we're on the National Highway #5 pushing down the Cagayan Valley in Northern Luzon.

The Nips are becoming more and more disorganized and're being hunted down and eliminated like rabbits by everyone. Our arty. bn. has been right up there and each day we bag some Nips by small arms fire. Now and then some Nips'll band to-gether with a few m-m guns and put up a little fire fight.

Received two packages from you containing "Life In A Putty Factory", "Candide", "People On Our Side", etc. Many thanks for same.

Here's a pic and three Russian bills that Ran sent me. Kindly forward same on to Ed & Rudy & ask them to send them on home.

Your brother,
Vic

June 13, 1945

2008-05-31T22:14:00.001-07:00

(Telegram from Vic in the Philippines to his mother, Emily, in Racine Wisconsin)

MY LOVE AND GREETINGS ON MOTHERS DAY WISH I COULD BE WITH YOU. REGARDS TO EVERYONE. VICTOR PETERSEN.

May 28, 1945

2008-05-30T20:02:00.000-07:00

(Letter from Vic in the Philippines to younger brother Paul in Berkeley, California. Photo shows medics treating an injured civilian.)

Monday evening,

Dear Paul,

Well, herein you'll find four negatives that I'd previously mentioned I'd be forwarding you. Would appreciate that you get quite a few copies made and mail a set or whatever you please to various persons 'cause it'd take so much longer for same to arrive were you mail prints to me. However, I'll get rid of the prints if you wish. Would like a set sent home and some to Ann and Rudy, Ed and Rose, Bill Fiala, Karl Greubel, Ran De Faut, Akabe Gulbankian, Ray Reed, Phil Mascaretti, George Conrad, Ted Kraynik, Jake Valentine, Elmer Balzer and Sid Goldberg.

If you don't have the new addresses of any of these persons or correspond with them please let me know and best you sent me prints. Actually I've promised to send so many pics that I finally decided I might as well do it all at one time even tho the shots aren't very good. Have plenty of film on hand at this time so don't send me any. Hope the stuff doesn't get ruined before I get around to using same.

So Yuts is finally enroute overseas, eh? Do you correspond with him regularly? Where is Dick Symmes now? Do you hear from Ray R, Karl G, or Jake Valentine?

You should have plenty to tell about the S.F. Conference. Understand that you intended sitting in on a few sessions were any open to the public. Was there any noticeable atmosphere in the Bay area? Do you think any noteworthy steps have been accomplished. Understand that at this writing they're just underway. Leastwise, I haven't heard any reports of same for a while now.

We're still in a rest area but that can change overnite in these parts cause there's still too damn many Nips around. Certainly hope that sometime in the future our division gets a real break. By that I mean we really deserve a good, long rest in a fair bivouc area and receive sufficient replacements to fill our ranks.

Now, I won't get home under the so-called demobilization plan (only rate 69 points) and doubt if a furlough will come thru before the duration plus.

Your brother,
Vic

May 13, 1945

2008-05-30T19:33:00.001-07:00

(Letter from Vic in Philippines to brother Paul in Berkeley. California. Photo taken from vehicle moving on Luzon road.)

Sunday afternoon,

Dear Paul,

Didn't intend writing you for several days but just got these two negatives back and would like some re-prints made as soon as possible hence this brief line. Can you have five or six prints made of each and send all but one copy to me?

Please send a set home. The negatives may have to be cleaned and I suggest you have them intensified or something 'cause they're nothing as is.

We may go into a rest are and be re-organized. In my opinion we need replacements badly and deserve at least six months non combatant duty.

Don't expect me home on furlough for months to come. If this de-mobilization is actually inaugurated some guys may get a long-deserved break. Would certainly like to hit the States at least by hunting season but think it improbably. Understand the rotation (if ever it was such) plan may be completely dis-continued. Please write soon!

Best regards,
Vic

May 13, 1945

2008-05-30T19:31:00.001-07:00

(Letter from Vic in Philippines to brother Paul in Berkeley, California. Photo shows two Japanese bills from war. The top one is a 50 Sen note from 1938 showing Mt. Fujiyama, Sunshine and Cherry blossoms. The bottom one is a 50 sen note from 1942 showing the Yasukuni Shrine. )

Sunday morning,

Dear Paul,

Well, I guess it's time I commenced writing again. Several days ago I sent you a regular letter containing five negatives that I want prints made of. That was the first letter I'd written in over a month to anybody. didn't get to knock any others out since, but intend writing quite a few to-day.

Am enclosing two snap-shots that Elmer sent me and three German currency bills that Johnny Rody sent. Also you'll note a Japanese bill. Please send these items on home in one of your next letters to the folks.

Tried to get a refraction of my eyes but the Army in these parts doesn't seem to service us to any extent. Leastwise I couldn't get any satisfaction from the jerks after spending almost the whole day in a large hospital getting eye tests. Said jerks claimed supplies were short (but they did fit civilians while I was there) and that I could drop in at my convenience in three or four months and pick up a new pair. Meanwhile I continue to use these misfits with the cracked & tarnished frame.

In three or four months from now I could possibly even be in China or Japan. Yeah, it's the ole Army game of passing the buck. Army dentists operate under the same rules - "come back again in six months and we may be able to fix you up." Trouble is, they keep better hrs. that bankers could possibly hope to and don't recognize the war. Wish someone had the authority to get these rear-area commandoes off their fat asses and put them to work. Best thing could happen would be to have them all broken & transferred into the infantry as much needed replacements to fill the ranks of the guys who do all the work without the comforts, credit or recognition.

Received a swell letter from Fred Blair from Milw. the other day. It certainly is lengthy & deserves a somewhat detailed reply.

I saw Nick Julian again the other day. Max Mueckler is some distance from here at present I've recently learned. May run into him within the next few weeks however.

Please write as often as you can.

Your brother,
Vic

May 12, 1945

2008-05-30T19:29:00.000-07:00

(Cover letter and citation for Bronze Star Medal awarded to Vic. Pictures show the original documents.)

RESTRICTED

HEAQUARTERS 6TH INFANTRY DIVISION
APO 6

SUBJECT: Award of Bronze Star Medal
TO: CO, 135th Field Artillery Battalion, APO 37

1. Attached is citation to accompany Section VI, General Orders No. 71, Headquarters 6th Infantry Division, dated 8 May 1945, which awards the Bronze Star Medal to: Technician Fourth Grade VICTOR PETERSON, 36262157, 135th FA Bn.

2. It is desired that one copy be furnished T/4 Peterson and the second be retained in the enlisted man's 201 file.

FOR THE COMMANDING GENERAL:

E. LEE CARTERON
Major, A.G.D.,
Ass't. Adj. Gen.

CITATION

Technician Fourth Grade VICTOR PETERSON, 36262157, Field Artillery, United States Army. For meritorious achievement in connection with military operations against the enemy on Luzon, Phillipine Islands on 24 April 1945. Technician PETERSON performed outstanding services as radio operator with an artillery liaison party. As no cover was available he was forced to set up his radio in an exposed position and relay fire commands to his battalion. He carried out his mission while enemy sniper and mortar fire was falling within fifteen yards of him. Technician PETERSON's courage and devotion to duty reflect high credit upon himself and the military service.

Home address: Mrs. Emily Peterson Wife (sic - she was his mother) 1950 Prospect Street Racine, Wisconsin.

May 11, 1945

2008-05-30T19:27:00.000-07:00

(Letter from Vic in the Philippines to brother Paul in Berkeley, California. Photo shows Bronze Star awarded to Vic for action on April 24, 1945. The ribbons are: Two Bronze Star ribbons - similar to pattern on Bronze Star cloth; Two Philippine Liberation ribbons - two flanking red bars with thinner blue and white centre bars and small bronze star; Two Good conduct - the red background with two flanking triple white stripes; American Defense Service ribbon - yellow with two thin red, white and blue stripes - and two stars; 1945 Victory ribbon - solid red middle flanked by two multi-coloured bars; Asiatic-Pacific Campaign ribbon - yellow with two flanking white/red/white stripes and a thinner blue/white/red center stripe.)
Friday morning,

Dear Paul,

This is the first letter I've written in over a month. Will get busy & write the folks to-day and also try to catch up on my correspondence in general.

Came in off liaison two days ago after a month on the line with our infantry. We're up in the mountains and it's one tough and dirty war. The Nips have good positions and plenty of supplies - food, clothing, equipment, & ammo. In fact, they don't hesitate to share with us their lead in the form of rifle & machine-gun slugs and grenade, mortar & artillery shells.

If you think the war is over in the Philippines I suggest you talk to someone just back from the line - not the rear area commandos. After we take one mountain we can look forward to taking another, and they continue on over the sky-line out of sight. Nips have all underground positions and tremendous supply caves.

Your last letter dated the 26th April arrived OK. Yesterday I 4received your package containing the six roles of 620 film. Thanks for them, Paul. It's impossible to obtain film over here & we must depend upon getting them sent from the States by our families & friends. I realize how tough it is to obtain same back there and fully appreciate the pains you took to get ahold of so much film.

I put in for furlough tho it means if I'm lucky enough to be picked I'll have to return to my outfit & this theatre. If I don't hit the states soon I figure on blowing my top. And still we have some original N.G. vets with us who can't get home come hell or high water it seems. Can't understand how they can take it and so damn much of it. Wonder how many troops will come over this way now that the show over on the other side is over. Boy, that Okinawa deal sounds like a tough nuts, and it's Army troops who're doin' all the fighting & pushing there.

Did you know that Dave Altman was killed over here several months ago? His unit was on our right flank, and recently I intended going over thataway on some pretense & looking him up when I received a letter from Johnny Rody from Germany giving me the brief news about Dave. I was shocked to hear of it, and intend looking up his buddies some day & asking how he got it. His outfit is in rest area now now but I can't locate his particular unit.

Was sorry to hear of Kingsfield. A lot of home-town friends certainly have been getting it lately.

Hear from Phil quite regularly now. Was in to town yesterday on a one day (actually about 10 hrs.) pass and looked up Nick Julian, Lt. Floyd Hillier, and some Filipino friends.

Had my ole case of jungle-rot came back. Need a new fitting (refraction) of my G.I. Specs. The frame is cracked & out of shape so I should get a new one plus different lenses.

Am enclosing five negatives that I took about two months back. Have two good prints made of each and send one set to me & one set home.

Best Regards,
Vic

Am sending this via regular mail which means it won't arrive for thirty to sixty days. Won't travel any other way with negatives enclosed.

May 8, 1945

2008-05-30T19:15:00.000-07:00

(Nine page Army comminique of awards for four classes of Silver Star and three classes of Bronze Star for soldiers acts of heroism by soldiers. More than 20 soldiers received medals, several posthumously. Picture shows apparent battlefield action in the Philippines.)

Restricted
Headquarters 6th Infantry Division
APO 6

General Orders
Number 71

Section 1 - Awards of Silver Start - Posthumously....
.... Section VI - Awards of Bronze Star Medal

.... page 7
Technician Fourth Grade VICTOR PETERSON, 36262157, Field Artillery, United States Army. For meritorious achievement in connection with military operations against the enemy on Luzon, Philippine Island on 24 April 1945. Home address: Mrs. Emily Peterson, Wife (sic - she was his mother), 1950 W. Prospect Street, Racine, Wisconsin.

April 10, 1945

2008-05-25T07:30:00.000-07:00

(V-mail from Vic in the Philippines to younger brother, Paul in Berkeley, California. Photo shows soldiers playing violin and guitar in field.)

Tuesday evening,
Dear Paul,

Thought I'd drop you a few more lines in addition to the letter with nine pics enclosed which I just finished mailing to you. Shortly I'll be sending you some negatives of film I've recently exposed. Can't seem to get a satisfactory print job done hereabouts. So I'd appreciate it if you'd get me a few copies made from each negative. You won't be receiving them for some time 'cause they're not allowed to go via air-mail.

Received a recent letter from Phil Mascaretti and he doesn't expect to make rotation for a long, long time even tho he has 30 months overseas. Incidentally, I can't quite picture myself coming home for another year under the present set-up. Max Mueckler (over 3 yrs. overseas) has about given up hope.

Ted Kraynik wrote recently and stated definitely that he is not married. He's over in these parts somewhere. Ray Reed hasn't written fro some time.

Best Regards,
Vic

April 3, 1945

2008-05-25T07:27:00.000-07:00

(Western Union Telegram from Vic in the Philippines to his mother in Racine, Wisconsin.)

BEST WISHES FOR A HAPPY EASTER REGARDS TO EVERYONE

VICTOR PETERSEN

March 10, 1945

2008-05-25T06:50:00.000-07:00

(Letter from Vic in the Philippines to brother Paul in Berkeley, California. Photo shows soldier standing with Filipino civilians.)

Saturday,
Philippines

Dear Paul,

Thanks for your letter of the 24th February which I received yesterday. Believe you still owe me several replies, but they might already be forthcoming on your part at this date.

Say, when next you write Yuts will you please convey my thanks to him for the role of 120 and 116 that I recently received from him? Each time I receive word from him he's at a new address and he tells me that no letter of mine has arrived for months. Evidentally my letters bear the wrong addresses or else there's some other screw-up 'cause I've been writing him at regular intervals.

Also I wish to thank you in advance for Snow's "People On Our Side" as well as the stationery and pics. Haven't received the package yet but it should be due shortly. Joanne Hetts sent me Cains' "Three of a Kind" while Ann sent Louis Adamic's "My Native Land", Ray Joseph's "Argentine Diary", & Howard Fast's "Freedom Road." Those novels should keep me pretty well occupied for the present.

Have been back at the btry. for the past two days and the set-up is OK. Can't tell how G.I. this life may become but I've a hunch it'll be ole Army garrison style shortly. With us that means a headache. Can't give the actual dope on the situation 'cause I'm afraid it'd conflict with existing censorship regulations.

There's an acute cigarette shortage hereabouts. Five days ago the men were issued one pack per man. Expect another one to-day. Up front I smoked two packs plus daily when available but sometimes the inf. rationed out only eight of ten fags per man daily which crimped us. Smokes'n'Java will almost keep one going up there (temporary) but it's not the best thing for the nervous system.

No, I haven't been able to send in any Armed Force Insti. lessons in over three months. Have only one to go on my economics course and'll start on it in the near future - I hope.

Best regards,
Your brother, Vic

P.S. - Noticed I missed a few topics that I'd previously intended covering briefly so here goes.

The GIs are rapidly becoming acquainted with the people here, but most of them are inclined to be attracted to the opposite sex. Dances are now being held and social affairs will probably be shortly organized. Our films are mostly old stuff we saw last year, but the Special Service must have at least a few recent releases.

Which reminds me that I intend taking some snap-shots with some old film I now have on hand. Will have to look around for some good scenes, but don't have ambition to chase all over for shots.

Say, did Mike Principe ever hand over those 14 or so pics that I gave him about six months ago when he visited me? Does he ever write you or vice versa? Do you correspond regularly with Ray Reed & Bill Fiala? If so, how about requesting them to drop a line thisaway?

Did I tell you that I met Max Mueckler here? His outfit moved but he promised to look me up. Had a letter from Ran DeFaut that I answered last week. Write!

Regards,
Vic

March 2, 1945

2008-05-25T06:46:00.000-07:00

(Letter from Vic in the Philippines to brother Paul in Berkeley, California. Photo shows Japanese soldiers looking out to sea.)
Friday

Dear Paul,

Well, to-day is my birthday but I can't get to celebrate here in the hospital. Can't say how long I'll be here but it'll probably be for another week. Regardless, please write to me at my outfits' address. I should be back with them by the time a reply to this letter and yesterday's line arrives from you.

About a week ago I received a bunch of Xmas packages of which at least one was from you. All of the perishable goods such as fruit-cakes were moldy. Some of the packages had evidently been under salt water as well as a few of the letters I received.

The picture you sent me some time back was ruined when my duffle bag was in the surf at the beach landing. About half of my equipment and personal articles are shot.

How about those books I requested some months back? Can't you obtain them or what? Ann sent me three books but I haven't gotten around to reading them yet. What good stuff has been printed recently?

Am enclosing ten more Nip snap-shots that you can dispose of as in the usual manner.

Your brother,
Vic

March 1, 1945

2008-05-25T06:41:00.001-07:00

(Letter from Vic in the Philippines to parents, Peter and Emilie Petersen in Racine, Wisconsin. Photo shows young Filipino woman holding large crock on her head.)
Thursday,

Dear Folks,

Thanks for your recent letters containing the clippings. I received a number of Xmas packages of which at least two were from you. The fruit cake was moldy and quite a few of my packages and letters had evidently been in salt water.

At present I'm in a large Army hospital with foot trouble. That jungle rot came back and became infected. They're giving me Penincillen injections every three hrs. so it should begin to clear up soon. Can't say how long I'll be here, but address all mail to me at my regular address.

On Monday our artillery Liasason and forward observation parties were released by the infantry because we could no longer use our artillery in our particular sector. After coming in to the battery for the first time in weeks I took my first bath in nine days, shaved and put on clean clothes. Shortly afterward I went on sick call and arrived here Tuesday. I located Bob Mueckler who's stationed here and we had quite a jab-fest.

(A page appears to be missing)

Nips performed at their usual brutality. Filipinos said the Nips would confiscate most of the foods, clothing, & tobacco sent to prisoners by relatives and the Red Cross, and sell some of it for fabulous prices on the black-market. The Nips are always up to something and that didn't surprise me.

Earlier to-day when I wrote to Joanne I asked that she tell you that those repaired glass of mine should not weigh over eight ounces to pass the air mail package maximum weight. Did you receive my letter of a week ago requesting that you have new, lightly pink-tinted lenses mounted on that frame and a new case be obtained. I also enclosed some lense specifications that might've enabled the Racine Optical Co. to make a more accurate fitting.

Ed and Rudy have been replying my letters fairly regularly of late - especially Rudy. Paul doesn't write nearly as often as formerly, but perhaps his studies are taking up most of his time.

I'll close now hoping to hear from you soon.

Your son,
Victor

March 1, 1945

2008-05-22T21:11:00.001-07:00

(Letter from Vic in the Philippines to brother Paul in Berkeley, California. Photo is of a Japanese soldier.)
Thursday

Dear Paul,

Can't recall whether I've previously answered your letter dated the 26th January which I rec'd several wks ago. However I did drop you several lines since arriving here in the Philippines.

At present I'm in a large hospital with foot trouble. My old case of jungle rot came back and I got infection. They're giving me penincillin injections every three hrs so it should clear up shortly.

One Monday there was not further use for artillery in our sector so the infantry released our liasason and forward observation parties. My feet and legs were bothering me plus fever so I made this place Tues. nite.

Am enclosing two Nip occupation currency note (a one shilling job and a P100 affair) that you might not already have. Also please note the ten snap-shots that I took off Nips. Evidently most of them were taken in these parts. Send them on to Rudy & Ed with instructions to send them on home.

No, Bill Fiala hasn't written in a dogs' age but was surprised to hear from K.G. Also have recently heard from Jake V., Yuts C., Phil M., Dave Altman, Sid Goldberg, & Ray Reed. Met Max Mueckler who's stationed in an outfit out here on the grounds.

Best regards,
Vic

February 10, 1945

2008-05-22T19:23:00.001-07:00

(Letter from Vic in the Philippines to brother Paul in Berkeley, California. Written on Chinese stationary. Photo is of Japanese occupation money used in the Philippines.)

Somewhere in the Philippines
Saturday

Dear Paul,

Just a short line to let you know I'm OK so far. Thought my number was up more than once and had plenty of close ones. Quit hunting souvenirs but have some junk on hand that you might get a kick out of. Enclosed please find two five centavo notes, a one, a five, a ten, and a hundred peso note plus a negative of a deceased Nip.

The mail situation isn't so hot. Worse yet are our stationery supplies. Must resort to this cheap stuff 'cause there's nothing else available.

Please urge everyone you know to contribute substantially to the Philippine Relief 'cause these people really need & deserve all the help we can give them.

Best regards from your bother,
Vic

February 1, 1945

2008-05-21T07:17:00.000-07:00

(Letter from Vic in the Philippines to his parents, Peter and Emilie, in Racine. Vic's 135th Artillery Battalion was part of the U.S. Sixth Army landing on Luzon on January 9, 1945. Photo is of U.S. forces advancing through Philippines.)

Dear Folks,

We're getting a little break this afternoon so I'm using the opportunity to write this letter. We've really been around and seen plenty. Per - (rest of sentence has been cut out by army censor) It seems like a very long time ago that we landed here in the Philippines. Censorship is still strict so we can't mention much. This is the dry season and it's very hot and dusty - something like the back country of Calif. or Arizona.

Am enclose the Jap occupation currency in the following demarcations: a 1 peso note, a 5 peso note, a 10 peso note, and a 100 peso note. Also contained herein are three Nip post-cards. Hope the contents of this letter will still make air-mail.

Please tell Paul and everyone I'll write them soon. At present one can hardly tell where one'll be five minutes from now. Trouble is, we done quite a bit of foot hiking which isn't good.

Best regards from your son,
Victor

December 25, 1944

2008-05-20T20:17:00.001-07:00

(Menu from the Christmas Dinner of the U.S.S. Alpine)

November 31, 1944

2008-05-19T20:43:00.000-07:00

(Letter from Vic in Bougainville to his parents, Peter and Emilie, in Racine. Photo shows Vic holding a bottle of beer.)

Friday

Dear Folks,

During the past several days I've written to Paul, Rudy, and Ed, and urged each of them to write you more regularly. Let me know if any response on their part has been forthcoming. Notice none of them've been too prompt to answer of late.

For about ten or twelve days we had no rain and the dust caused by heavy traffic was terrific. The sky was cloudless and it was very hot and unusually dry for the tropics. However on Wednesday some rain fell which amounted to at least temporary relief from the dust. Since then it's been cloudy and rain seems iminent.

I understand that Ran DeFaut was expected home. Did he arrive, and if so, did you talk to him?

Paul said he wasn't very lucky while hunting in Wis recently so don't imagine you had any pheasant during the past season. Boy! I'd certainly like to be home now for deer and rabbit hunting season.

I sent you a $50.00 P.T.A. check the other day. Please inform me upon receipt of same. Are prices very stable now? What foodstuffs are still rationed?

Last week I saw an exceptionally good film on the past campaign here that was filmed by an Army photographical unit. The screen journal completely covered all the operations and was so detailed as to indentify specific units in the engagements. A good commentary accompanied the film and it was very well edited and arranged. However I don't believe you'll be able to see it 'cause it may contain too much info for public release at this time.

During recent months the Japs have been working overtime jamming the Frico shortwave news broadcasts so I don't imagine they intend we should be getting any straight dope. On their own programs, Jap announcers will say something like "Any interference on the frequency is caused by American authorities in Hawaii." Thus they intend to discredit us but still continue to interfere with the reception of Am. programs being broadcast for Allied forces overseas.

A short time ago we were given a lecture on security measures. The counter Intelligence Corps (CIC) is really on the ball but deserve more cooperation than they normally receive. Surprising to learn of some incidents that've happened in the past.

Has Bob Hoey been home yet? If he arrived when expected, I imagine he's already completed his furlough and is now back at some Marine base. Did he visit you? Once I thought he was in a Marine Division that we had occasion to work with but later learned I was mistaken.

I still haven't been able to find out whether Jake Valentine arrived Home yet. If he has, I believe he must've visited you. What did he have to mention concerning his travels down in these waters? Jake was fortunate to've spent so much time in Australia. I understand he got around there considerably.

It's fast approaching chow time so I'd best sign off so that I can wash up a bit. I'll write again at my first opportunity.

Best regards from your son,
Victor

November 28, 1944

2008-05-13T21:12:00.000-07:00

(Letter from Vic in Bougainville to younger brother Paul in Berkeley. A Berkeley post office stamp indicates it did not arrive until February 12, 1945. Photo is of Vic posing between signs, likely in Bougainville. He may have a camera strapped around his neck.)

Tuesday afternoon,

Dear Paul,

Many thanks for your two recent letters dated the 20th and 22nd Nov which arrived during the past two days.

Hasn't rained here in a week and a half and the dust arising from the traffic is terrific. The sky has been cloudless and it's been very hot and surprising dry.

Did I tell you that while working on detail last wk. I saw a duck fly past? It resembled a pintail and was the first such I'd seen in the wild state in these tropics. Several other fellows commented on it and this led to quite a lively duck-hunting discussion.

We got a locally made variety of ice-cream occassionally. It's made from powered milk & other material and we've had several different flavours. Trouble is, we get it so seldom and in such insignificant quantities.

During recent wks. the Japs have been working overtime jamming the Frisco short wave newsbroadcasts so I guess they don't approve of us getting the straight dope. On their own programs, Jap announcers will state that "any interference on this frequency can be blamed on the Americans at Pearl Harbor". In this manner they seek to discredit us yet they continue to interfere with the reception of Am. programs?

Recently we were given a lecture on security measures. The Counter Intelligence Corps (CIC) is really on the ball but deserve more cooperation than they generally receive. Surprising to learn some of the things that've happened in the past. Seemingly inconsequential & harmless info can become quite dangerous in the hands of the enemy as you well know. Spreading of rumors, especially the malicious types, was discussed & condemned.

Guess I'd previously mentioned most of the aforementioned. Hate to repeat a subject but couldn't recall definitely whether I'd written to you about it.

Heave you read or heard much about Erskine Caldwell's new "Tragic Ground"? If it's very interesting I appreciate receiving a copy. Don't send any others for the present. Can't pack them around very well if incompleted. Incidentally, you might be interested to know that any books I receive usually make their way around a large per-cent of the battery and then I give them to the island Special Service library so you can readily see that they're apt to circulate.

Gil Campbell is certainly sending you plenty of stuff, eh what? Have you learned whether he's actually in the Army? He's in Alaska, isn't he? Paul, have you seen and had the chance to fire a carbine? If one had mushroom slugs for it it'd probably be swell as a deer arm. Read that it'd probably be banned in Wis. after the war should it become very widely used. Will write again soon.

Your brother,
Vic

P.S. - sorry to learn that the meals served in the U.C. Students Coop Ass. houses are getting worse. Do you have ample supplies of fresh foods? Boy! What I wouldn't give for some fresh fruits and salads such as oranges, bananas, pears, tomatoes, lettuce, etc.! When I get home I'll probably have a many for ice-cold foods 'cause this never-ending heat seems to make one crave very cold drinks & foods.

Yes, I'd certainly appreciate one or two rolls of either 120 or 620 film. If you send some please pack them in a small, compact bottle, jar or can and make the container airtight and light-proof by sealing with was or tape. However, I can't guarantee that I'll get some good exposures 'cause cameras aren't always available when good subject material is on hand.

Can you get Yuts to drop me a line or two? I've written to him about three times within the past two months but as yet no reply has been received by me from him. Yesterday I had a nice long letter from Elmer Balzer & he mentions having been home for 32 days (in Racine_ during the latter part of July and most of August. His wife also came to Racine & they met Yuts Conrad out at a quarry one day. Elmer also saw Ray Campbell and quite a few of the other boys.

Here's another Sad Sack cartoon. It's quite old so you might've seen it already. I sent an interesting issue of Yank to Rudy & Ed recently. Write soon! Vic

November 16, 1944

2008-05-13T20:54:00.000-07:00

(Letter from Vic in Bougainville to younger brother Paul in Berkeley. Photo show Vic, second from right with mates, Pete Anderson on left, Pete Breclaw on right. Other soldier is not identified. Note all four hold Japanese swords. )

Thursday evening,

Dear Paul,

This is my third letter to you in as many days and I hope you'll oblige me by answering promptly. Realize you may not have very much material to write about but please mention as many things as you can recall.

Neither Yuts nor Ted are very prompt to answer of late. Have you seen them recently? How're they spending their time off duty? Do they come into Frisco and Berkeley regularly on liberty? Do either of them expect to ship out this way soon? Exactly what's Ted maritial status?

I've just finished reading "Bushido" by Alexandre Pernikoff and am starting on Pearl S. Buck's "China Sky." Have you read either of them? What good books have you read during recent months?

Boy! Were there ever some vicious articles in the Oct. issue of Reader's Digest. That rag is certainly dragging in the mud these days, eh what? Some of their red-baiting and anti-Roosevelt tactics should even make yellow-guard Hearst envious.

Normally we have an orientation lecture or class weekly. The enlisted men are urged to actively participate in the discussion of weekly events. To many fellows are apt to ignore the world news or leastwise don't seem inclined to discuss much openly at these informal battery meetings. To promote greater interest in current events the Special Service div. stage oral tests in our bn. theatre just prior to the movies and award three prizes such as fountain pens or sheath knifes to the those who best qualify.

Last wk. I became rad. oper. for one of the liaison parties. I've done this work before. Jake Valentine can give you the dope on such duties 'cause he was a liaison sergeant in his organization.

Just caught the last part of a news-broadcast and heard something about a foreman's strike at the Paterson Wright Aero plants that caused all the plants to close. Did Ed and Rudy say that they were expecting trouble from the Capone Clique as well as the Co.? What's the situation down there?

Do you know the Vicki Landish that Sid Goldberg saw in Berkeley just before he shipped out? Write soon!

Your brother,
Vic

While you were at Greubel's house did you note whether Karl had a Jap bayonet that I sent him last yr.? He never acknowledge receiving same. Incidentally, it's practically impossible to send Jap material home as souvenirs nowadays.

November 13, 1944

2008-05-11T10:41:00.000-07:00

(Letter from Vic in Bougainville to younger brother Paul. Photo is of Vic posing with mate, Pete Breclaw, outside of Bougainville mess tent.)

Monday Evening,

Dear Paul,

Thanks for your swell letter of the fifth which arrived to-day. Was surprised to receive it in such a brief time. Sometimes the mail appears to travel via slow dog-teams.

Appreciated the detail you described your material with. Please be as lengthy in the future.

I just came back from our theatre where we had a movie and numerous short subjects. After all the G.I. film was run they showed a new Technicolor picture made by Cleveland Press for Clevelandites in the 37th Div. Many fellows here recognized their folks, wifes, girl-friends, relatives, and friends upon the screen. These shots were taken in some Cleveland part at a picnic for relatives of this division. A commentator named the people and places shown in the pictorial screen-magazine.

The audience was shown various scenes in and around that city. Several days ago, a short film on Toledo was shown here but I didn't get to see that one. Possibly other Ohio cities will present films to be shown to this divisions' personnel. Wonder if the Badgers and Wolverines (32nd Div. boys) were shown anything like it on Wis. & Mich.?

During the past wk. or so we've been receiving many of our Xmas packages. For several nites running my section put on the feed=back after pooling such shipped-in delicacies as salami, anchovies, chicken, goose-liver, green, ripe, & stuffed olives, various cheeses, sandwich spreads, crackers, cookies, assorted candies, etc. Saturday we drew twelve cans of beer per man to complete this months' ration.

I have a busy day scheduled for to-morrow, so I'd best close for the present and hit the hay. Haven't been averaging much sleep of late but it's been my own fault usually.

Your brother,
Vic

I'm enclosing a Xmas card in photo form. Let me know how it passes censorship & arrives OK.

October 23, 1044

2008-05-11T10:32:00.000-07:00

(V-mail from Vic in Bougainville to older brother Rudy and wife Ann in Passaic, New Jersey. Photo is of a group of 'Solomon Islanders')

Monday evening,

Dear Ann & Rudy,

Have some time before "lights out" to drop you a few additional lines this evening. I'd appreciate a prompt reply on your part. Please write more regularly in the future.

Recall mentioning some of the wild life hereabouts in a recent letter to you, and thought you might like to know that there're also wild pigeons or doves in these tropics. These birds are larger than the mourning doves which are so common in the U.S., but resemble them somewhat in coloring. The species over here also coo in the same manner as those back home.

Hundreds of different varieties of trees are to be found on these Pacific islands and in denser growths or jungle areas vines of several types generally cover most of the tree foliage and trail in messy streamers to the ground.

Tremendous banyan trees are numerous and mahogany is common. A certain prickly vine that grows everywhere in the jungle is referred to by the native phrase "wait-a-minute". This vine is something to keep away from because once you tangle with it it's difficult to become disengaged and trips clothing and lacerates flesh upon undesired contact.

Write soon.
Best regards,
Vic

Octover 20th, 1944

2008-05-11T09:55:00.000-07:00

(Letter from Vic in Bougainville to older brother Rudy and wife Ann in Passaic, New Jersey)

Friday evening,

Dear Ann and Rudy,

Thanks for your letter of the twenty-ninth Setp. with articles enclosed. I enjoy receiving any enlightening clippings so don't hesitate to send any you might think I'd enjoy reading in the future. However, please don't send me any additional packages unless I request something at a future date.

I'm enclosing a Xmas card to you in the form of a photo. It'll probably arrive considerably before the holidays but I thought it best to send some at this date due to the forthcoming seasonal mail rush.

Yes, I also received the clippings concerning Jake V. He should be home within a few wks. now 'cause he's already left on rotation.

From my personal viewpoint I'd say the Anzacs are good soldiers and are quite well informed concerning war developments. Haven't seen either of their home-lands so can't comment on their economic and social reforms, but from what I've heard I judge them to be very progressive. We can't mention anything of our association or contact with Australian or New Zealand troops, if any, simply because the present censorship regulations prohibit same.

Did all of the negatives and prints that I previously mentioned sending you during the past arrive OK? Some fellows have had film and photos bounce back or confiscated and I've understand a few of mine didn't get thru. Are you showing what few prints I've mailed your way to Ed & Rose before sending same on home as requested? Did you (rest of paragraph cut out by censor, about four lines)

If you don't receive word from me regularly in the future please don't hesitate to write me as often as you can. Sometimes we're kept busy or don't have the materials for correspondence on hand or the situation may hardly permit but I'll try my best to keep you informed as regards what little we may mention.

Sorry to learn of the huge cut-backs in production at Wrights that will probably result int he laying off of many men and women. Please keep me informed on the matter. Will it effect either you, Ann, Ed, or Git?

Was glad to hear of our invasion of the Philippines. Hope the war situation in Europe clears up in the near future. Write soon.

Best regards,
Vic

October 6, 1944

2008-04-27T10:45:00.000-07:00

(Three V-Mails from Vic in Bougainville to parents and younger brother Paul in Racine Wisconsin. Photo is of newspaper Racine article on Vic.)

Dear Mother, Father & Paul,

In my letter of several days ago I neglected to mention several things hence this V-mailer. I hope you've already sent off a reply to my recent letters.

Several days ago I had a fifty dollar P.T.A. made out for mother. I wish she'd keep at least half to purchase something for herself and Pa as Xmas gifts from me and use the remainder to buy some articles for the rest of the family. Please acknowledge receipt of the P.T.A. check when it has arrived.

Should you ever meet Ned Sparks from Milw. in the near future please ask him for the complete address of the Frank Jones he mentioned being at this location. Apparently that G.I. is in one of the units within this division and I'd like to meet him. Kingly give Sparks my regards.

(2)

Paul, did I metnion to you that Representative Lawrence Smith claimed publicly that he was going to investigate the so-called War Dept. (Army) rotation plan as well as the shipping situation in the Pacific? Naturally this declaration got prominent billing in these G.I. inhabited parts and some soldiers even sent in multi-indorsed petitions encouraging his inquires and otherwise backing him.

It's bad that such a character be able to capitalize on such war conditions to gain publicity favorable to himself insofar as gaining votes from Wis. fellows in this theatre and others goes. Undoubtedly he's thinking in terms of the coming election and seeking to undermine faith in our government. His statement is particularly aimed at overseas service-men and their families and relatives at home. Unfortunate as the situation may appear regarding those issues he should be exposed and repudiated.

(3)

Recently I received quite a little propaganda in the form of a letter from one Karl Steinman in behalf of the J.I. Case Co. He asked that I write to Geo. Horst, Personnel Director, and state my desires regarding any requests I might have concerning my job at Case's.

Actually they want one to give reasons for wishing some different type job within the works or if one will be satisfied to go back to the old job. I don't imagine they're really "climbing out on a limb" or actually committing themselves, but they are evidently attempting to give the impression that the serviceman who was formerly in their employment will really go places when he gets back.

Say, does the Case Co. really intend to build a new main wks. or just some new depts. after the war, and have they signed a new contract with local 180?

Best regards,
Vic

September 27, 1944

2008-04-27T08:48:00.001-07:00

(Letter from Vic in Bougainville to brother Paul sent to their parents home in Racine, Wisconsin. Photo is of entertainer Larry Adler in Bougainville, who performed at the USO show there in early August 1944.)

Wednesday evening,

Dear Paul,

Thanks for you letter. Was slightly surprised at the trend of your lecture. Apparently you didn't notice what I was referring to as regards the type of articles I mentioned. Will discuss this later in this letter. Am forwarding this home 'cause I presume you'll be in Racine within several days after the time of its arrival.

I'm sure the watch is OK and I quite agree with you on the present qualities of "Swiss" watches being manufactured nowadays. They compose the majority of the few watches purchasable overseas. At irregular intervals our supply gets a few which are 'raffled' off. The winners then purchase the watches. They range in price from eighteen to thirty bucks, and within a few days they're inoperative. In other words, they're just so much junk that someone's dumped on the market.

I haven't been fortunate enough even to qualify to buy one. The watch I received from Ed & Rudy is again on the blink. Everyone seems to develop watch trouble in these climes, and to top it off I had to break the watch-strap & lose the spring pin retainers. The G.M. watch repair only handles spare parts for G.I. Elgins, etc. (issued to 1st three graders) and even such maintenance is limited.

Paul if you'd seen all the correspondence I've been carrying on with the Armed Forces Institute merely to enroll for a course you'd realize that all isn't as well as appears. Believe it was last April or May that I wrote to Horlick High concerning info as regards credits. After some time they politely refered me to Madison for forms which I did. These then had to go to Ft. Sill & then back to Madison. They in turn wrote Horlick High and then both wrote to me saying I needed such & such credits, giving course numbers, etc. and evaluating my in-service training.

I then enrolled (more blanks!) for a course in Am. History. After about a month they notified me that I could switch to the South West Pacific Area U.S.A.F.I. which I did. Then SWPA said they didn't have that course number on hand as yet and suggested I wait. Later they re-turned my forms & money order, and suggested I re-enroll for the Am Hist under the old course number or else take another course.

Meanwhile, Madison sends me more dope on new courses offered. Well, about two wks. ago I sent in an application to SWPA for their new course in Economics and told them to forward me the old if the former wasn't as yet available. So now the spring & summer has passed and here I am still awaiting the first lesson in anything!

Understand one has to send in at least a lesson a month so I wonder what happens if there's a campaign going on. Well, I hope to get something done on this score when and if a course arrives. Can't say now how I'll progress, but at this time I have ambitions to get several courses completed.

Sunday nite, the twenty-fourth, I saw the world premier of the new film "Marriage Is a Private Affair" starring Lana Turner up at Bosley Fields. Leastwise it was advertised locally as a first showing and don't believe it's been released back there yet. Anyhow, Lana gives a short talk to the G.I. audience in the first few feet of film preceeding the actual titleheading, etc.

In the Arts Building up at B.F. a swell Art Exhibit has been showing now for several wks. Some excellent work is featured & I believe I'll see it again. Naturally, the works deal with typical scenes hereabouts and are very realistic. Better than I thought could possibly be done overseas. Much time was put into many of the water colors, oils, sketchings, carvings and butterfly collections.

I sincerely appreciate the efforts you've taken to try to have had prints made from those faulty negatives and in endeavouring to purchase a High Standard or Woodsman for me. Please don't bother with them any more. I'm sorry to've put you to so much trouble. Discard those two negatives and forget bout the hand gun. Can't think of anything I want sent over for Xmas so don't bother about seeking any gift for me. Yes, I'd appreciate receiving those phamplets you mention. No, I haven't received your package containing your photograph and "Decameron" and "Man's Fate".

Paul, that was some verbal going-over that you gave me, but I still don't think that you realize I was merely refering to some articles refering to G.I.'s in these parts that have appeared from time to time in those previously mentioned magazines. Of course, I realize what their editorial policies are, whom they're dictated by, and what they represent or attempt to represent. You'd be surprised at the number of fellows who're enlightened to the point where they can begin to see what's what concerning the press. Will continue this discussion later.

Regard,
Vic

(In the margins of the three page letter, Vic writes....)

Two & a half wks ago (the tenth & eleventh of this month, to be exact) Mike Principe visited me for two days here. He was flying back to his base south of here after a run up above and managed to stop over, catching another air-ride out the next day. We had quite a bull session & he has fourteen of my prints that he'll give or send you when he gets home in October or so. Please keep them for me.

Imagine you're wondering what I'm refering to when I mention old and new course numbers in the same subject. Well, it seems the latter are much more simplified & consist of less lessons. Quite a few fellows within the Bn. are subscribing to various courses.

Which reminds me that my stationery supply is nil. Would you please enclose a few sheets in your next letter as well as some stamped air-mail envelopes? Put a strip of wax paper between the sticky gummed surface & the envelope itself. Send only a moderate supply of paper & envelopes at one time.

September 8, 1944

2008-04-27T08:47:00.001-07:00

(Letter from Vic in Bougainville to brother Paul in Berkeley, California. Photo is of entertainer June Bruner in Bougainville, who performed at the USO show there in late August 1944.)

Friday

Dear Paul,

Enclosed within this envelope you'll note eleven snap-shots that I wish you'd keep for me. The extreme humidity isn't doing them any good over here. Had some others spoil and some unexposed film deteriorate as well.

Say, can you possibly send me any film? Most any type can be readily used such as 120, 620, 110, or 616 because cameras requiring such sizes are usually available about the btry.

Today I received a brief letter from Ted that came by regular mail that was a month or more enroute. Please remind him to use air-mail and write in more detail. I'll drop him a line before the week-end is up. How's he doing with the gals thereabouts?

Have you gone around with Yuts yet since he came back from furlough? Where does he expect to go next and when's he shoving off?

I read that that Joe "Red" Trentadue died of wounds received at Saipan. Too bad. The war news from the European front sounds extremely good.

Your brother,
Vic

September 5, 1944

2008-04-27T08:46:00.002-07:00

(Letter from Vic in Bougainville to brother Paul in Berkeley, California. Photo is of entertainers Martha Tilton and Jack Benny in Bougainville, who performed at the USO show there in late August 1944.)

Tuesday evening,

Dear Paul,

This evening I obtained four prints that were taken here last month. They're pictures of stage and screen stars that you'll recognize. Did you receive the other three snap-shots of screen starts that I forwarded you several wks. ago? Will you please send these on to Rudy and Ed and ask that they send same on home to the folks in the near future?

Also included herein are two clippings from Time Magazine that you might find interesting. Perhaps you've already read same. In any case, kindly save them for me. When next I write I'll be enclosing most of the snap-shots I've received from friends since being overseas because they're deteriorating in these climes.

Yesterday I received letters from the folks and Ray Reed. Please write soon!

Your brother,
Vic

August 30, 1944

2008-04-27T08:46:00.001-07:00

(Letter from Vic in Bougainville to brother Paul in Berkeley, California. Photo is of entertainer Carole Landis in Bougainville, who performed at the USO show there in mid-August 1944.)

Wednesday evening,

Dear Paul,

Was surprised to receive a letter from Yuts on Monday that was postmarked in Racine. He certainly didn't waste any time getting home. Mentioned getting thirty days furlough! That's more than considerable when I learn that two-yr.-plus men that go home from over here (the lucky few) are only getting twenty-one days. I'm naturally referring to Army enlisted personnel.

Does Yuts know how fortunate he is? I sent him a prompt v-mailer on the spur of the moment the other nite and asked that he visit my friends. Find out if he got around much back in Racine. Incidentally, remind him to write immediately and give me the whole story when next you see him on the west coast. Noticed he has a new address so he must have been reassigned to another unit.

Had a brief line from Jake Valentine the other day and he mentioned that his name was finally drawn in the August quota to go back Stateside under rotation. Imagine the slap-happy character is almost blowin' his top! Execuse me, I know Jake better than that, but I don't think he'll especially regret leaving these jungles, but then too I can't imagine the ole Army red tape back there will please him either. Guess he's seen his share plus, and deserves any breaks they might possibly throw his way.

If you should see him in the bay area, I presume you gave him your address, show him a good time by all means but kinda take it easy. Quite a few of the lads who've been around here can't take too much at one time. There's any number of reasons for this as you must've heard. My guess is that Jake won't make the Frisco beach-head until Sep. or Oct. Have you heard from his recently?

Do you read Time, Newsweek and Yank regularly? Time is quite authentic in its report of these parts and a spring or early summer issue of Yank carried an interesting article on cannibalism in the Solomons. Have you noticed any interesting news items lately? Best you take most of them with a grain of salt.

The folks wrote to me from New Jersey and seem to be really enjoying themselves down there. However, at this time they must be well settled back home. Guess they had a vacation coming, eh? Do Ed and Rudy write you often? They haven't been too prompt at replying my letters of late. I imagine they're quite busy tho, and the summer heat down there doesn't instill any too much ambition in a person.

The war news from the European fronts is very encouraging and things seem to be coming along pretty good over here. Well, it's coming around to lights out so I'll sign off.

Vic

Paul, were you ever able to obtain copy of "Seranade" by Cain? None of your packages have arrived recently other than the air-mail envelopes.

August 21, 1944

2008-04-27T08:45:00.000-07:00

(V- mail from Vic in Bougainville to brother Paul in Berkeley, California.)

Monday afternoon,

Dear Paul,

Just recalled that I forgot to thank you for the air-mail envelopes which arrived Sat. The paper that you placed under the flaps is closely stuck. In the future uses wax paper if I ever request anymore. The large size makes them quite handy for mailing snap-shots, articles, etc.

Please keep me informed of your progress regarding filing benefit claims under the G.I. "Bill of Rights". Did you file it with the Vets Admins.? What reply have you had to date?

If you still can't pick up a Woodsman or High-Standard plus holster or haven't any leads at this time forget the matter 'cause you seem to've spent too much time on it already. Should you be fortunate enough to make good connections please enclose a bottle of Hoppe's #9 nitro-solvent plus screwdriver (small) or other tool for disassembling pistol.

Regards,
Vic

August 20, 1944

2008-04-27T08:44:00.001-07:00

(Letter from Vic in Bougainville to brother Paul in Berkeley, California. Photo is of entertainers Patty Thomas and Francis Langford in Bougainville, who performed at the USO show there in early August 1944.)

Sunday afternoon,

Your last letter of the 10th arrived Friday with the four prints enclosed I'd asked for. No, I haven't read "Man's Fate" and I appreciate you sending same along with a copy of the "Decameron". You mentioned a picture of yourself will it be with the books or was it supposed to've been enclosed within your recent letter?

Has my previous letter arrived with the three snap shots of Hope, Langford, Colonna and Thomas? Did the twenty buck P.T.A. check arrive?

Well, Jack Benny, Carole Landis, June Bruner, Larry Adler, and Martha Tilton did arrive here early in the week and toured the island for three or four days. I saw their show and thought it was swell.

Was reading the special service bulletin about coming films to be shown in this theatre and noted that the Army is not accepting anymore melodramatic war films and flag-wavers from the Overseas Motion Picture Service (Hollywood) for overseas consumption.

Give Yuts and Ted my regards the next time you see them and urge them to write frequently. Phil hasn't answered fro some time and I was wondering whether he had a new address when last writing you. Did you remind Bill Fiala to write? That boy isn't exactly prompt when it comes to replying. Have you heard anything as to whether or not he's set the wedding date? Did Yuts and Ted get home on furlough?

Do you hear much from Ray Reed these days? Recently I had a letter from hims - first in several months. Mike Principe still has visited me and I doubt whether he'll be able to make it. To whom did you send prints of those negatives I forwarded you some time back.

No, I've never been to Carmel but from your description I gather it must be quite scenic. Just inland from there the old Hearst ranch (Hunter-Liggett Military Reservation) must begin. That's where the C. Roberts lads get manuevers. I don't know what the coast-line up thereabouts looks like, but I've followed it from a town just west of San Luis Obispo down thru Santa Maria & Santa Babara. That section was swell.

Do you get out on such interesting trips very often. Are you a fiend for salt water swimming? I've just about had my fill of it and won't be complaining about the lake, quarry, or even Root River once I get home. However, the beaches here undoubtedly surpass even Atlantic Center or Jones Beach and the surf is big
(sometimes terrifically so!) and the water clean.

Still, most G.I.s prefer fresh water bathing. There are a few streams around but they're never more than waist-deep. I once did find a place where the swift current had gouged out the soft rock to a depth of about six feet, though. One can't swim just anywheres 'cause these streams supply our drinking water. In our btry. area we rely upon well-water for showering and clothes-washing. We dig down to depths ranging from five to fifteen ft. (depending on the water level) and place empty drums with ends cut out one on top of the other. Then the sides are filled in with dirt and a cover fitted over the top for screening purposes. Another drum with piping is supported on framework for a show.

Well, guess I'd best close now. Write soon!

Your brother,
Vic

August 14, 1944

2008-04-27T08:25:00.001-07:00

(Letter from Vic in Bougainville to brother Paul in Berkeley, California. Photo is of entertainer Patty Thomas in Bougainville, who performed at the USO show there in early August 1944.)

Monday evening,

Dear Paul,

Surprised not to've heard from you at this date. Are you kept very busy these days? Please write whenever you have time and make it a long air-mail letter.

Received a letter from Yuts yesterday. He was writing from Calif. and said he intended seeing you presently so I imagine you two have gotten together already. He certainly was lucky to get home after such a relatively short time down in these parts. Tell him I won't write him until he sends his permanent address. However, that shouldn't stop him from writing regularly in the least.

Mike Principe wrote me a again recently and said he'd try to get up here in the near future. I answered him last nite and urged that we make it soon. Otherwise it's quite possible we won't get together over on this side.

I'm enclosing three snapshots of some of the entertainers who performed here recently. I got these prints from a friend of mind who's in another btry. Please forward them to Ed and Rudy and remind them to forward same on home after they've looked at the pics.

Did mother receive and forward on to you the five Kodachrome prints that were taken over here several months ago? The fellow I ordered them from is in this btry., and had his parents get the copies made back in the states. They were then sent home to Racine from Illinois.

You'll note a clipping from Time herewith enclosed that I wish you'd keep for me as it gives quite an accurate picture of G.I.s and their opinions of Hollywood products. Time is mostly reliable in reporting from the war theatres as well as the home front. Do you read it regularly? Write soon.!

Your brother
Vic

P.S. - Just happened to remember several other things I meant to've mentioned.

Last night (rather Sat. nite) I saw a good show up at Bosley Field. Re-knowned violinist Steven Hero, a ballet dancer, and met. opera singer Agnes Davies performed then and another divisions' dance band was also featured. Did I tell you that I saw the tenor Felix Knight down on the 'Canal last year along with a USO troupe? Perhaps Bill Fiala would be interested to know the above-mentioned so kindly mention it to him when next you write his way and please urge him to write me a very long letter in the near future. I wrote to him again but he's still not replied.

Did I tell you that Jack Benny, Carole Landis & troupe are due here shortly? Boy! We're finally get some entertainment up this way and it's surprising everyone.

Some time back, I inquired of Wm. Horlick High School of my total credits and the necessary work required to get a diploma. After much red tape and filling in forms to the Armed Forces Institute I got an evaluation of in-service credits and Acting-Principal Smith wrote and said they were crediting 72.5 credits fro work done in the Army. They added this to my previous 127.8 points and now I total 200.3 credits. How many are required normally for graduation? The catch is that I still require the completion of Am. Literature, and taking a course in each to the following: English Literature, Am. History, and Economics. I've already enrolled for Am. History and certainly hope I now have time to knock out the lessons.

I'd like to get into the U.S. F..S. after the war. Can you give me any dope on required Civil Service exams?

Please don't ask me what we're doing 'cause the censorship regulations are getting very strict again.

Best regards,
Vic

August 8, 1944

2008-04-20T13:24:00.000-07:00

(Letter from Lt. Col. John R. Crossen to Vic. Photo is of the original document.)

Subject: Commendation

To: Technician Grave V Victor Peterson, HQ Btry., 135th FA Bn.

Thru: Commanding Officer, Headquarter Battery, 135th F.A. Bn

1. A report of the grades attained by personnel attending the 37th Division Artillery Radio Technician School has been received at this Headquarters, and it is noted that you were rated Excellent.

2. It is gratifying to the Battalion Commander to receive reports of this nature from personnel of this command.

3. You are hereby commended for your excellent performance of duties while attending the above school.

John R. Crossen
Lt. Col. ,135h F.A. Bn.
Commanding

August 2, 1944

2008-04-20T13:05:00.000-07:00

(In early August, Bob Hope and other Hollywood entertainers arrived at Bougainville as part of a Pacific USO tour for soldiers. Among the documents in Vic's trunk was a mimeographed copy of Hope's Bougainville version of his theme song 'Thanks for the Memories'. The photo shows Hope performing in Bougainville with Jerry Colonna and Tony Romano on guitar. The mimeographed lyrics are shown below. )

THANKS FOR THE MEMORIES

Thanks for the memories>
For long nights in the rain
And sweat and mud and pain
You did your bit, you must admit
To drive us all insane
We thank you so much
Thanks for the memories
For headaches without cause
Your strategy with flaws
Ideas mixed, rotation fixed
Your simple childish laws
We thank you so much
Oh many the orders you have pasted
And many the days we have wasted
And much is the spam we have tasted
We must confess
T'was quite a mess
Oh thanks for the memories
You'd steal, lie, cheat, connive
We're lucky we're alive
We leave today - So now we say
We loathe the one three five
We hate you so much

Oh thanks for the memories
At least ten million men
Have roared and cursed and then
They've snarled and scowled and groaned and growled
But, still, they say again -
We thank you so much

Oh thanks for the memories
Of O.D. painted cars
And twinkling tropic stars
And G.I. stuff we've had enough
Of stripes and leaves and bars
We thank you so much
In mud we have scrambled and slithered
In sunshine we have roasted and quivered
In cold we have shaken and shivered -
But now w'e through -
So nuts to you -
And thanks for the memories With eighty-five and more
We leave this distant shorte
From now on in its cokes and gin
The Army will ignore -
Banzai! Goodbye

July 31, 1944

2008-04-20T12:34:00.001-07:00

(Letter from Vic to younger brother Paul, sent from Bougainville, Solomon Islands to Berkeley, California. Photo shows several members of the Royal New Zealand Air Force stationed at Bougainville in July 1944. Note the Japanese writing on the back of this motor-tricycle.)

Monday afternoon

Dear Paul,

Had several letters from both Rudy and the Folks recently and wondered why you haven't been writing regularly of late. How's about a prompt replay in the form of a nice long air mail letter?

Had any recent word from Ted Kraynik? Is it possible he's back out to the West coast already? Did Yuts mention to you that he might be seeing you in the future? Talked like he was going back to least to Frisco. Seems unusual considering the relatively short period of overseas service he's put in.

Mike Princippi hasn't paid me the visit he hoped to. Perhaps he'll be coming up one of these days. Max Mueckler still writes regularly from New Guinea. Jake V. may've gone home considering two facts" he hasn't replied for some time, and I heard a large percentage of his div. went home under rotation enmasse. Still haven't had Phil confirm same but I believe Phil's outfit went up to the Admiralty Islands. Bob Hoey either saw action again at Saipan, Tinian, or Guam if he's still with his old unit.

Today I had a P.T.A. check made out to you for twenty bucks and it'll be forwarded to you shortly. Kindly use same for a straight present for Mother, and purchase something for yourself with the remainder. Have no way of telling what'd be most appropriate for you coming birthday so please excuse the outright money gift.

Last nite I saw a splendid performance given by the military band and dance orchestra sections of the Royal New Zealand Air Force Band. It was the best show I've seen overseas, and it was rendered up at the Bosley Field Recreational center. Their (R.N.Z.A.F.) military band consisted of many pieces and their uniforms and techniques were unique in a gala fashion. Their dance orchestray changed into formal attire, and gave a show featuring practically every form of modern dance music from sweet swing and latest jive thru conga and rhumba. Guess the after G.I. would rate them top-notchers comparing with our best Am. bands after the show they gave. A New Zealander told me that their leader, Walters, had a large orchestra in pre-war times down in Wellington.

Within the next few days Bob Hope and Frances Langford plus troupe are expected on the island to give entertainment. They won't be here long and we may not get see them (our outfit) 'cause we begin some fancy training manuevers on Wednesday. The Div Arty rad. school I have been attending winds up to-morrow. Heard Jerry Colonna may be amongst the entertainers. I (rest of letter has been ripped out, likely by Army censors.)

July 28, 1944

2008-04-20T12:13:00.001-07:00

(V-mail from Vic to younger brother Paul, sent from Bougainville, Solomon Islands to Berkeley, California. Photo shows P-39 taking off from Tokorino Airstrip.)
Friday evening,

Dear Paul,

Last nite I enclosed two negatives within a letter that'll travel via regular first-class mail. Probably won't reach you for a month.

What action have you taken as regards the books I requested? Having trouble locating copies? Don't go out of you way to obtain any of that stuff and spend a lot of time that you might need. How're you making out concerning a High Standard or Woodsman? If you get one let me know how much it set you back & don't forget holster and ammo. If they're practically unobtainable let me know as soon as possible and don't waste any more of your time on it. Coulnd't you send one item with, say, Baccaccio's "De Cammeron" or "Serenade: as packaged books?

Did Yuts write you that he might be seeing you in the near future?

Your brother,
Vic

July 27, 1944

2008-04-20T12:11:00.000-07:00

(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 Vic outside bamboo tent bunkhouse with fellow soldier Pete Anderson.)

Thursday evening,

Dear Ann and Rudy,

Thanks for your two letters containing the clippings which arrived Tuesday. Have little to mention at this time so don't think I'll make this very lengthy. Having remained here for so many months I've practically exhausted any information from these parts.

A change of scenery is desired by most of us and we'll be getting it, but when so we won't be indulging in recreational activities. Far from that. Understand our next campaign'll be our biggest and toughest. Don't know whether it'll be the type encountered by the Marine at Tarawa and Saipan or what. Anyhow, it's supposed to embody some new tactics that we can't mention. Nor can our combat training, and our manuevering be described so please don't ask what we're doing and where we expect to go cause I'd have to ignore your enquiries.

Today we were sold a case of beer per man which bring our rations to two cases in about two wks. time. All the troops here get the same amount thru their respective canteens or PXs. Food rations have improved tremendously compared to what they were several months ago. However, they're still nothing like those luxuries considered everyday chow by GIs back in the States.

From our island gardens we've had a total of about three ears of sweet corn apiece, sliced cucumbers and a small portion of tomatoes. The cultivated areas (cleared of jungle growth & hand planted) don't yield enough produce for larger quantities to all the personnel stationed here. However, you'd be surprised at the garden acreage.

My own garden didn't produce so well. Only reaped some parsley and a few sweet peppers and some small tomatoes. It's been cleared away now under our area clean-up program. We've cut away practically everything of late.

Perhaps I won't be able to write you and Rose and Ed as often as I'd like in the future so would you mind passing my letters to them so they might read what I have to mention from these waters? It's just possible that things turn out so that we'll have ample time to write home regularly but I wouldn't count on it.

Thought perhaps the Allies forces in Normandy would be further advanced than their present positions indicate at this date after the good showing they made in establishing their initial beach-head. However the Russians are doing exceptionally well in their drive to crush the Nazis.

The amphibious forces over in this zone are doing very well too. What're your views on the war operations and general conditions back home?

Will you please send a small tubular shaped sewing kit with some rust-proof needles? Write soon!

Best regards,
Vic

July 27, 1944

2008-04-20T11:47:00.000-07:00

(Letter from Vic to younger brother Paul, sent from Bougainville, Solomon Islands to Berkeley, California. Photo shows artillery gun crew in action during late 1943 or early 1944.)

Thursday evening,

Haven't had a word from you for some time now and was wondering what's causing the delay on your end of the line. Please write as often as you can spare the time and in as great detail as possible. Should my letters appear less frequently in the future don't regard it as incourtesy. Just that we may not be able to write as often as usual when we become engaged in an operation. However, it might turn out that we will have ample opportunity to write as often as we care to do so.

Am enclosing two negatives that cannot be satisfactorily printed up over here. They're old but in fair condition so I'd appreciate copies whenever you can have some made (if so). You may not notice anything unusual about them but they happen to be positives. By that I mean that if printed the copies would come out in reverse, or as negatives. That's why I'm in doubt as to whether or not you can successfully get prints made.

There's no particular hurry for this work on my part so please don't inconvenience yourself merely to have it done. Most anytime'll do should it be possible to get a negative made of this film in order to make up positives. Sorry I couldn't enclose them at the time I last forwarded you film but I didn't have them here on hand. Would've been far better to've sent them then,I realize, so that I could've had these few odd things made up. Won't be sending anything more in this line for probably months 'cause there just isn't practical scenes and subjects to photograph hereabouts.

Now don't get the idea these are good. Just that they're of some fellows I was out on liaison work back around Xmas, and I'd like to have something to remember that particular time & place by. What are your views as regards to the so-called G I Bill of Rights? Won't you be able to qualify for financial assistance from the Gov't for educational purposes under that law? Heard it covers anyone entering the armed forces after Sept. 15, 1940 and that was under 25 yrs. of age at that time. Didn't you join the navy shortly afterwards and have you fully investigated the qualifications.

Most close now 'cause lights are going out and I'm quite fatigued this evening. Will write you via v or air mail within a day or two 'cause this letter'll probably be en-route for four or five weeks. Write soon and regularly.

Best regards from
Your brother,
Vic

July 15, 1944

2008-04-20T11:36:00.000-07:00

(V-mail from Vic to younger brother Paul, sent from Bougainville, Solomon Islands to Berkeley, California. The photo shows three soldiers - including Ben Louie at right - holding Japanese Flag.)

Saturday evening,

Dear Paul,

Received your letter dated the third containing the three prints and air-mail stamps. Thanks for sending same. Hope I won't be putting you to too much trouble by requesting another print of one of those negatives. One of the fellows from my section here would like a copy of the negative showing three fellows holding a Jap flag stretched between them.

If you've already forwarded these negatives to Rudy would you mind requesting him to send me a copy of the aforementioned negative? Did you receive some new prints from Ruts of negatives that I forwarded to him? Have you sent me any package that I haven't acknowledged receiving?

No I haven't read "High Man on a Totem Pole" by Smith but I did read London's "Iron Heel" several yrs. ago. We saw "Up In Arms" several wks. ago and on the whole the fellows thought it stunk. As for Danny Kaye - well he doesn't rate very high in these parts.

Your brother,
Vic

July 14, 1944

2008-04-20T11:19:00.000-07:00

(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

July 14, 1944

2008-04-05T15:50:00.001-07:00

(Two V-mails from Vic to younger brother Paul, sent from Bougainville, Solomon Islands to Berkeley, California. Photo shows soldiers - standing - Frank Fatlich and Robert L Hayes (both killed in the war) and squatting - John L. Hinson, John Chickchuna and William J. McGuirk)

Friday evening,

Dear Paul,

It's raining quite heavily to-nite as I'm writing these lines so I'm thankful I didn't go up to the outdoor special service theatre. Our area is somewhat drier since clearing so much jungle growth away and ditches tend to drain off excess precipitation. However, all this seemingly tends to make the heat more noticeable.

Paul, should you obtain a High Standard or Woodsman kindly include ammo and holster when sending same. Send it along with books as such. Yesterday I received your package of books which included "Transit" and "Favorite Works of Mark Twain". Many thanks for the thoughtfulness you showed in forwarding them.

A fellow from my section here would like to know if you can obtain Boccaccio's "The Decameron", preferably second hand.

Your brother,
Vic

(Second V-mail)

Dear Paul,

Thought I'd add a few more works on a second v-mailer. Incidentally, I'd appreciate hearing from you more often so please write whenever you can spare the time.

Believe Ed's birthday is the 17th August, so how's about sending him a card with both our names signed to it? Would you please do likewise when Mother's birthday comes due in September? I'll send you some dough that I wish you'd use to purchase a present with for her. Look around for something apropriate, will you?

Do you intend making a trip to Wis. before beginning college again? Did Cambell get on that Alaskan project? Is Ted Kaynik in Idaho now? Say, won't you be eligible for G.I. education under the newly passed bill? Understand anyone entering service since Sep. 15, 1940 will qualify.

Your brother,
Vic

July 11, 1944

2008-04-05T14:38:00.001-07:00

(Letter from Vic to older brother Rudy and wife Ann, sent from Bougainville, Solomon Islands to Passaic, New Jersey. Photo shows Vic beside a radio command car.)

Tuesday evening,

Your letter of the twenty-eighth June arrived yesterday along with one from Git. Haven't heard from Paul within the past three wks. or so. Why don't you all write more often? Guess that film wasn't so hot, eh?

The folks'll be receiving some Kodachrome prints during the next two months (about five) that you might be interested in seeing. They're scenes from here taken months ago by a fellow in the Btry. The prints have to be made up at the Eastman plant in the States so his folks will mail my completed ones home. Is film available back there nowadays?

Am enclosing several articles from Time and Newsweek that you may've missed. I won't state that they're entirely authentic. Might be interesting to keep them on hand so I might comment on them with you personally sometimes. Incidentally that sometime will be anywhere between six or eight to twelve or fourteen months from now depending upon whether the two yr. overseas term is dropped to eighteen months in this theatre for rotation eligibility. Unless, of course, the war over here should be won in the meanwhile.

Even if the war ends rather abruptly at a reasonably early date I can't imagine all the troops being transported home immediately. Possibly a percentage of personnel will remain as occupational forces, and transportation for those giving back to the States won't be immediately available for everybody.

However, I'm not counting on us winning the war easily. But things are really starting to roll. When and where we go into action next is quite naturally a big subject with us and we hear it's going to amount to some show. Beyond that I couldn't state anything even if I had any info. Well, I'll keep my eyes open for something in the souvenir line for you in the future. At present we're still living a quiet life - one you might classify as a tropical version of garrison life.

George "Yuts" Conrad dropped me a line recently and said Mike Princippi, Sgt. in U.S.M.C., was at his former location. Mike might be able to fly up here too, 'cause he's in the Marin Air Corps. Yuts moved back down the line to another base so we probably won't get together again.

Max Mueckler wrote from New Guinea the other day and told about being 'busted' from Sgt. back down to Pvt. There's a good possibility that Jake Valentine is on his way home from that area at this time.

Write soon!

Best regards,
Vic

July 7, 1944

2008-04-05T14:37:00.005-07:00

(V-mail from Sgt. Jake Valentine to Paul Petersen, sent from New Guinea to Berkeley, California. Map of U.S. military operations in New Guinea found in Vic's Trunk.)

Dear Paul,

Please be content with this "v" mail. It isn't much but I'm kinda busy and news is scarce. I'll soon write a longer and more informative script. And thanks for the letter and photos.

We're now back in the push against the Nips, again. At present the situation is pretty stable - mostly patrol activity. But the F.A. is just busy enough to stay off the dock and other cargodoring details which is the (illegible word) soldiers offtime duties.

I came off the field for a brief respite from duties at the 'front'. It wasn't too tough but a little damp, a little tiring and a little boring. It's too much early to bed and early to rise, or rather too early to bed and too early to rise business.

Time to close, keep writing, and so long.
Jake

July 5, 1944

2008-04-05T14:37:00.003-07:00

(V-mail from Vic to younger brother Paul, sent from Bougainville, Solomon Islands to Berkeley, California. Photo shows Vic flanked by fellow soldiers.)

Wednesday,

Dear Paul,

Did I thank you for you recent letter which included the photos? Can't recall if I got around to answering when I last wrote the other evening. Thought those pics swell.

Mother tells me she's either going to New Jersey this summer or fall or otherwise Ed, Rose, Rudy and Ann may come to Racine for their vacations. I think the latter would be the best plan 'cause Pa probably wouldn't be able to make it Est.

Why don't you go come for a visit before starting school this Fall? How much would it cost you for a round-trip fare and how much would the travelling time amount to? I'm sure the folks would be pleased to see you again.

Tell Ted Kraynik to write and give me his address.

Yesterday we observed Independence Day and had the day off. Saw the Div. boxing semi-finals and softball championship game. Had real fried chicken yesterday.

Your brother,
Vic

July 2, 1944

2008-04-05T14:37:00.001-07:00

(V-mail from Vic to younger brother Paul, sent from Bougainville, Solomon Islands to Berkeley, California. Picture is of soldier, W.J. McGuirk.)

Sunday,

Dear Paul,

Thanks for the letter and snap-shots. Haven't received the books you mentioned sending. Can't think of any books or articles I like sent at this time.

When next you see Ted tell him to write me and tell him that a few gals back home have been inquiring as to his whereabouts. Who's the gal on the picture with you? See that you're getting around somewhat these days. That's something we'd like to do - take it easy, but still take it.

I've been registered for the elections at home thru the folks. Are you voting out there in the national? Still awaiting word from Horlick High regarding credit situation before signing up for A.F.I. Will write again soon.

Your brother,
Vic

June 24, 1944

2008-04-05T14:35:00.000-07:00

(Typed V-mail from Lt. Col. John R. Crossen, Commanding Officer of 135th Field Artillery Battalion, to Mr. and Mrs. Peter A. Petersen in Racine, Wisconsin. Note that this letter was also subject to censorship. The other photo shows a sharpshooting competition at Bougainville.)

Dear Mr. & Mrs. Petersen:

Your son Victor has been an important member of this organization for some time and we feel you should know how we value men like him. We have had the satisfaction of helping to furnish the punch that whipped the Japanese, both in New Georgia and our present base. We have had some difficult times and experiences. We have contended with the jungle, incessant rains, mosquitos, air raids, enemy shelling and fanatic Japanese attacks. We have missed our loved ones and all the pleasures of our home and families.

Our men have earned a well deserved rest. We are attempting to make their life as pleasant as possible under the circumstances, and to a great extent we have overcome the difficulties encountered. We have built a Battalion Theatre where moves are shown every other evening. There are volley ball and basket ball courts and a baseball diamond, pingpong tables and library with an unlimited supply of books where men can spend their leisure time.

USO Shows and various orchestras visit the battalion occasionally. Carved out of the jungle nearby is a Service Club with a complete recreation room. Our radio station on the island relays the best programs from the states. An arrangement for further education has been instituted by the Army whereby an ambitious young man can ready himself for civilian work or to continue his education.

With the sky and sea dominated by our Air Force and Navy, we are able to get more and more shipments of fresh foods and meats. Better equipment is available and the men are sheltered comfortably in tents with cots and bedding. There are wells all over the area and with showers constructed from oil drums we are able to bathe daily. A doctor is assigned to the Battalion to take care of the slightest ailment of any of it's members.

When peace has again prevailed over this chaotic world, and you son has returned to a normal civil life, I am sure that he will be proud to have served with a unit that has won praise and commendations from Army and Naval officials.

I write this letter because I am proud to be the commander of the unit of which your son is member. I write this to assure you that all of our officers will do everything in their power to make life as pleasant as possible.

Sincerely
John R. Crossen
Lt. Col., 135th FA Bn.
Commanding

June 21, 1944

2008-04-05T14:34:00.001-07:00

(Letter from Vic to younger brother Paul, sent from Bougainville, Solomon Islands to Berkeley, California. Picture is of Ben Louie holding Japanese flag.)

Wednesday Evening,

Dear Paul,

Well you certainly owe me a few replies now. Write as soon as you can spare the time to do so. don't be too particular about the subjects you bring up - write about any material you have on mind.

Please don't expect me to be quite so free in discussions though, cause we still have censorship and it's not actually lenient. Jake keeps reminding me to give out a little more info, but every time I bring up anything about these parts the line bounces back. His censors over in New Guinea don't worry about any phony security business and tend to leave correspondence interesting reading material.

I hope you've mailed the copies of those negatives I sent you on to the friends I mentioned. Do you have any recent prints of yourself? Would please have a print made from one of the negatives I sent you of a Chinese-Am buddy holding a Jap flag sent back to me?

Paul, if you should come across a High Standard or Woodsman, preferably the former, in the 4 1/2" or 6" barrel within the next month and a half I'd really appreciate having it sent over provided ammo is available. Sorry I ever parted with mine. As you previously mentioned, they're scarce as hell so don't put too much effort into finding one. Don't bother seeking after a month or so 'cause the time elasped before it arrived would be too much.

Don't think that I'm coming home, now! You've probably heard of the 2 yr system over in this theatre. Well, one only becomes eligible for rotation after 24 months and any amount of time (in months) may elaspe before one's name is drawn for the meager percentages, and then you sit it out for any spell awaiting transportation back to the States. More red tape is probably involved than paper comes off the Wall Street stock exchange tickers.

As you know, Jake Valentine is still in N.G. and he just passed his twenty-fourth month overseas while Max Mueckler wrote me some time ago from the same theatre saying he's 27 months rolled up.

I just finished "Under a Lucky Star" by Roy Chapman Andrews. Have you read Alexander Saxton's "Grand Crossing"? Let me know of any literature you've found interesting in recent months? What books have you sent?

Whenever you write Karl Greubel and Bill Fiala please remind them that they're non too prompt to reply thisaway and word will be appreciated. Rudy has been fairly prompt to answer some recent letters, but Git seems to be the only one with any initiative up at Ed's place. The folks write that none of them write very often to them at home. Can't you prompt them any or don't you get correspondence very regularly as far as they're concerned either?

Tell me of your plans regarding college re-enrollment this Fall? Exactly what will your course consist of? What events of interest have taken place in the bay area? Let me hear of the social activities as well as recreational you're participating in.

Enclosed are six prints that you can dispose of in the usual manner.

Best regards from your brother,
Vic

June 19, 1944

2008-04-05T14:31:00.000-07:00

(V-mail from Vic to younger brother Paul, sent from Bougainville, Solomon Islands to Berkeley, California. Picture is of a soldier, possibly George (Yuts) Conrad on airplane wing.)

Monday,

Dear Paul,

Several days ago I sent you a brief letter and enclosed some negatives. The mail regulations provide that film must not travel air-mail so this letter will probably arrive a good wk. in advance of the previous one. That makes two letters I've sent you via regular mail containing negatives, and please send prints to the persons I've designated.

Can you enclose a few air-mail stamps in your next reply so that I can use the envelopes and stationery you sent? Please wrap them in wax paper so that they won't be all stuck to-gether.

Have you heard from the folks and Rudy and Ed recently? Have the latter forward you any negatives & prints of late? Mother says you're enrolling in college again this Fall. What subjects do you intend taking?

Your brother,
Vic

Paul, will you have a good print made from the negative of Yuts on a plane-wing sent to his family?

June 17, 1944

2008-04-05T14:18:00.000-07:00

(Letter from Vic to younger brother Paul, sent from Bougainville, Solomon Islands to Berkeley, California. Photo shows a soldier washing up using a rations can as a basin.

Saturday,

Dear Paul,

Just have time to write you a brief line to-day. Am enclosing five negatives within this envelope. Please inform me if they arrive OK; and, if so; have a few printed and send the folks a set and a couple of the best ones to Jake Valentine, Elmer Balzer, Bob Greubel, George Conrad, Ray Reed, Bill Fiala, and Sgt. R.M. Mueckler (address follows). Perhaps Rudy & Ed would like to make some prints so forward them on to them with a reminder that they please send the negatives home to the folks when they've no further use for same.

Say how long do these letters require for passage to you? notice some of our out-going letters may be within the battery for quite some time before local censorship passes same. These with negatives travel via normal route and must pass base censorship somewhere enroute. I'll write an air-mail letter soon.

Best regards from you brother,
Vic

June 10, 1944

2008-04-05T14:12:00.000-07:00

(Letter from Vic to younger brother Paul, sent from Bougainville, Solomon Islands to Berkeley, California. Photo show Vic sharing a beer with Ben Louie and another soldier.)

Saturday,

Dear Paul,

Just thought I'd jot down a few lines to accompany the four negatives enclosed within this envelope. Please excuse the inferior paper, but I thought it best to save your stationery (which arrived several days ago) for a while ' cause it's scarce.

I had a nice long letter from Elmer Balzer to-day and he enclosed two swell snap-shots in the envelope. He mentioned he was about to write to you (at one of your old addresses) to request those prints I told him you'd send. Have you written him & forwarded the pictures? Who else have you gotten around to mailing copies?

A wk. ago we were issued our beer rations which amounted to the astounding quota of one case per man! I drink a bottle or two a day to get the greatest enjoyment from it. Probably be many a day 'fore we get any more.

The fall of Rome and European invasion were well received here and we listen to most all States broadcasts now to get the latest dope on the situation.

Regards,
Vic

I haven't had any prints made from these negatives so let me know how they come out but you don't necessarily have to send me copies. After you've made prints for yourself kindly send the negatives on to Rudy with a reminder to him to send them on home to the folks after he and Ed have finished using same.

June 1, 1944

2008-04-05T13:56:00.000-07:00

(Letter from Vic to younger brother Paul, sent from Bougainville, Solomon Islands to Berkeley, California. It is written on stationary stamped United States Navy at the top. Photos are of Cemetary Chapel at Bougainville and a shooting competition on the base.)

Thursday evening,

Dear Paul,

Don't get the idea I'm at sea by seeing the stationery. Just that we only had this stuff available hereabouts for a time. Say, would you mind enclosing air-mail envelopes (Gov't type with impressed stamps) in your next letter to me, and please put some wax paper between the gummed flap and envelope proper to prevent these climes from sticking same shut? Seems quite a few things are rather scarce hereabouts.

There is actually little of interest to mention at this time so I may bore you somewhat with the following lines. You're pretty well informed of the war moves I won't delve into that.

On Tuesday afternoon, our division held memorial services at the island cemetery. Each F.A. battery sent ten men (couldn't possibly accommodate the entire div. personnel within the grounds nor could we all have been so assembled due to security) and I was included. The Corps C.G. gave a speech as well as several chaplains and the program was dedicated to those men who'd died on this island.

To pass time we participate in many recreational activity and I've been playing an awful lot of chess and checkers. Getting quite sharp in the latter, but most of the lads in my tent from the rad. section can beat me at the former. We're going to have tournaments within the bn. for these games as well as carbine firing, boxing, volley-ball, basket-ball, base-ball, etc.

We can even join the fishing and go on detached service. These fishermen use dynamite and T.N.T. charges which are exploded in river mouths. Naturally this entire program is intended to raise and hold morale.

As regards books I mention: you're view on "Postman Always Rings Twice" was mostly correct. If that Steinbeck book is as dull as his "Cup of Gold" don't bother with it. I asked Rudy and Ed for several books but they haven't acknowledged my letters as yet. They're none too prompt at replying so you can't kick them when the don't answer you for a spell. Write me as often as you find the spare time 'cause I really appreciate hearing from you.

Yuts tried to make it up here last Tues., but couldn't quite manage it so he sent a letter with a radio-oper.-gunner for me. Said he was moving down to the Russels.

Your new job sounds very interesting. Glad to hear it interests you. Boy! That sounds ideal as far as machine shop work is concerned. I've always wanted such a job working on experimental parts. At case we got some of it, but the tool room dept. & experimental (floor above my old dept.) did most of that stuff. No doubt you should be a capable machinist after enough time and practise around your job. Nice thing about it is that you operate most machines & get good training in advanced techniques. The equipment is probably of the best. Imagine it's neat and sanitary too. Give me more dope on it. Do they provide showers, lockers, cafeteria, etc.? How many employees?

Well, it's getting late now so I'll sign off.

Your brother,
Vic

May 22, 1944

2008-03-30T12:52:00.001-07:00

(V-mail from Vic to his brother Rudy and his wife Ann in Passaic, New Jersey. Photo shows Tokorina fighter strip on Bougainville in early 1944, a P-39 taking off.)

Monday,

Dear Ann and Rudy,

Thanks for your recent letter. By now you should've received the air-mailer I sent you last week. The pics you mentioned being in none too good condition must've been those from a Jap. You can keep them if they interest you whatever. However, the others that Paul & Ed may've sent you kindly forward on home to the folks.

George Conrad, AMM 3/C, dropped in on me last Sat. morning. He flew up from a navy air base some distance south and visited with me for a few hrs. We had quite a bull-session.

Yesterday we were issued our luxury rations: 2 cokes and 6 beers per man. We're getting recent movies now and have recently seen "Thousands Cheer", "Is Everybody Happy", "Lost Angel", "Song of Bernadette", and "Miracle of Morgan's Creek".

What's in the package you mention? In your next letter will you please enclose a few air mail envelopes and good stationery?

Regards,
Vic

May 22, 1944

2008-03-30T12:41:00.000-07:00

(V-mail from Vic to his parents, Emilie and Peter Petersen in Racine, Wisconsin. Photo shows a plane taking off from the Bougainville airstrip.)

Monday,

Dear Folks,

Many thanks for you two letters containing the newspaper clippings. Please make your letters somewhat longer. Write about the local events, etc, if you can't think of enough material.

Paul hasn't replied to my last two letters and I was wondering whether he's moved to a new address again. Rudy wrote and said he just mailed me another package, but didn't mention the contents of same, while Ed and Rose still haven't replied.

George Conrad dropped in here last Sat. for a few hrs. visit with me. He flew up here from a Navy air base that's some distance south. We only spent about four hrs. together 'cause he had to leave when the pilot left again. Well, perhaps he'll be able to come up again.

Your son,
Victor

May 19, 1944

2008-03-30T12:01:00.003-07:00

(Letter from Vic in Bougainville to his parents, Emilie and Peter Petersen in Racine, Wisconsin. The envelope has been passed by a U.S. Army Inspector. The photo is of Camp Tiki, the Royal New Zealand Air Force headquarters near the beach airstrip at Bougainville in April 1944. The photos of the letter is from a longtime Bougainville Missionary from New Zealand. Click on them to enlarge. )

Thursday evening,

Dear Folks,

Your letter dated the first arrived last week, but as I'd just mailed you a letter about that time I thought I'd best let a week or so elapse 'cause I really have little to write about.

Yes, Bill Fiala has started to write me at more regular intervals again. However I haven't heard from Karl Greubel and Phil Mascaretti in months. I don't know Bob Hoey's whereabouts 'cause he likewise isn't very reliable at answering. Jake Valentine and Bob Mueckler are both writing often from New Guinea tho.

Why do so many people neglect to register and vote in the primaries? Aren't we in the first precinct or is it the second?

Is Pa working steady? Is he still at Walkers or back outdoors for the summer? Will there be any new building work in Racine this summer or have they ceased constructing homes entirely for the duration?

I imagine home-grown strawberries will be on the market when this letter arrives. Do you intend canning any this season. Wish we had some such fresh luxuries over here. However, about a month ago we had fresh apples for several days!

Why don't you write on both sides of your stationery and make your letters somewhat longer? There must be things you can mention that take place daily in Racine and the States as a whole that I'd find interesting.

Did you find that copy of a letter from the N.Z. missionary interesting? Perhaps Paul, or Rudy and Ed would care to read it. Incidentally, have they forwarded you any of those photos and negatives I mentioned sending to them?

According to the clipping you enclosed the people back home aren't very interested in exercising their right to vote.

Our censorship regulations are as strict as ever and we're still not allowed to mention our location or describe it in any manner although we receive newspapers that go into detail about us and give all the latest dope. This censorship business is simply the bunk! I had a letter turned back to me on Wednes. that I'd mailed on the previous Fri. and couldn't pass our local battery censorship officers. There was practically nothing contained in that letter (which was to Rudy). Once even the title of some books I mentioned were clipped out so you can understand how screwy things stand.

Best regards,
Vic

No, Jack Johnson has never written.

May 18, 1944

2008-03-30T12:01:00.001-07:00

(Letter from Vic to brother Rudy and wife Ann, written from the South Pacific to Passaic, New Jersey. Photo is of the 'new' burial grounds at Bougainville, 1944)

Thursday,

Sorry about the delay in answering. However, I expected the additional letter or letters you promised to write me to supplement your last reply which was rather brief.

I find it impossible to answer your inquiries concerning or whereabouts, operations, etc., and even to reply to the comments you stated I'd mentioned. Earlier this month I mailed a letter to you on a Friday and had the same returned the following Wednesday! In all that time it had never left the battery 'cause our local censorship officer refused to pass it.

In the contents of that letter was only some vague references to some of your questions that would pass any other censor. Once I wrote of reading various novels, etc. and the titles of those books were clipped out so you can judge for yourself as to our screwy set-up.

Will you please pass on my thanks to Ed, Rose, and Sit for the film and candy they recently sent me? I mailed them a brief card at the time, but , as it travels via regular mail, it may not have reached them yet.

Have you received or seen all of the pictures I sent you and, Ed and Paul? Did you forward same on home?

When next you write me will you please enclose a few sheets of stationery such as this material and several air mail envelopes with wax paper protecting the sealing gum edges? Paper is virtually unobtainable over here and air mail envelopes aren't very readily available.

Are you getting a vacation this summer? If so, where do you plan to spend it? Have you been up to Nature Friends recently?

Say, Ruts, haven't you been re-classified? Read where most married men and many fathers will be inducted regardless of present status shortly.

Sid Goldberg just wrote (V-mailer again!) and mentions having been home on furlough. Boy! I could sure go for one of those fabulous things, and in the States on top of it!

What has Dick Loss to tell of the situation over the other way from what he's seen? Is Nick still maneuvering in the States?

Jack Valentine and Bob Mueckler have some yarns to spin from over New Guinea way. They can get away with most anything in their correspondence, including beefs about their officers, set-up, etc. Not quite the story with us - amen! Write soon.

Best regards,
Vic

May 2, 1944

2008-03-30T12:00:00.001-07:00

(Letter from Vic to younger brother Paul, sent from Bougainville, Solomon Islands to Berkeley, California. The photos show a derelict cannon on Bougainville, and a 1939 picture of, from left to right, George (Yuts) Conrad, Paul Petersen and Clarence and Harvey Hansen posing in Civilian Conservation Corps uniforms in 1939. Both Hansen brothers joined the Navy; Harvey died at Pearl Harbour on the U.S.S. Arizona; Clarence on a ship in the Atlantic in 1942.)

Tuesday evening,

Dear Paul,

Your letter with the picture enclosed arrived Sunday. I hope the six snap-shots I'm inserting in this envelope arrive OK. Yes, I had a hunch those two prints you mentioned wouldn't get there. However, this mail is rapid and what won't pass the base censors via correspondence won't pass on one's person should a fellow be going back to the States. In other words, a fairly thorough search of one's possessions is made before boarded a U.S. bound vessel and what stuff is prohibited is thereupon confiscated.

Not that I'm going home - by any means! But I thought perhaps you'd care to see a few snap-shots from over thisaway before I get back (which won't be soon). One of these prints shows a Jap market and another one of their field pieces. Nothing new about these items so they should get thru. Let me know if they all arrived OK, and send same on to Rudy & Ed and ask them to forward them on home to the folks.

To say the least, your decision to leave the university came as a surprised. Of course you're old enough and intelligent enough to make your own decisions, but I can't agree with your action in this case. After the time, money, & effort you've already expended upon a college education I see no sensable reason to suddenly abandon the intention unless you're so thoroughly fed up with school that you in no way wish to attend. Well, we'll let it go at that.

However, the folks mentioned receiving one of your Vets checks at home recently so perhaps they've re-commenced sending you your monthly compensation. What's the story on that?

Say, last week I had a small G.I. Personal Transfer Allotment check made out to you. Don't send the money home. Use it to cover some of the cost of any books I mentioned that I'd like to receive.

Please give me more dope about your job. I hope you don't intend trying to work a sixty hour week or some such tough grind. If I were you I certainly would not put in more than fourty-eight hours per week. If you wish to bring on another relaspe that's your business. How is your general health at present?

Do you intend to remain at this address? Should you move please forward me your new location immediately. How many of you are there at your present apartment?

Yuts Conrad has written me about three times during the past month, and says I haven't replied since before the rumpus starter here. That's not the case for I've answered him several times, but there must certainly be some delay enroute. Jake V. and Max M. write me regularly now and I just received two V-mailers from Bill F. The Symmes family said Dick is in Sardinia having left N. Africa. Write soon.

Best regards from
Your brother, Vic

P.S. - Could you possibly send me a copy of "Serenade" by James M. Cain or "To a God Unknown" by John Steinbeck or both? If the latter novel is of "Cup of Gold" or "Tortilla Flat" level please don't bother to forward it. Thought perhaps it was on a par with "Moon Is Down" or "Of Mice and Men". Did you read Cain's "The Postman Always Rings Twice"?

April 22, 1944

2008-03-30T11:59:00.000-07:00

(Letter from Vic to brother Rudy and wife Ann, written from the South Pacific to Passaic, New Jersey. The envelope shows it has twice passed U.S. army censors. Photo is of an unnamed man standing in front of a camp kitchen at Bougainville.)

Saturday afternoon,

Dear Ann and Rudy,

You aren't any too prompt to reply judging by the rate of your correspondence. The folks say they've only heard from you a couple of times since Xmas so how's about getting busy?

Am enclosing nine negatives. When you have some copies made will you please send a set home with the film?

Today we were issued our beer rations - eleven bottles per man, 10 cents apiece! Last time we had it was Xmas and the intervals between issues are usually rather long.

Some PX supplies are coming in now several wks. apart. We're back to garrison style - guard details, inspections, & training schedule. It's the old Army routine.

Incidentally, will you please let Ed and Rose have some prints made from these negatives? Heard you sent Paul some dough between you - well, it helps. Please write more often and at regular intervals.

Best regards,

Vic

April 22, 1944

2008-03-29T08:57:00.000-07:00

(Letter from Vic to younger brother Paul, sent from Bougainville, Solomon Islands to Berkeley, California.)

Saturday afternoon

Dear Paul,

Had these prints and negatives on hand so I thought I'd forward them on to you and accompany same with a brief letter. You may keep the positives, but send the film on the Rudy when you've made your copies.

Incidently, Paul, would you mind having three prints made of the two negatives where I'm wearing the G.I. Zoot suit and send one of each to Bob Greubel, Elmer Balzer, and Yuts Conrad? I owe them all pictures and I'd appreciate it if you'd forward them some copies.

To-day, we were able to purchase eleven bottles of beer per man - the first since Xmas and are we happy! Such things certainly are scarce over here.

We're back to garrison life and had a regular Sat. inspection this morning. We now have guard detail and a training schedule - the 'ole Army routine.

Best regards from your brother,
Vic

April 4, 1944

2008-03-09T20:01:00.000-07:00

(Letter from Vic to younger brother Paul, from Bougainville in the Solomon Islands to Berkeley, CA. Photos show a flipped tank and U.S. soldiers posing above a corpse.)

Dear Paul,

After re-reading your letter of the 11th March I find there was a number of points I'd neglected to cover in my reply of yesterday.

Reason for my previous letter's sloppiness was lack of stationary and preparing its contents into understandabe paragraphs in sequence.

Well, I've decided to enclose a few snapshots of damaged Japanese materiel and deceased personnel. There are four in all, and I'd appreciate a very prompt reply on your part indicating whether or not any of them were confiscate. Thus I can judge whether and what to send next.

With the pay for work at the Oakland Army Base I can't imagine how you could possibly pay for your meals. In additions to that you have your rooming bill? How do you manage it? Are you getting sufficient good food to work on? Did the Vets Administration get around to helping you? Are you still receiving their meager compensation.

I've two hundred 'n' fifty smackers in soldiers savings plus some in the bank home so don't worry about me. Put that dough into S.S. since I came overseas and also have twenty-five a month going towards bonds. Lately I've dropped some in poker. It's fun but boring after much of it. Doing some reading but can't seem to concentrate on books and magazines of late. We have a fair supply of late material on hand these days.

It was most interesting to learn something of the composition of the students at your college. Imagine those foreign students entered school before the war began. Are any of them exchange or fellowship students? I don't imagine you can understand any of the Icelandic tongue. I should estimate Yuts to have been a good three hundred miles away at his last writing. Bob H. and Phil M. both owe me letters so I can't give you any news concerning them. I correspond with quite a number of home-town fellows and it helps pass the time. Surprising how regular most G.I.'s reply to there buddies. They realize the morale value of mail moreso than civvies.

Glad to hear you've friends and are fairly well acquainted around the campus. Let me know how you're coming along, and take it easy, but take it!

Best regards from you brother,
Vic

April 3, 1944

2008-03-09T19:11:00.000-07:00

(Letter from Vic to younger brother Paul, from Bougainville in the Solomon Islands to Berkeley, CA. Photos show the American graveyard at Bougainville, March 1944, and a photo taken from a dead Japanese soldier.)

Dear Paul,

Many thanks for your most interesting letter dated the 11 March which just arrived yesterday. Believe I wrote you several days ago. How is the mail service in that direction? Were all the items safely enclosed?

Out intelligence readily passed that stuff, but one never can tell about some of the old base censors. Well, I'm enclosing a few prints herein, three of which were sent to me, and the fourth deals with native subjects as you can see. I have a fair group of war scenes now, but, as we cannot send them back to the States nor transport them on our body or amongst equipment they will undoubtedly deteriorate within a few more months in the tropics so as to be unrecognizeable.

Most of the war-film troops have deals with subjects that are hardly of use to the enemy even if he could obtain same, and yet one can hardly expect any photos to pass on to the addressee. Understand, our organization's censors haven't the authority to without film, unless, of course, it deal with outright and valuable military info., but enroute all mail with material enclosed other than writing matter is inspected by our beloved base censors. Do you think I should attempt to try sending a lot thru to you?

Please forward these snapshots on home unless you care to keep them. These were terribly poor imitations of Jap photographs that I forwarded to you recently, and you can keep or discard same at your pleasure except for the dog-tag which I'd like you to keep for me.

However, I mailed Ruts three pictures that weren't too bad that you ask to see. Two of Tojo's stooges viewed in them have joined honorable deceased ancestors.

I am glad to hear you have begun metallurgy, but why do they specify physical? I thought your studies would deal with both chemical and physical properties of metals. You should be able to satisfactorily complete such a course and graduate a metallurgist so buckle down to it! I should think it would be very absorbing.

Personally, I've been considering completing my high school credits for a diploma that I might take a U.S.F.S. civil service exam and make forestry. Received some dope from Wash. U.S.F.S. office that sounds mighty interesting.

Of course, it'd be necessary to have some time to concentrate on the required subjects, and overseas is as good a place as any. Look like I've a minimum of fifteen months more time to serve over here unless the qualified time for relief in this theatre is lowered from two yrs.

Am awaiting word from Wm Horlick's on my credit standings. Can't say how I'd manage it were I to hit the States in the future. However, that's almost the remotest of possibilities. What do you think of the idea?

Do Rudy and Ed write to you regularly?

I've been corresponding regularly with Ray Reed so I have his latest address but thanks anyhow. I sailed from Noumea, New Caledonia to the Canal on his ship last summer on it was the winter (rainy) season down there then. His ship is a swell transport as far as G.I. transportation facilities go. It's fast and comparitively new.

Ray recently said he'd written you a while back and had the letter returned as the address was old. Apparently they didn't have a forwarding address of yours at that place. Ray says he's been in the general vicinity of this place, but I don't he's come all the way up as yet. Believe he's hit New Guinea already.

Incidentally, Jake Valentine will be leaving that place in the future under the rotation plan as well as Max Mueckler. Dave Altman quite recently wrote me from that place also. You can see he couldn't have taried long on the west coast. Sorry you didn't get to see him as he's a swell guy and a vet-member.

Yes, I correspond with Yuts, Sid and Irv Goldberg. Haven't seen Yuts up this way as yet. Did you hear of or read of the War Dept.'s statement regarding their intention of discontinuing the A.S.T.P? The need for overseas replacements and technicians is more than vital than sending able-bodied men to school to enter studies of their choice. If there isn't enough draftees to send over to help fight the war why can't they send us those YSO commandos who're wearing themselves out playing college students?

Paul, I realized that the W.D. has pulled some boners and been rather erratic and that certain lousy congressional cliques favor dropping the program that is educational, but did you learn the opinion of that Navy overseas vet you mentioned?

Naturally the A.S.T.P and V-12 programs have a number of good points. Say would you favour letting G.I.s go home to college from overseas?

Your brother
Vic

Didn't you know - we have two seasons here in the S. Pacific - rainy and wet.

March 28, 1944

2008-03-09T18:58:00.000-07:00

(Letter from Vic to brother Rudy and wife Ann, written from the South Pacific to Passaic, New Jersey. Photos were taken from the bodies of dead Japanese soldiers, as described below.)

Dear Ann and Rudy,

This is the additional letter I promised you the other day when I forwarded that brief V-mail. At the present I've quite a bit of leisure time and am making the best of it.

The weather here now is most unusual in that we have not had a noticeable rainfall in almost a month. The air is quite dry now and reasonably comfortable aside from the tropical heat. It's not the supposedly wet season and the continued lack of precipatation is, well, astounding.

In our division news sheet, "South-Sea Reveille", I recently read of the bus accident in Passaic. Did you know any of the ill-fated occupants?

I'm enclosing a few Japanese photos (three to be exact), and I'm inclined to be of the opinion that the honorable (?) soldiers of Nippon show so warriorously posed have joined honorable ancestors in doubtful places - if you get what I mean.

No doubt the base censors will hold over this brief line while closely examining prints of Tojo's honorable stooges - late. So that'll account for any noticeable delay enroute that may've puzzled you. Write soon, often and regularly.

Best regards
Vic

March 28, 1944

2008-03-09T18:12:00.000-07:00

(Letter from Vic to younger brother Paul, from Bougaineville in the Solomon Islands to Berkeley, CA. Photo was taken from Japanese soldier as described below. The other photo is of the Japanese Dog Tag and the censor note accompanying it.)

Dear Paul,

You haven't written recently so I thought I'd send you a brief letter in hopes of prompting you to write often and regularly in the future.

Enclosed please note four unusually poor Japanese photos, a form sheet with printed characters, and an enemy dog tag. They were amongst personal belongings of deceased Tojo stooges.

I had quite a pack of their snapshots, but they became wet and were spoiled. Some stuff wouldn't pass our crack G-2 inspectors so I no longer have same.

Please don't expect much in the line of equipment. The accompanying odors where one is apt to search for souvenirs is rather nauseating and not too safe in a physical sense. Besides, the Gov't is collecting so much material for exhibits articles will soon lose their novelty, if ever they had such. This letter shouldn't be delayed as the enclosed items have already passed the only inspection that can judge its' actual military value. Let me know how long it's enroute, Paul.

The weather has been rather nice here of late, and I'm in good health. Please write soon.

Your brother,
Vic

March 27, 1944

2008-03-09T17:44:00.000-07:00

(Letter written from Vic in Bougainville, Solomon Islands to his parents Emilie and Peter Petersen in Racine. The envelope is stamped by the army censor. The photo shows an army tent of some kind on Bougainville. Note the basketball hoop on the board nailed to the tree.)

Dear Folks,

To-day I received your letter dated the 6th and another envelope containing articles. Rudy's third recent letter arrived several days ago as did one from Git. I'm awaiting word from Ed and Rudy as regards my request that they help Paul financially in his studies.

Neither Bill nor Karl have written in some months. Bob Greubel writes me regularly and he said that Karl hadn't even written to him since he arrived in Canada.

I was most surprised to learn that Leonard Hoey was or is at my location. However, I haven't his address so it's improbably we'll meet.

Ray De Fault has a nice position it seems. I imagine it quite agrees with him. Send me any word you have on him and Howie and Vernon. Your letter was the first from Racine to give me any definite news of their whereabouts.

Please give me all the information possible about the coming local and state elections. Is there much opposition to Goodland? Does the lousy Rep. clique intend sponsoring him again? Where do the Progressives stand on issues and what's their support amount to? What kind of following did Wilkie accumulate around Wis.?

The "bombing program" you mention hearing about over the radio was news to me. I imagine the announcer describes the take-off or landing of "strike". It simply means a foce of planes bent upon a mission. Aside from a rough oral out-line of such an aerial mission broadcast from a bomber strip, I cannot imagine what type of broadcast you heard. Please give more details of same.

At the time we were busy with war details as you might've read in later communiques. I have leisure time now and at present am quite unoccupied. That's typical over here: we're very busy at times and at others we have quite a job of passing time away. It hasn't rained for about three weeks now which is astounding. It's supposedly the wet season too, but the air has become quite dry and reasonably comfortable.

Did I ever tell you about the earth tremors we've experienced during our stay here? Shortly after arriving here they were numerous and the earlier ones were quite severe. In fact, I'd say one shake rated the earth-quake category. It's an odd sensation to feel the ground quiver, shake, & seemingly move under your feet in gentle heaves. The trees sway wildly at some of these times, and if one's asleep the cot or hammock rocks crazily.

Your letter actually arrived here yesterday but I dated this a day ahead. It probably won't pass censortship until to-morrow the 28th of March because I'm finishing it to-day after a day's laspe. A few hrs. ago two V-mail eltters arrived from Wm. Fiala.

Regards,
Vic

March 24, 1944

2008-03-09T17:16:00.000-07:00

(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". Written on the back of the photo is 'Funeral of Sgt. F. Lazar March 1944 Bougainville)

Dear Ann and Rudy,

Your two additional letters containing the clippings and mailed as of 3rd March arrived several days ago, but the letter you medntioned intending to write concerting the state of affairs within your local has not been received as of this writing. Understand the new exec element is stinko and the elections came off very unsatisfactorily. Heard you withdrew from the election after running for the Exec. Bd. at Large, Ruts.

The campaigning and primaries seem to've been a bungled affair from what I gather. Firstly, I think you could have campaigned on some very good and prominent issues and been more oriented with the opposing faction and their methods. Secondly, your forces could've been more unted and compromised to the extent of putting into office the best available union material. Thirdly, you should have had warning beforehand of the vote validness when viewing the mere election board roster, and taken steps much sooner to guarantee a genuine and democratically legitimate voting system when the members cast their ballots.

Perhaps you did some mighty good work and the opposition was stronger than I imagine. In any case, please give me coverage of the complete campaign.

The box containing the film, flash-light, lighter, etc. held up very well. In fact, I haven't received any package that were notably torn or mulitated. However, I've seen some come into the Btry. in sad shape and the owners had to salvage the unknown origial contents from a few mixed-up piles. These packages are en-route usually between one and a half to four months. Ordinary mail (3c 1st C) takes from three to five, ten, or fifteen wks. V-mail & air-mail vary between as short a time as 8 and 9 days to eleven or fourteen days. The most rapidly transited packages or mail luckily make good connections while the tardy stuff has sometimes unaccountable delays enroute. Does that satisfy your enquiries as concerns delivery?

I believe I already gave you my views about the present congressional legislation. Many fellows over here are of the opinion that congress is more or less selling them out. We don't get too much actual dope on impending and submitted bills so that some of us aren't too well familiar with their contents, implications, etc.

It's pure bunk when certain politicians sound off back there to the effect that Pres. Roosevelt gives unsided dope to the armed forces. Fact is, we don't get the true and detailed situation enough on some issues, and Roosevelt would certainly be inclued to give us sound information included in what little he has time for in his time aborbing duties.

I can't attempt to state how the soldier (overseas) will vote on the elections. Naturally, politics varies over here, too. No doubt Roosevelt would get a sizeable proportion of support - how much or whether it'd be a majority I cannot judge.

As to the possible Republican Candidate - be it Wilkie, Dewey, or MacArthur - there's even less formed opinion over here. That may be due to the fact that as of today many fellows don't believe they'll get the opportunity of expressing their legitimate right to vote in the coming elections. There's something in Vandenberg's (Rep. Senator, Mich) article on MacArthur in the recent Colliers'. However, the author is only another politician tho no doubt the Gen. is a strong character. Personally, I don't think he'll run and that Wilkie will get the Rep. nomination and be defeated by our President who qualifies better than any other figure in my estimation.

I just received a letter from Bob Mueckler who's been in an ack-ack outfit over in New Guinea for too long. Yuts Conrad is south of me in these islands and Ray Reed plies these general waters aboard a transport. Jack V. was still in N.G. last I heard. Bob Hoey was still in a marine rest area after Tarawa.

Well, I must sign off now but I'll continue this correspondence in a few day if I have time. Please write soon and often.

Best regards,
Vic

March 6,1944

2008-03-04T19:47:00.000-08:00

(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

2008-03-04T19:21:00.000-08:00

(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

2008-03-04T19:12:00.000-08:00

(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

2008-03-04T19:02:00.000-08:00

(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

February 3, 1944

2008-02-24T19:12:00.000-08:00

(Letter from Vic to younger brother Paul, from the Bougainville, Solomon Islands to Berkeley, CA. Photo shows U.S. soldiers working at an artillery gun emplacement on the island.)

Dear Paul,

Though I'd enclose a few lines with this money order. Aside from the weather and latest war developments I can't find much material to write about. A fairly steady downpour has been falling for the past twenty hours and plenty of rain fell in the previous forty-eight hours.

To-morrow the sun willbe shining early and before long it'll be quite torrid again. During wet nites it's comfortably cool and normally so from about mid-nite to dawn. The fellow I share quarters with in our hole suggested we improve the canvass roof (shelter-halfs) about ten days or so ago so we mixed a waterproofing solution and applied same that did the trick. Now e have water flowing into the fox-hole thru the entrance step and under, thru, and round sandbagged upper wall. Quit a problem - this precipitation.

The new of Am. landing in the Marshalls is being received here with great enthusiasm. It sounds like a large-scale operation involving some damn big forces. Look forward to clearning the situation up in that area shortly although it won't be a picnic. You should realize by this time that the Nips will be doing their utmost to hold every point they now have in the Pacific. Future engagements will probably tend to become more contested and even bloodier.

Our increasing superiority in quality and quantity of arms will really be needed to neutralize the advantages of defense with the Japs.

I won't mail this letter until I get the actual money order. Made out a $20.00 blank for you and should have it tomorrow or shortly. I know you can readily use in financing yourself in your studies. Only had a months pay coming so I didn't have much on hand.

What hours are you working outside of studies now? Wasn't that rather tough in the shipyards without having to keep up with studies? What kind of job do you have around the campus and are wages favorable? Did the Vet's Administration kick thru as regards tuition. Why doesn't Wis.'s Rehab Bureau hlep? "Cause you're living out of state and going to college? Are you still getting compensation thru Wash.? Just why do you want to drop engineering in favor of some other degree? Were you ever interested in chemistry and what credits could you manage for that line? I think metalurgy would be a very interesting profession and even realized after the war. Do you have any interest in the subject? Is it a four-year subject? How many college credits do you have and for what subjects?

The picture you enclosed of Alvin Richow doesn't quite apply to us. Neither the cake nor gal presenting same are to be found here. Those Hawaiians look good but not so the native belles inhaviting these locale.

Everything is OK by me and thingshave improved. Please write frequently.

Your brother,
Vic

January 29, 1944

2008-02-24T18:59:00.000-08:00

(Letter from Vic to younger brother Paul, from the South Seas to Berkeley, CA. This is a V-Mail, as illustrated.)

Dear Paul,

Though I promised the other nite to write you again soon, I can't think of much to say. Everything is OK by me. We were bombed. Can't mention much more

Have you been receiving my mail regularly? Still haven't received the book you mentioned and package it was enclosed in. I certainly hope my civilian glasses arrive soon. Sent home several months ago, having broken a lens in diving for fox-hole during an air at Roviana. Most annoying - those actions. G.I. Spects have too small lenses and the frame corrodes continuously in these climes. My watch - gift of Rudy, Ann, Ed, and Rose - is still in Racine getting overhauled for all appearances.

How's the financial situation with you? Do you find the course very rough? Many students at the University and how many G.I.'s? Did I tell you Yuts sent a letter dated "(censored)? Jake V. and Ray R. haven't replied.

Your brother,
Vic

January 25th, 1944

2008-02-24T18:42:00.000-08:00

(Letter from Vic to younger brother Paul, from Bougainville, to Berkeley, CA. Written on American Red Cross writing paper. The photo caption reads 'Harbor scene from Bougainville, looking out towards Parate Island. 1944.)

Dear Paul,

Thanks for writing. Didn't have your Berkeley address on hand and was anxiously awaiting word from you again. Your letter dated 25th Dec. arrived two days ago so you can realize the mail service isn't nearly as prompt as that grom Guadalcanal.

Incidently, we can now mention that we'd come back to that island from Roviana, New Georgia zone. Our present location is still officially secret, tho some U.S. newspapers have printed articles about our operations.

Heard from the folks recently, and also Rudy and one from Gloria G. They're all OK. You should write home to the folks more often, Paul. I guess they must be lonely. Had a letter from Yuts the other day and it appears we might meet up soon 'cause he seemed to be in these waters. I have a good hunch as to his location and hope he can get around further to look me up.

Haven't heard from Bill F. lately, but imagine he's in Racine now. Ray Reed hasn't replied since sailing out of Frisco, and Jake V. hasn't dropped another line 'cause he's probably busy in either the latest New Guinea or New Britain campaigns. Read where Nick Cariello was injured along with quite a few marines in the Gilbert I.

Howie, Ran, and Vernon were said to've joined the Marine Corps lately. People back home should be prepared for heavier war casualties as the war tempo progresses. They should certainly accept any sacrifices in goods to help troops abroad and our Allies.

Some politicians, quite a few in high circles, could easily be gotten along without. Have they taken sufficient measures to stamp out the black marketeers and other illegal profiteering?

I'm doing my best to get a fair collections of pictures over here, but am hampered by lack of a camera of my own, film, and other things. Can't get the prints home until the war is won. They confiscate most photos, leastwise those dealing with personnel or material, and personal negatives and prints aren't much good without decriptive background.

The climate is very severe on photographic materials so don't expect anything like a semi-professional view or scene.

I certainly hope you're doing OK at school and remain in good health. How'd you come to be acquainted with certain parties after such a relatively short time on the West Coast? Good to hear you're active and you getting around much in those parts?

I haven't yet received your book. Have read numerous mysteries, also some war books as "Guadalcanal Diary", "Into the Valley" "Battle of the Solomons" & "South-West Passage". I will try to write again soon; meanwhile please send letters as often as you can.

Your brother,
Vic

January 22, 1944

2008-02-24T17:46:00.000-08:00

(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 shows a soldier clearing brush in front of a camouflaged outpost on the Solomon Islands.)

Dear Ann and Rudy,

Thanks for your letter of 30th Dec. which I just received today. Guess the mail service isn't as prompt as it was a few months back, eh?

As regards your questions on censorship: the letters sent by service men overseas to people at home are censored at their source of mailing (in my case it's here at the battery) and about (?) ten percent are picked out and investigated by the base censorship offices either somewheres overseas or at U.S. ports; mail sent by people in the States to servicemen overseas is only subject to base censorship en route. How much of it is opened is unknown, but I believe it's a relatively small percentage. Haven't noticed any letters from home that were subjected to censorship but it's been done.

Where we forward negatives or prints home we must mark the envelope which then goes direct to the base censors after leaving here. Negatives are often liable to be confiscated and perhaps to be returned after the war. Photos not dealing with military equipment, and a thousand-and-one seemingly related subjects, will eventually reach the address indicated after being detained. Does that clear up the situation?

I wish to thank you for your thoughtfullness in sending film, flash-light, and cigerette lighter, etc. Haven't received them as yet but they'll be along. Incidentally some items have been long enroute but they should eventually arrive. Some Xmas packages still aren't here and I believe they were said to have some sort of priority. We always appreciate reading material and it really keeps in circulation.

In writing you the other day I asked that you sent your camera (or any camera). Perhaps it isn't necessary if you can't spare yours, haven't or cannot obtain another one, or will put you to any inconvenience. However, if the older (longest overseas service record) fellows should ever get to go home under the proposed (?) servicemen's relief (shifting) plan I can't guarantee to have a camera available for us. It's those fellows who are mostly fortunate enough to have one. There's a possibility I can purchase one should I ever get into civilized and populated parts in the Pacific.

The Gulbankians said Howie, Ran and Vernon joined the Marine Corps. Can't quite see that. Would've done better somewhere else.

Once heard from Bill F. They wanted him to go with them out to the West Coast for either war work or Merchant Marine Service. Ted Kraynik wasn't commissioned (he's in either the Navy or C.B.'s. I believe). Write soon and often!

Best regards,
Vic

January 19, 1944

2008-02-24T17:45:00.001-08:00

(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). Above that is a stamp "Passed by U.S. Army Examiner 25603". The photo shows a picture of a soldier posing with several Solomon Island children, all of them smoking.)

Dear Ann and Rudy,

I've long been waiting your overdue reply to my last letters. Have you been answering promptly? I'm well aware the mail services isn't as speedy as it formerly was at my last location, but had you replied within a reasonable period it surely would be here before now.

Which reminds me, we can now say that prior to the present location we were situated in that super-delux (!) area, Guadalcanal. Yes, that's the place we went back to from Roviana (New Georgia). Presumably it was a 'rest period' but there were plenty of details. In some respects the Canal beats all the other Solomon Islands and in others it doesn't. Tho the thermometer may almost set maximum records there, the humidity is far more comfortable than that encountered in the New Georgia group. Then too, traveling up to the equator from the Canal one enters zones of heavier precipitation.

Actually, nothing suits the humane environment in so far as I'm able to judge. The closer to the equator one gets, it seems the natives are of less sturdy physical proportions. There should be several reasons for this.

The Solomons were practically isolated from the outside world due to their position in the Pacific. Being off the trade route to either the orient or Australia and New Zealand, very few whites got to see these coral and volcanic islands. British and Australians craft of trade schooner tuypes sailed through the Solomons, taking out cargos of copra and other coconut products. Can't see what else they might have taken on. Surely it wasn't pearls as I never heard of any being found in the waters.

One hears so much phoney romance and adventure concerning the South Sea Islands. After twenty-four hours under average conditions, I'll bet most tourists would do anything to get out. Down in either New Caledonia, the New Hebrides, the Fijis, Tonga group or over around Tahiti way, conditions don't constitute your idea of a paradise.

Would like to know how many, if any, of the authors and commentators who write and speak praises of the South Seas were ever down here. Also - why did they ever leave? Aboard a ship or any kind of craft where one's exposed to breezes, one could spend a fairly comfortable short sojourn in these waters provided you don't come ashore.

On land the heat humidity and really becomes noticable. Here too, one encounters the malarial mosquito and a million other varieties of insects and reptiles. The sea is of a deep blue in deep water and in the channels and reefbound inlets gives way to brilliant greens. Frequent squalls come up on the open water but they serve as a relief from the torrid sun.

When a new moon comes up it's swell, but that invariably bids welcome to Jap bombers. The natives aren't as populous as one might expect, but they're always friendly to Americans. They had a rotton deal during the few months the japs dominated. The Nips had them almost starving in several places and took advantage of their helplessness. However some of these boys have cleaned out individuals and small groups of the enemy with maschettes and crude clubs. They can't be beat when it comes to jungle traveling, hunting and tracking. We should give them credit for their part in aiding us to defeat the enemy.

Most natives had seen white men before as the English had this as a protectrate. However, it was only a few years ago when most of them were savages and some cannibals. A few speak fair English. Twuice I've met native fellows who spoke exceptionally well and both had had close association with the British authorities. An English Resident is the official in charge and were located on major islands. The natives are good at handicraft. Most of them were Christians I believe, and I've seen several of their odd chapels. Some missionarys settled here long ago.

On the Canal the Lever Bros., of that well-known soap company, cleared and planted the coconut palms and you probably associate that island with. Fact is, one only finds groves near the sea or on comparatively level ground nearby. Inland the heavy jungle growth or grassy plains stretch. On the latter this coarse grass is chest and even head or greater in height. I guess I misled you when I gave Lever Bros. credit for their plantation work. Actually the natives did all the laboring.

Well, I imagine I won't have to say of these parts in future letters 'cause I seem to've exhausted the subject. Maybe (?) I can dig up some more dope, however, 'case you're interested. Ruts, I'd like to have you send me some (mostly) 120 or 629 film, if that's possible, and any spare paper to make positives of that you might have or can possibly dig up. Send same in small packages via air mail. Kindly let Ed, Rose and gloria read these lines as I have time at present to write them.

Best regards to you all,
Vic