(Letter written from Vic to younger brother Paul, for security reasons addressed simply from'Overseas' to Oakland, California.)
Saturday,
Dear Paul,
Received your letter of October 17 to-day and also one from the folks. Paul, did I mention in my last letter that all of your old letters to me finally caught up with me? There were so many from a number of people. I'm still behind in replying.
This coming Monday you will probably be starting attending college. Hope this letter is forwarded you promptly. Don't forget to write soon from you new address and let me know what courses you're taking. Were your credits from Tri-State and Michigan State good there? I've heard that's a very beautiful campus. Only passed thru Berkely once but thought it was quite favorable as a place to reside.
The State Capitol of Calif., Sacremento, is a nice city, too, and is only about 80 miles from you. Should you have a spare week-end sometime in the future, hitch-hike east (or inland) to Antioch, then cross the river and follow the highway north into the Capitol. Coming back you can either go south-east to Stockton or south-west to Valejo.
Going north from Frisco a hundred miles or so you run into the redwood region. That's quite a large state, as you will begin to see. The central sections are the worst (from Camp Roberts east to Bakersfield and on to Death Valley).
Just received a brief line from Ray Campbell dated July 6. Your verification of his whereabout checked with latest I'd heard of his ship. Wasn't his craft that went under as I mentioned but one with number close thereabouts. You may have read of the action as it isn't exactly new now.
He's been in long enough to be eligible for C.P.O. Radioman 1st Class is equivalent to Technical Sgt. in the army which has a base pay of $114. Ray'll be drawing longevity sometime this month, no? Hope he does OK at a naval college. Tell him to write me if you are in communication with him. Is it a naval O.C.S.? He must've had radar experience, no?
Bill has written me three times now within the past 2 1/2 months. Best I get busy and answer him. Haven't had too much time.
Let me know how you've made out as regards Gov't tuition. Write promptly, regularly and in great detail.
Your brother,
Vic
October 30, 1943
March 5, 1943
(letter from Vic to brother Paul, written on Camp Roberts stationary, but likely sent from Fort Sill. Illustration shows field radio test.)
Dear Paul,
Seems you're thater slow in replying. didn't you mention the time lapse between letters from New Jersey? Getting so you write about as frequently as them.
Having an exam on the new C.W. and voice proceedure in msg. form including fire-control code. Been studying so much lately for various tests and seemingly memorizing so damn much theorty that I can't see any point in burning up the bean. Especially when I'm startled to learn too much stress was put on formula and such, only to sadly learn the writ is on theoretical mental application.
On Wed's radio theory exam I made a little over 80. Should've been more alert though and made 95 and up, and thereby been excused from study hall for the coming week. Can't say how I'll do tomorrow. About a month ago I miserably flunked a wire exam. Just came out of the hospital tho in time for that one. Miss all the theory and practical work in telephones, switchboards, various circuits, splices and laying methods.
Just learned of my grade and imagine anotyher U will mean my dismissal. That's how the recent flunk-outs came about. Two Indian fellows from my barrack (one a Pawnee and the other an Apache) were shipped back to their units last Sat. A fellow in our group from Roberts was called into the C.O.'s office and told he'd be next unless he picked up.
Our chief radio theory instructor, Major Gibson, is a former Professor of Radio Engineering at Purdue University. It's no wonder he's so well acquainted with the subject. 'Cause he and the other instructors are so adept in that field, they expect us to become so in a few short weeks. The Major is busy on new artillery radio tactics and books, I understand, in his spare time.
During the first part of the week, we underwent a terrific change in temperature. Suddenly it dropped down to zero and a light snow-fall developed. After three days of this freak cold spell, it broke with rain falling during the first part of this morng. Now it's gone down to freezing and one never knows what's in the future. Should go back to normal soon, which at this season in Oklahoma compares to Wis.'s September.
Wrote to Ray Campbell recently. What'd he have to say last he wrote you? Has Bob Greubel written you from Florida recently?
Folks sent me some cookies the other day but they were pretty well busted up upon arrival here. The food is very bad here in case I've never mentioned it to you. It doesn't even favorably compare with that dished out in the C.C.C. That's not much of a compliment but it's a fact. Mess at Roberts was a vertible paradise as compared to the unfit trash given out here. Every single item is more or less rationed, and for the most part, actually should be labeled unfit for human consumption.
When we're allowed that rare treat, coffee, it's so damned dilluted it has little coloring. Did you know, or can you believe, we're regularly feated to goat meat?!? Believe the class majority practically subsit on candy-bars purchased at the P.X., and they're even rationed along with cigerettes and gum to three packs per soldier.
Report to the hospital every morning at the Physiotheraphy Clinic for hot liquid treatment that's supposed to aid nervous system in my hand.
Couple of us plan to do on weekend pass commending to-morrow afternoon for a good tear. Hope the damn B.C. decides to issue us passes!
Hope you're getting along OK in school. Let me know how you're doing.
Regards from you brother,
Vic
February 26, 1943
(letter from Vic to brother Paul, written from Ft. Sill on station log radio operator paper, hand printed in telegraph operator script as illustrated)
Dear Paul,
Thanks for the letter. I received it to-day and heard from the folks yesterday. Neither Ed, Rose, Gloria, Rudy nor Ann have written of recent date. Did you know Git is staying with Ed? They last mentioned Ed is head of the grievance committee of the Fairlawn plant. Being a vice-president of the local I guess he's kept busy.
Yuts wrote the other day and from his letter I gather (his version of course) East Lansing is a rather dead burg. Couldn't you show him anything to his interest?
Am printing these line on rad. oper. stationary as you can gather, and again am doing it during nite class. We've so damned much homework and reading that most of the boys have become so discouraged as to give up all pretense of even studying. Quite a few appear for the first role-call and then take off and head either for the P.X., Rec Hall, Theatre, or town. To our surprise, the nite instructor pulled a fast one the other nite by having a role-call at dismissal (2130). Absentee names were submitted the 1st Sgt. and same were given one weeks' KP or table-waiter. Boys've found means of avoiding such happenings since. 
We're damned deep in radio at this writing that I doubt if it's possible to return to normal life again. You mentioned you would it touch - well how the hell do you think I find it? Having had no prepatory practical or theoretical work in this field and little algebra, you can well imagine the utter confusion amongst the class. Were you able to get the scope of our course from recent schedules I've forwarded you? Will enclose another these pages and also clipping from Racine J-T.
My foreman, ass't foreman, and various officials of the J.I. Case Co. have written me of late due one letter on my part concerning situations. Discretely mentioned bonus and wage increase (retroactive) yet they apparently fully understood and in replying covered everything but that. However, Mother has cashed my bonus check and I should receive that other check.
At Roberts majority of army rad oper come out slow speed (under 25 w.p.m) and I only made 17 by graduation. Here the proceedure is so different I can't pass the 14 tape (table and field tests). My tranmitting has picked up somewhat of late, but seems they discourage knocking it out fast when you're not up to where they think you should be in receiving.
Dropped a brief line to Ray Campbell the other day. Have you heard his way? Had card from Bob G from Floria but he said he's so damned rushed he didn't have time to take a crap. Sounds familiar. Waiting for more word from Phil M.
Leonard Hoey (Bob's brother) writes me off and on from upstate N.Y. where he's taking some Navy course, but Bob doesn't write. Lenny said the folks had a Xmas teleram from him but didn't mention whereabouts. Never hear from Jake V. or Bob M.
Bunch I was with at Roberts, that is the largest group assigned on div., are getting or are on 15 day furloughs at this writing. Several of them keep me posted from East Garrison (Tactical Unit) and believe they're going across come April.
Can make O.C.S. but have no iniative in that line at this time. Reason - I wish to remain somewhat balanced mentally. that bug-house turns out products for us to associate with here at the F.A.S. and I definitely do not wish to fall into their category.
Wishing you the best of health and luck,
Vic
(written on side of letter)
In writing Bill Fiala, definitely remind him to write me! That guy is really getting lazy. Ray Reed syas he has to keep pushing him for results and Tony Schifano has the same story to tell. How much ambition did he show while you were home for the holidays?
Believe you should be qualified for O.C.S. material. If at all possible endeavor to get into Signal Corps. If that's possible work towards the Ft. Monmouth, N.J. school. That set up is ideal and very instructive. Would try it myself but it's so damnaged hard to get out of the F.A. once they spend so much time training personell in their tactics. Don't go into Infantry as it's a rugged deal and I doubt if you can stand it.
Have hopes of getting into a newly-formed or just being equipped mechanized armored division. Trouble is we're assigned from here and completion and can't apply for transfer until we arrive at designated station. Am going to pester my unknown btry. commander for a furlough at that time too. Now believe I shouldn't take the fourth month here (radio technicians course). By the way, yesterday a big bunch was flunked out.
Question: Exactly what do you mean you continually refer to "the mill"?
January 15, 1943
(letter from Vic to brother Paul, written on Camp Roberts stationary)
01071920
Dear Paul,
I thought I'd let you know I'm still here. Guese we won't leave 'til Tuesday morning now, thot it's entirely possible our shipping orders are again changed.
Note the new building number on the forwarding address. We were moved into this 1st platoon that the rookies might be quartered in our old 3rd plt. barracks.
Mailed you several magazines yesterday in place of some official technicaly dope. The stuff was restricted but obsolete. Still my old plt. sgt. said it wasn't adviseable so I forwarded some comparitively authorative liturature. Perhaps its not new to you. Let me know!
If you wish send them on to Bill Fiala when you've thoroughly absorbed all items that might interest you. Am sure it should attract Bill and possibly Karl Greubel so kindly ask Bill to pass them on in that direction. Incidently, neither magazine is publicly circulated (at least not widely) so tell them to forget where they came from. Tho they're several months old and seemingly harmless I might catch hell.
We bodily carry much detailed information on radio and techniques in the form of book and phamplets, but nothing is thought of it; but we're responsible for it.
Sorry I couldn't send you intended stuff. Will find other things to send you later on.
Please tell Ann & Rudy and Rose and Ed to write the folks more frequently.
Best regards from your brother,
Vic
January 10, 1942
(letter from Vic to brother Paul, written on Camp Roberts stationary)
01052110
Dear Paul,
Are you caught up on your school work yet? Guess the holidays put you behind some, eh? Imagine you must be due for some exams soon. How're you coming at school and what subjects are you carrying and intend taking?
You shouldn't have taken that cab-driving job in Racine. It's too damn strenous in that the long hrs. you work. What could you make at it? How'd you spend New Years'? Guess you weren't around with Yuts over the holidays, but did you get around much with Bill Fiala and who else? Did you Bob Greubel?
Saw our shipping orders yesterday. We travel via Pullman 1st class to Ft. Sill and are supposed to arrive there on the 16th. However, it doesn't specify when we leave here. May not be 'til next week. T0-day we were moved to less-crowded 1st platoon and to-night a bunch of rookies moved into our old quarters. Eight of us are to attend the Ft. Sill Radio part of the Communications school there. I understand the course lasts a good 13 additional wks, but tho the work is strenuous the ratings are good. On our shipping orders we're all listed as P.F.C.'s so we've started already.
The rest of our graduating class left in two bunches last wk. One group only went across the road (East Garrison) into tactical outfits, but the others haven't been heard from.
I may send you some technical magazines that should greatly interest you so keep your mouth shut and keep them out of sight.
Your brother,
Vic.
December 11, 1942
(from Vic to his parents, written from Camp Roberts, California to Racine Wisconsin)
Friday evening,
Dear Folks,
Thanks for your letter. Couldn't reply soon as I was out on maneuvers and didn't get in camp until last nite. Imagine Paul'll be home so I'll add some data later that might interest him.
Next week-end I'm eligible for a 48 hr. pass and may go down Glendale and visit Ralph Balzer and wife. Have been away from here on 36 hr. passes the past three consecutive week-ends. Have been down the coast to Santa Barbara and inland beyond Bakersfield and Fresno. This is really an immense state and has many climates and physical variations.
As I've oft mentioned, we graduate the 26th but may not be shipped immediately. Most of the recent graduates were assigned A.P.O. addresses so we stand a might good chance to travel abroad soon. Incidentally, look for big developments in all the war theatres come spring. Have good idea this'll be Hitler's last season. The Japs'll go on tho for a while but the navy will stop them.
Our first instructor, Staff Sgt. Lewandowski, informed me I'm slated for Ft. Sill Specialist School. Guess it'll be in the non-commissioned officers radio school. Perhaps the plans may be changed but not if I can help it. Passed O.T.C. exam but our group never was up before Regimental Inquiry Board where definite candidate appointments are made.
At Hunter-Liggett I operated a SCR-284 radio set from a vehicular mount on the truck (a 1/2 ton Doge weapon carrier) I was driver of. Set it up on a mountain top (McBride Hill) to be used as Observation Post No. 1. I observed 37 m.m., 105 m.m, + 155 m.m. fire and sent the data on to the Fire Direction Center which one of our boys operated at the battery. I never enjoyed a trip more and the mountain scenery was swell. You can't imagine what terrific fire-power our artillery has. They simulated every kind a fire-mission.
Mother I'd appreciate any home cooking in the line of cookies or cakes you send out but I guess it's getting on so much to-wards Xmas I'll rush you too much. Then too, you're rationed all the ingredients so I don't think it practical. Whenever a fellow in the barracks recieves such a package we all share in it and you can't imagine how much such delicacies we've already gorged ourselves on. 
Am sending out most of my Xmas cards to-night as my week-end schedule is pretty well take up. Tom-morrow I drive for a captain in a jeep. He arranged troop movements so I may go to neighboring towns, I hope.
Karl Greubel tells me the gas scarcity has become a big problem and civilian travel is practically null. Does it seem very dead in Racine? Said he was going to visit his brother in camp. Perhaps Paul can go along over the holidays.
It was quite cold up in the mountains but didnt snow while we were there. The acute penetrating nite and early morning frost bothered us somewhat and water readily froze, but I'd actually enjoyed a good snow-fall. We bivouced in a scenic valley surrounded by steep rock ridges and pinnacles. Some sierra pine was noticeable but most of the trees, schrubbery and vegation was strange to me. At the western end of our vally bivouc flowed the Nacimeinto River between huge cuts. Trout could be clearly seen in the icy waters but we never had time to fish them. A group of WAAC's and WVAD's were encamped downstream from us and evenings they put on some corny skits. They're the laughing stock of the service and even the Col.'s & Gen.'s go t a big kick from their helplessness and silly antics.
Driving in the reservation is a difficult feat but I didn't break anyone's neck or car springs, quit. Radio operators command some attention by the brass-hats I've observed and I like the job more and more. We were actually lauded with compliments by several majors and colonels - imagine! Must've been an unusally sloppy radio detail accompanying the 52nd Bn F.A. on their last outing. We weren't so very hot but the officer personnel certainly thought so. Incidentally, we go back out there next week unless plans are altered at the last minute, per usual.
Regards, Vic
Many thanks for paying my last income tax installment. Boy! I can feel a heavy knock for this year ('42)'cause my income was fair, along with army pay (taxable) and the fierce rates!
November 19, 1942
Letter from Vic to younger brother Paul, written on Camp Roberts, California stationary. The photo was taken on November 15th at Camp Roberts, of Vic (on left) with George Kosup and Frank Snyder from Oshkosh, Wisconsin.
Dear Paul,
Thanks for your letter. Very sorry to hear you were laid up. Perhaps you'd better take it easy for a while. That is, lay off running around nites, if that's what it is. I know here we seldom get a "break" and if we stay out late we miss out on sleep and come unprepared for classes. Last two weeks we've been on procedure signs and signals. These are numerous short abbreviations and groups used in code procedure and mean a lot as you probably know. They're absolutely necessary and we're memorizing them. Examples:
__
VA - End of communication
__
IMI - Repeat back
__
IMI - Repeat all after ____
ZMA - I have msg. for ____
ZGQ - I am entering net.
Understand we take the field again next week but it's with all radio equipment. Tuesday nite it poured again and our bedding got soaked. Had calisthenics this morning in another down-pour.
Many fellows are flunking out and others are being transferred. I applied for the newly-formed paratroop artillery unit but was turned down 'cause my eyesight doesn't come up to 20-40 without specs. Would be operator dropped from plane along with 75 mm dissected. Outfit is ready to fire in 8 minutes.
Getting plenty of "home-work". To-nite I have to solve 2 procedure problems which are quite lengthy and complicated.
Made marksman, missing sharpshooter by 2 points in final rifle qualification. 
Big USO show featuring Hollywood stars (Betty Grable, Bette Davis, comedians, etc) at Sport Arena to-nite but I'm too damn busy to go.
We're very enthusiastic over war news these days and can't quite keep up with times to suit us. Graduate Xmas and hope to get into tactical out-fit ready for shipment. Never know where you're goin' tho 'til you get there. Everything's a "military secret". This phrase is well known here.
Am enclosing several photos. Unless you wish to keep some, please forward them home to the folks. Kindly send out any recent ones you care to.
There's such a thing as "overworking" yourself so take it easy.
Remember don't concentrate too much on your studies and don't over-exert yourself in recreation.
Only one picture I can say was worth mentioning since I've been here - "Flying Tigers". See it? Last issues of Life have been damn good - notice them? Answer via air-mail!
Your brother,
Vic
October 13, 1942
(from Paul to Rudy and Ann, typed letter on Michigan State College stationary from East Lansing, Michigan)
Dear Rudy and Ann,
I was glad to get your card and letter and also to hear that you've found a better place to live. You probably noticed that I've got a new address, too. Well, this is the fourth place I've stayed since I've been down here. All the others were just temporary.
There's a terrific housing shortage around here since the Army took over one of the college dormitories and since the Olds gun plant has been going full blast. I've got a half-decent room, so I'm going to keep it for the term, anyway.
Boy, the prices around here are terrific compared to Angola. I'm refering to restaurant meals, mainly. The cafeteria in the College Union is just as bad in that respect as the others.
This place is so big that you get tired just walking between classes. I have to classes that are consecutive, and they're in buildings way over a half mile apart. We're supposed to make it in ten minutes.
Say, maybe you hear Vox Pop last night. It was broadcast from the main Auditorium and I thought it was pretty good, but of course it was all rehearsed. 
Those United Nations heroes are coming here Friday. I think that Russian girl that killed 300 Nazis is among them. Classes, campus, students, etc., everything here is different from Tri-State. Here we have class on Saturday, mine being from 8:00 to 12:00.
I got a long letter from Vic the other day, too. It seems he's getting some kind of radio training, and he doesn't like it very much. I'll put his address on the back of this sheet, in case you can't locate it among your things.
Well, Ann, what are you going to be, a welder or a riveter? It seems like all the women are taking up those two jobs.
It's time for supper, so I'd better sign off.
Very Best regards,
Paul
Pvt. Victor Petersen
12th Reg.-55th Bn. F. A.
3rd Platton
Camp Roberts, Calif.
U.S. Army
October 11, 1942
(from Peter Petersen to his son Rudy and his wife Ann)
Racine, Wis
Dear Rudy and Ann:
Thanks for you card of September 29th. Emilie and I just finished writting letters to Victor and Eddie. The weather around Racine is again fair after two weeks of cold and rain. It's begin to tinning out in the ranks of young men here in Racine, and the factories is going good. I have been working on factory painting for three weeks and it's good for another 4 weeks can work Sat if I want to at 1 1/2 time many factories here spend there ex profit on the Bldg trades for repairing painting etc.
Lui Bruno, Evelyn Westerguay husband was drafted so he joined the navy. Leonard Hoyt also joined the navy, Jack Valentine is in Australia. Loyd Valentin has just been home on leave but is back in the coast guard. We sendt Paul and Victor clippings from the paper regarding their friends. Proable Paul write you about it. Paul seems to like the new school, but it is hard to find rooms there. Now we wish you Rudy a happy birthday.
Best regards to both of you.
Mother and Father in Racine
Victors adr is
Btry D 55th F.A.
Bldg 6204
U.S Army Camp Roberts, Calif
